Creator: Connor Lambert
What happened?
SO what?
Seeing the impact that I was beginning to have on these kids made me very happy. In the short time I had worked with them, I began to develop true relationships with each of them to the point where they would regularly listen to me and respond well to what I was saying. This can be very difficult for young children, especially, two-year olds. I felt accomplished. I had come to USES wanting to make a positive impact on whatever group of children I was working with. And during this particular experience, I felt I had done so. Even though Antoine may have just given me the ball because he was bored with it, I will continue to believe that it was my impact that made him want to give it up. Maybe my positive experience was the result of another faculty member’s work? Maybe the children really do not even recognize me each week and I am stranger every time I walk in? But I truly believe that I have come into USES and made a positive impact on their two-year olds.
NOW what?
Seeing an initial positive impact on these young children has made me excited. It makes me want to continue to serve and excited for continued progress with these children. As I continue to volunteer at USES, I must remember this moment. I will endure tough moments down the road, but I
must always remember that we are making progress. I must cherish the moments of positive impact and apply this to other areas of my life or other volunteering that I do in the future. The ability to have a strong positive experience with young children is not quality that all people possess. I realize this, and I will continue to exploit this quality.