Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning                       -Winston Churchill

My overall experience at BJM during my first year at Cornell was was absolutely wonderful. I had the most soothing yet energetic Thursday afternoons full of laughter and valuable lessons. The last A+ visit was extremely bittersweet as I was excited for the end of the semester, the end of my first year at Cornell (a milestone for me!), but saying goodbye to Mrs. Stacy and Mrs. Patel was tough to do and knowing I wouldn’t see some of my favorite kiddos for a few months hurt my heart. Unfortunately, Mrs. Sarah was not there due to an injury, but I was able to write her a get well card, telling her I’d miss her and her laugh very much (I made sure to draw lots of flowers, just like she liked). One of the little girls kept pretend copying everything I did, bringing a smile to my face every time she leaned over, squealed, and then wrote on her own card as quickly as possible. I had some pretty humorous conversations with some of the kids that day, widening the smile on my face. They really are a wonder. The things they think of and say with honesty, curiosity, and courage. Even in the toughest moments, in between tears, tantrums, and unkind words, they were a joy to work with. I learned so much every week about children and schooling, important things, even of the smallest nature, that would be immensely beneficial to my future aspirations.

I’m really thankful to BJM and A+ for allowing me to be a volunteer, letting me work with children, and bringing me into their community. I am even more thankful to Flora Rose House for this great opportunity. I’m really glad they started the program and I only wish the best for it. Seeing it grow and flourish into something wonderful and capable of great impact would be a delightful sight. This opportunity really helped me not only comfortably assimilate into the Cornell community, which is hard as a first year student far from home, but also become a part of the greater Ithaca community. Being able to go out into Ithaca, walk to the school, meet all sorts of people from the community, and learn about community events all over Tompkins county was an absolute treat. I once ran into a group of familiar faces during a walk through Ithaca during a town marathon event, the eagerness that shone from their sweet faces at recognizing me really made me feel like not only had I made some sort of impact in my volunteering at the school, but I had also been welcomed into the community. I enjoyed my experience so much and am so thankful to Flora Rose House and BJM that I sincerely hope I can remain involved in the Rose community next year and still be able to volunteer at A+ when I can work it into my schedule. I already miss everyone and cannot wait to see them again. Thank you for this opportunity, really!

I was in hight spirits on my way to BJM this week, mostly because of the vibrant flowers that had begun blooming all throughout Ithaca. My lungs were full of the sweet, fresh scent of spring and my cheeks were being warmly kissed by the sun. The sky was a bright blue, bluer than I had seen it in weeks. The kids and staff were almost as exuberant as I was, their week break having provided the rest they need. It was good to see a larger number of kids in the Arts room that afternoon since it had been a while since we had done a group craft. As usual, because of the plethora of colorful markers and blank paper, most of the children were gathered around the table painting. Mrs. Sarah and Mrs. Patel encouraged them to create the best painting that they had ever made. Open House was that week and staff members were bustling about, preparing the school for the event. The paintings the children were making that afternoon would be displayed the evening of, so they were being encouraged to do their best in order to give their parents a glimpse of the wonderful work they were doing in A+.

I was sketching flowers since, you guessed it, it was finally SPRING. I drew several large flowers on paper without coloring them in, moving on to fill the blank spaces with different designs. Like most afternoons spent doodling, a few little girls gathered around me and started asking about my drawing, mostly if they could color in the places I had left blank. Of course, I obliged and smiled as they almost knocked heads trying to fill my picture with bright colors of red, blue, purple, yellow, pink and more. My mind, like it does on most BJM afternoons, drifted into thoughts about the importance of encouraging creativity among children and the importance of devoted teachers and mentors. In this fast paced world of efficiency, it’s crucial for authority figures to motivate growing children in both their academic and artistic endeavors. Many of the issues that students face in the education sector boil down to a lack of encouragement and support in regard to their studies and interests. I speak from experience, knowing that the reason my younger brother still struggles with confidence in academics is due to previous ill-treatment in school.

As Mrs. Sarah happily took our collective painting and stored it away for safe-keeping, commending us for our lovely work, I thought about how grateful I was to be a part of Rose Service Scholars, a program which had opened the door for a wonderful volunteering opportunity in the education sector, specifically in such a great program like A+ that offers enriching activities for children after school. My heart hurt just thinking about the last week I had left this year working with such an amazing staff and incredible group of children.

My return to school from Spring Break was a hit the ground running sort of deal, so imagine my relief at being able to indulge in an hour escape to BJM on a cool Thursday afternoon. The environment was relaxed, a majority of the kids were absent, and the staff was in high spirits. Spring break was just around the corner for them–a fact that made me smile, knowing that by this point in the year, the teachers, and kids as well, were more than deserving of a short breather. I enjoyed the slow, mostly calm and quiet time with Mrs. Patel, spending time and laughing with the three children who were left in the Arts room. The they decided that day that their hour would be best spent playing teacher. One child would sit in a chair, the teacher, while the other two sat on the floor in front of them, the students. They would do this for about 5-10 minutes each and then switch positions. As a teacher, the child would make up some lesson about math that didn’t add up or would read a book, while the students sat and listened, would raise their hands, and shout out bizarre, purposely amusing responses. While not much happened that afternoon, observing them play teacher brought a smile to my face, leaving me to contemplate the importance of education, something I often do. Each child was anxious to play the teacher that read as much as they were anxious to play the student who got to answer the teachers questions, both a method of displaying their significance. As a teacher, they got to share their reading skills, as the student, they got to share what they knew. Such a simple game, yet absolutely exciting for them.

