Folder Reflection:
I enjoy spending extra time before and after school to help students catch up on missing assignments and assessments. I take pride in the relationships I build with kids and the ability to be approachable. I also try to reach kids outside of the classroom whether it is volunteering, tutoring or work at summer camps. I am always looking to expand my knowledge and I feel that I do a great deal of learning by opening my eyes to different cultures and experiences.
I enjoy spending extra time before and after school to help students catch up on missing assignments and assessments. I take pride in the relationships I build with kids and the ability to be approachable. I also try to reach kids outside of the classroom whether it is volunteering, tutoring or work at summer camps. I am always looking to expand my knowledge and I feel that I do a great deal of learning by opening my eyes to different cultures and experiences.
volunteeringGrand Rapids Public Schools
Union High School 9th Grade U.S. History I helped out in a 9th grade classroom and the diversity of the class drew me in. There was so much that each student could learn from one another and although this particular classroom did not have as much of a welcoming environment that I would liked to have seen, it was the first time I pictured what I wanted my future classroom to be like. Many of the students I worked with had no motivation or simply couldn't speak English, but with my encouragement they tried. This was also the first time I was able to experience how important connections with the students were. Working with diverse kids has really helped me see what I want to accomplish as a teacher.
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This past summer; August 2014, I spent a week volunteering as a camp counselor at Camp Sunshine. I was blessed to spend a week of my summer with Kristen, a first time camper who did not let her Downs Syndrome effect anything she did. "Camp Sunshine offers people ages 12 – 50 with mild to moderate cognitive impairments the opportunity to attend summer camp in a safe, caring and inclusive environment. There is joyful spirit about Camp Sunshine that is transformative for every person who attends – whether you’re a camper, counselor or volunteer. We promote through words and actions an atmosphere that honors all people with total acceptance and unconditional love." During this week I learned so much about myself and what it is like for one to live with a disability. My eyes and heart were opened for the better and I am so glad I was able to be a part of such a wonderful program. |
volunteeringMy passion is working with kids and students who need a little extra help or a little extra push. I want all of my students to know that they can do whatever they put their minds to. Throughout high school I worked in many different camps teaching little girls how to cheer. However, the best experience I had in coaching cheer was when I volunteered through the YMCA to teach inner city girls how to cheer. This was a day camp run by the YMCA and I was blessed to have each and every one of these girls impact my life. They came from different homes, but when it was time to cheer, they worked together as one (although they each had their own strengths). They were not the only learners in this experience, I also learned a lot from them as they opened my eyes to a culture I had not yet been exposed to before. This experience ultimately led to my choice to volunteer as a mentor at Union High School.
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civil discourse symposium |