My service learning site is at the Monroe YMCA, The Teen center asked for help chaperoning the twice monthly teen nights where for 6 hours kids can come hang out, play games. Dance, participate in sports, and just mingle. All of this is in a safe and supervised environment. I have enjoyed this experience and look forward to my next night in June. I have learned a few things from this experience. Humbly, I am now aware that I no longer possess the “cool” trait. I was however, privileged to be included in what seemed at the moment to be a life altering crisis about “ like, that guy, that girl like my best friend’s OMG, seriously OMG, I luv uguy’s, besties, seriously”. Before I could decipher the language spoken by this sweet girl and offer some poetic advice it was over. The entire “crisis” lasting all of about 2.5 minutes, went from critical mass to best friends again, “ttyl, bye “. I was left standing there by myself, never having uttered a single word .So while I may not be “cool” or worthy of a response that girl needed someone to express herself to and I was happy to provide my ears. Besides the comparisons to TCT that I mentioned in my last blog post I see the connection that all kids have. That through all of the experiences both good and bad. However important or trivial they may seem. The experiences themselves are a privilege and an opportunity to learn. I have enjoyed just watching these kids interact. Remembering the social dramas that played such a large part of school days and wondering how I could have ever cared. It’s surprisingly funny to see it from another perspective as well as relish at the fact that someday these kids will laugh off the same scenarios. Like they say, “hind sight is 20/20” I guess throughout it all you learn a lot of valuable lessons about friendship, trust and loyalty. Coping skills are gained when we finally see that, as my Mother used to say, “this too, shall pass. Mostly we learn something about ourselves. And, with this character is built and hopefully confidence is instilled. I think what I really see when I look at these kids is a world of possibilities and potential. I wonder if they see it too? I wish for all of them to seize it and run with it.
How wonderful it is that this center with these Teen nights has afforded them the ability to keep all of that amazing possibility safe by providing them this outlet.
I am happy and feel privileged to have been a small part of it and I am thankful of its reminder to me to value all of the amazing opportunities I am fortunate enough to have.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Three Cups of Tea
My service learning project work at the Monroe YMCA Teen Center finds some similarities in the book we have been reading in class. Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortinson and David Oliver Relin. Trying to compare 150 rambunctious teenagers together on a Saturday night, to anything that doesn’t involve texting, music or the social “drama” of the moment seemed impossible .But what I found when I dug a little deeper was that both of these settings offered the kids …. Choices.
Greg Mortenson strived to build schools for the children of Pakistan and later Afghanistan .Schools where they would not only be sheltered from the harsh elements of extreme weather .But also, the harshness of extreme beliefs that surrounded them. It would provide a safe sanctuary where children are able to gain an education as well as an opportunity. These schools afforded them a choice in their own future. “the madrassa system targeted the impoverished students the public system had failed” (Mortenson243).The passage goes on to tell how the madrassa system gave”millions of Pakistan’s parents their only opportunity to educate their children” (Mortenson 243).Mortenson notes that not all Wahhabi are bad and that many do good work to help the poor, however “Some of them seem to exist only to teach militant jihad” (Mortenson 243).These children along with their families were able to choose a path to the future that they believed in not what others imposed onto them.
The Monroe YMCA does what many Teen centers wish to do .They provide a safe environment for kids to take pleasure in. A place where they are free to be themselves, to grow, learn, experience and just have fun. These kids like the ones mentioned in TCT benefit from having a safe haven to offer them better options .A place where they can feel secure and be safe in their surroundings. A place that provides positive role models .Where they are not easily targeted by deviants hoping to influence them into making bad choices.
Both the schools built by Greg Mortinson and his loyal assistants who shared his vision, and the YMCA in Monroe, WA staffed by dozens of dedicated volunteers. Both have bestowed upon, the children whose lives they enrich, countless opportunities for a bright future by providing them with a safe place to grow and see the opportunities in their own choices.
Greg Mortenson strived to build schools for the children of Pakistan and later Afghanistan .Schools where they would not only be sheltered from the harsh elements of extreme weather .But also, the harshness of extreme beliefs that surrounded them. It would provide a safe sanctuary where children are able to gain an education as well as an opportunity. These schools afforded them a choice in their own future. “the madrassa system targeted the impoverished students the public system had failed” (Mortenson243).The passage goes on to tell how the madrassa system gave”millions of Pakistan’s parents their only opportunity to educate their children” (Mortenson 243).Mortenson notes that not all Wahhabi are bad and that many do good work to help the poor, however “Some of them seem to exist only to teach militant jihad” (Mortenson 243).These children along with their families were able to choose a path to the future that they believed in not what others imposed onto them.