I truly believe that education is a fundamental right and that every person deserves the opportunity to learn and pursue knowledge. The look on the faces of children when they are given the opportunity to display their knowledge and/or learn something new is one of the most beautiful things on Earth. Every child should have the opportunity to have that experience and to feel that way. They should all have access to good education and programs, such as A+ that kindly encourage learning and provide enriching activities, which are not perfect, but are available and worthwhile. As always, I walk away from BJM with a ray of enlightenment–a sense of motivation to continue pursuing opportunities that will help me find ways to improve the educational sector, now and in the future.

I had several reasons why I was really looking forward to this BJM visit. First, it was a slower week than most (still busy, don’t be fooled, just less than usual), there was one day left until the weekend, Spring Break was the following week, and the Monday of this week had actually been my birthday. Two whole decades old…I can barely fathom how much time has passed since childhood, I swear it was just yesterday.

It had been a fairly great week and I was really excited to see the kids and the teachers. Imagine my surprise when it was just me, Mrs. Sarah, Mrs. Patel, and one little girl in the craft room!

There wasn’t much for any of us to do when there was only one child in the room with us– the other rooms were almost just as empty. So, having lots of left over paper from weeks previous and a plethora of markers, we spent most of the time drawing and coloring. When the little girl asked that I help her write out her name, our small talk suddenly turned into a conversation about cursive writing and how it was no longer being taught in schools. Mrs. Sarah and Mrs. Patel talked about their academic experiences, sharing their wisdom on the importance of writing in cursive, a very efficient form of handwriting. I also spoke on my experience with cursive, expressing that I had learned a little bit of it back home in Puerto Rico, spent a few weeks on it in school in the USA, and then was never taught anything about it again. I picked up cursive later on since I myself enjoyed writing in it, but since I hadn’t learned it properly and in a key development stage, my cursive is not entirely correct and I can’t write as fast as most people can.

My brother, on the other hand, began attending a Classical school when he was in Elementary school where he learned how to write in cursive properly and quickly as it was still a key component of their curriculum. His cursive is much prettier than mine and he, who is five years younger than I and has written a lot less than I have, can most certainly beat me in a timed writing race. My mom, who also learned cursive in school, has always believed that writing in cursive is better than writing in print. I didn’t really believe her until I myself did research and found that cursive is not only a more efficient writing form than print, but that it’s actually much better for brain development in the areas of thinking, language, and memory. We spent the rest of the afternoon talking about how much better it would be for cursive writing to be introduced to students in schools once again. Overhearing our conversation, almost as a sign, the little girl tapped on my arm and asked if I could show her how to write a few cursive letters and so, happily, I showed her how to write several letters in cursive until it was time for dismissal.

Though there weren’t many kids to enjoy and not much stuff to do, I enjoyed the stimulating conversation on improving education and being able to spend one on one time with the little girl and the teachers. Mrs. Patel and Mrs. Sarah sweetly wished me a very happy birthday and made me promise to come back to them well and rested. The wonderful Mrs. Stacy gave me a tight hug on my way out of the school, expressing how much she valued my presence in the Academic Plus Program. It was the perfect end to a pretty decent week and a great send-off home, I almost couldn’t wait to get back.

This BJM visit was a rather quiet one, something I secretly appreciated after such a busy week. As always, I was greeted warmly by Mrs. Sarah and Mrs. Patel before sitting down among the kids, who were pleading desperately for some coloring paper.

For some reason, the sight brought a curious smile to my face. It was just coloring paper. But to these kids, it seemed like the most important thing in the world in that moment. While it’s important to remind those–sweet, but brutally honest–developing souls the significance of manners and that patience is a virtue, it’s also important to encourage their excitement and acknowledge the value of things as little as coloring. Not only is it useful for cognitive and fine motor development, but the art of coloring is therapeutic and creatively stimulating.

I spent most of the hour assisting the kids with their drawings by getting them more paper, finding marker colors, and helping with certain shapes and images that they were having trouble drawing on their own–or trying to guess each little thing that they would draw and then happily shove in my face. Funny how much they value the opinion of a stranger who has only spent a few afternoons with them– but I wasn’t a stranger anymore, was I? I was the girl who would show up occasionally and devote undivided attention to them for about an hour. Regardless of how much time I spent with them, it was the fact that I spent time with them, focused on them.

