Perhaps one of the more mundane lessons that I have learned from my internship experience so far with SHAC is that my immune system is not used to the illnesses of little kids. I have been sick for about a week and a half now with pink eye and a bad cough, but if you'll bear with me, I'll turn my experience with sickness into a reflective blog post.
One day last week, due to my illness, I had to miss the afternoon summer programming with the thirty fourth and fifth graders that I usually see on a daily basis. Honestly, I felt like I let them down that day. I didn't want them to think that I was bored with them or didn't want to be a part of their lives. These kids are truly inspiring--they are so ready to make meaningful relationships with the people around them. The next day, I returned to find a room full of kids asking where I was and happily yelling, "Sam's back!" It may seem like a small gesture, but their obvious, genuine enthusiasm at my return has really stuck with me.
So, why is this experience important on a broader level? This experience with my kids has reminded me how important personal relationships are in social change work. These kids crave positive attention, and they are so willing to open up and share and learn with those around them. I know that effective teaching and effective social change begin with a simple trusting relationship between two people. I have been so fortunate to have these kinds of relationships with many of the fourth and fifth graders that I see at Roosevelt Elementary each day. I look forward to continue these relationships throughout the summer--after all, aren't personal, trusting relationships at the core of "empowerment?"
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