The Monroe YMCA does what many Teen centers wish to do .They provide a safe environment for kids to take pleasure in. A place where they are free to be themselves, to grow, learn, experience and just have fun. These kids like the ones mentioned in TCT benefit from having a safe haven to offer them better options .A place where they can feel secure and be safe in their surroundings. A place that provides positive role models .Where they are not easily targeted by deviants hoping to influence them into making bad choices.
Both the schools built by Greg Mortinson and his loyal assistants who shared his vision, and the YMCA in Monroe, WA staffed by dozens of dedicated volunteers. Both have bestowed upon, the children whose lives they enrich, countless opportunities for a bright future by providing them with a safe place to grow and see the opportunities in their own choices.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
A friend sent this to me today ..thought I would share
The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs. But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, you will make it to a place called Success.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Teen Night
Service Learning Project
My service-learning site will be at the Monroe YMCA.The component I will be participating in will be the Teen Center.
The Teen Center is a free service available for all kids ages 11- 18 years; it is open M-F from 3pm -7pm and Saturday from 1pm-6pm. The teen center offers a safe place for kids to come after school. They can complete homework with the use of the available computers; there is staff on site to receive help from or just to chat. There is also a plethora of games including every imaginable board game, guitar hero, Nintendo, foosball, ping-pong and pool as well as books, arts & crafts. The other components of the Teen center are the Minority Achievers Program that offers support, guidance and counseling. Chill & Spill is a creative arts/writing group for high school students and the Teen Home Zone where there are different activities available for home school kids such as cooking lessons, and weight lifting instruction. On the 1st &3rd Saturday of each month the YMCA hosts” TEEN NIGHT" This program is available for 6th -8th graders and cost $1 for members $2 for non-members and no charge the first week of the month for all Monroe residents. There is great music played for dancing, open gym for sports, different tournaments, contests and sometimes there is a theme, next month is “Dance Party”
Last Saturday night I had my first shift at the Teen center
-Teen Night.
The theme was "Sports Night" so there were different tournaments in basketball, dodge ball. Swimming and many more. This theme was a big draw, there were over 150 kids there enjoying some physical activity and good completive fun. There the very popular "dance Room" where all of the latest music is played by request at ear piercing levels (yes, I know I sound old) these kids were amazing, they danced all night even after participating in sports activities.
When they were not dancing or in the gym The kids had access to the teen room with all of the games, the front lounge with many tables to hang out and enjoy the local pizza, that is always a huge success at Teen Night while just hanging out or playing a game of cards.
I had a great experience on Saturday with the kids and staff. My position was to participate, monitor and chaperone this fun night. I learned a few new dance moves, was able to shoot some hoops, get whooped at guitar hero and triumph in foosball all while hanging out, getting to know some terrific kids. The staff was great! They did a fantastic job and were active participants in all of the activities.
I look forward to more time at the teen center with this wonderful group.
My service-learning site will be at the Monroe YMCA.The component I will be participating in will be the Teen Center.
The Teen Center is a free service available for all kids ages 11- 18 years; it is open M-F from 3pm -7pm and Saturday from 1pm-6pm. The teen center offers a safe place for kids to come after school. They can complete homework with the use of the available computers; there is staff on site to receive help from or just to chat. There is also a plethora of games including every imaginable board game, guitar hero, Nintendo, foosball, ping-pong and pool as well as books, arts & crafts. The other components of the Teen center are the Minority Achievers Program that offers support, guidance and counseling. Chill & Spill is a creative arts/writing group for high school students and the Teen Home Zone where there are different activities available for home school kids such as cooking lessons, and weight lifting instruction. On the 1st &3rd Saturday of each month the YMCA hosts” TEEN NIGHT" This program is available for 6th -8th graders and cost $1 for members $2 for non-members and no charge the first week of the month for all Monroe residents. There is great music played for dancing, open gym for sports, different tournaments, contests and sometimes there is a theme, next month is “Dance Party”
Last Saturday night I had my first shift at the Teen center
-Teen Night.
The theme was "Sports Night" so there were different tournaments in basketball, dodge ball. Swimming and many more. This theme was a big draw, there were over 150 kids there enjoying some physical activity and good completive fun. There the very popular "dance Room" where all of the latest music is played by request at ear piercing levels (yes, I know I sound old) these kids were amazing, they danced all night even after participating in sports activities.
When they were not dancing or in the gym The kids had access to the teen room with all of the games, the front lounge with many tables to hang out and enjoy the local pizza, that is always a huge success at Teen Night while just hanging out or playing a game of cards.
I had a great experience on Saturday with the kids and staff. My position was to participate, monitor and chaperone this fun night. I learned a few new dance moves, was able to shoot some hoops, get whooped at guitar hero and triumph in foosball all while hanging out, getting to know some terrific kids. The staff was great! They did a fantastic job and were active participants in all of the activities.
I look forward to more time at the teen center with this wonderful group.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
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