This summer I came in with many expectations, since last year I had volunteered at the same place, with almost the same children. However, these expectations were exceeded. All the events were well planned and I truly enjoyed the smiles on the kids faces when we came in with art projects. 

Dedicating hours a day for 2 weeks wasn’t exactly my idea of “fun” earlier in the summer, however that idea shifted when I went to my first day. This incredible opportunity gave me time to reflect on what truly makes me happy.  This experience was both joyful and eye-opening, as it provided me with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by kids and the impact that fun and engaging activities can have on their lives. 

The various programs that were run included robotics, arts and crafts, english, math, science, and many other fun activities. I mainly helped out with the science and arts classes which are topics that interest me immensely. 

Throughout my volunteer experience, I was constantly amazed by the resilience and optimism of the children. Despite some that required some encouragement to participate in the activities, they all showed an incredible capacity for joy and a strong desire to learn and grow. Their energy and enthusiasm were contagious, and I often found myself learning as much from them as they did from me. The small side conversations I had with the children led me to believe that they were capable of so much more, and it felt like my responsibility to bring that out of them. 

Doing the art projects side-by-side with the children was one the highlights of my volunteer experience. Being able to get on the kid’s level and understand them felt necessary to connect with them, allowing for a better framework to teach them. 

Overall, this summer volunteer experience impacted me in a significant way. It strengthened my belief in the power of education and community support in transforming lives. It also helped me develop valuable skills such as patience, communication, and leadership. Most importantly, it reinforced my commitment to helping others and making a positive difference in my community.