For the rest of the time, I drew my own artwork, a collage of multi-color hearts and flowers with a few cursive words. This quickly drew the attention of two girls sitting on either side of me, who began leaning on their elbows over my drawing, asking me about the choice of color and my coloring technique–apparently my scribbling in of a flower rather than coloring it fully was really concerning. Isn’t that something? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, these students are exceptionally bright. I explained that I did that when I wanted to add layers of color and wanted the shades to be distinct, especially when using markers. They were fascinated by this little discovery, pointing out the places where different colors seemed to melt into each other. I eventually relinquished my markers to them, who could resist those goofy grins that were obviously masking their itch to color my drawing. It was my turn to be fascinated by their technique. They were already, at such a young age, particular about coloring within the lines. Not that there’s anything wrong with scribbling, though I’ve always believed that that sort of expression belongs on a clear page.

Anyhow, this week’s visit was one of relaxed coloring with another lesson on arts & crafts and the cleverness of growing children. Two important aspects to remember when working with or teaching children.

Another BJM visit, another great day!

Putting the bitter weather and dawning prelims on the back burner for an afternoon, I made my way down to the Academic+ Craft Room with a skip in my step (not literally, of course, I would’ve fallen down the stairs & that would have changed the mood entirely). As usual, I was greeted by the lovely Mrs. Sarah and Mrs. Patel, all of us eager to see just what would occur in crafts that day. I should’ve known that when it comes to  sticks, glue, and clever 6-7 year old girls, nothing is ever boring.

A lot of abstract are was made with those popsicle sticks. I have no idea how they came up with such different creations when they all had the same basic supplies. Truly a fascinating thing, the imagination of growing child. One of my favorite art works was a square contraption, covered in sparkly pink glue and multicolored paper squares, which had been secured with several pieces of tape (done more for effect than anything, or so she told me). I was mostly required to squeeze the glue out for the girls, they didn’t need any help arranging the popsicle sticks or gluing on the squares of paper, a fact which was made known to me repeatedly by my little table companions.

“You know, if you put this popsicle stick here, these two will hold together” — “I got it! I can do it!”

Another favorite was a collective creation, an attempted popsicle  stick house, which one of the girls had started on her own by building the foundation, but it quickly became a group project as we all tried to figure out how to make the roof. It’s normally a rather simple task, but somehow none of us could make a roof that would hold. We tried the standard triangle roof made by a row of two popsicle sticks leaning against each other, held together by a little glue. Perhaps it was the glue, but it wouldn’t hold. In the end, a few more popsicle sticks were added to the top, decorated with the paper squares, and the little girl who had begun the creation happily decided it was officially a house. It might’ve not looked like a traditional house, but she was right, it was a house. Her own, special little house that no one else had ever made.

That’s the wonderful thing about crafts. They’re great activities that encourage creativity within a uniformity that helps make the creation process less daunting and vague. Because as long as children are always encouraged to do whatever they would like to make each craft their own, uniformity in supplies and instruction doesn’t strip individuality, but adds a sense of order that will make it easier for them to grasp the assignment with comfort. It’s highly important, and I am thankful to BJM for constantly reminding me, to encourage the creativity and imagination of growing children in stimulating and enriching activities, such as crafts (a concept that applies greatly to my future aspirations).

My first week of BJM this semester was a wonderful start to future visits. I had been looking forward to it, as always, but didn’t realize just how much I had missed the commute, the environment, and the kids until I went. It was a much needed break from the stress of school work.

Ms. Stacy greeted me with open arms, expressing her excitement for my return. The feeling of belonging that one gets volunteering at BJM is remarkable. The staff and kids are always welcoming and eager. I was also welcomed warmly by my two favorite ladies from the craft room, Mrs. Sarah and Mrs. Patel, who were anxious to hear about my break and tell me about theirs. There were new kids playing in the craft room that Thursday, I only recognized two. Most of them were playing with blocks but the three little girls sitting next to me were drawing Valentine’s cards, it was Valentine’s Day after all. We must have made about 10 cards, each containing “at least 50 hearts!” as one of the girls put it. The fact that Mrs. Patel had given the girls more markers than they could handle resulted in many multicolor hearts, ranging from all the traditional colors in the Rainbow to every one in between.

The colors quickly became the subject of conversation as the girls (the boys sneakily joined in after a while) began a guessing game. Mrs. Sarah, Mrs. Patel, and I were to guess the kids’ favorite colors, but, of course, they didn’t pick the traditional colors, they were much too bright for that. So we sat there, with three guesses each, trying to figure out the intricate minds of 6-7 year olds.

“Green?” “Blue?” “Purple?” —- “No! Shiny red!”

And that’s how the rest of the hour went, accompanied by a chorus of loud giggles.

As always, my BJM visit revealed something significant about children and the value of devoting time to them. They are capable of doing such grand and clever things simply by having the littlest bit of determination and encouragement. The kids wanted to win the guessing game and make it last as long as possible, so they decided from the beginning to only pick detailed colors since those were not easy to guess. By the end of the game, no one was guessing colors like “yellow,” but more like “sparkly light yellow.” Rather than correcting this strategy (because, let’s be honest, the odds were far from fair), we encouraged the creativity which not only resulted in a very interesting and fun game, but made the kids beam proudly with their success.

All they need is a little encouragement, a little encouragement in their creativity, and they will invent the most stimulating and efficient of things, such as our Rainbow guessing game that simply started with a few hearts.