You have all most likely heard the phrase "Kids say the darndest things", referring to the hysterical comments that kids tend to say in the most unlikely moments. Having the opportunity to work with students ranging from 2nd graders to 12th graders, my days are filled with these "darndest" moments.
Whether it be during circle time when a elementary students asks why you have so much leg hair, or when a high school students says you look like a "surfer guy", you have to be prepared for any comment to come flying your way. Although I have experienced the comical side of interactions with students, my work has also shown me that "kids say the most insightful things" as well.
In my second week at my internship, I planned a writing activity for the students to discuss their volunteer experiences and why it was important to them. This exercise was planned simply so that they could perfect their writing skills, as well as to learn how to "sell yourself" on college applications by writing about your volunteer work. After they finished the assignment, I planned to read them over to assess the writing ability of each student. I was unprepared for how moved I was going to be after reading their simple stories of kind acts. Stories ranging from saving injured birds, helping out with homework, assisting in cleaning their Mosque, or cooking dinner for their families because their parents work all night brought tears to my eyes. I know, it sounds cheesy, but seeing the excitement in their writing about their acts of kindess made me appreciate the potential that each of these students has to make a positive impact in their social systems.
So while I always enjoy the occasional amusing comment (such as being asked whether I can be called "Goosie"), it is the unique moments and stories from my students lives that have made the biggest impact on my experience so far.
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