Week 1: Things Are Coming Full Circle

This first week at the two sites has been challenging, rewarding, and has provided me a sense a familiarity and community in the North Ward. In many ways, I have been making connections with my earlier experiences in Newark.

On the first day at La Casa, I noticed two students who I have come in contact with through the NMUTR. I was not expecting that. In Ms. Maria's class, I saw Cristian, a student from the first grade class where I taught my math lesson at Abington. Later that day, I saw Kevin, a third grader from Ms. Lambert's class at Branch Brook. Seeing these students reminded me that La Casa de Don Pedro is an important community-based organization in the North Ward, and that I might recognize more students from the community in the coming months.

Driving home one particularly hot afternoon, I stopped at a corner to buy Italian Ice from one of those carts. It reminded me of how my mother would stop at those after a long, hot afternoon working in one of the playgrounds. On another day, I ran into an old high school classmate from Science High who is currently teaching in Newark. By the end of the week, I was feeling like I was returning to something I had been doing all along, even though I am starting a new career.

During the first couple of days at Ridge, the supplies hadn't been delivered yet. There was a limited supply of activities my mentor teacher brought in for the kids from her classroom, but there was no water, shelter from the heat, tables, chairs, or balls to play sports. Some of the kids were bored and hot, but we all found ways to engage the kids in activities that they enjoyed. This experience made me realize the importance of preparation. Yes, it's meant to be like camp, but it takes time and planning, just like when you are in the classroom, if you want the students to enjoy themselves.

What has struck me is what you notice about a child when you are looking at him or her as just a child. I have seen the joy in kids' faces when you acknowledge something they are good at, or the trust they place in you when they see you as someone they can count on. It's an incredibly fulfilling feeling. Being at Ridge also reminds me of how easy it was for me to enjoy myself as a kid. It didn't take much for me to have a great time, especially in the summer. The students love musical chairs; they can go for five or six rounds at a time. I have realized that many of them gravitate towards anything competitive. I remember the rush I would feel when I beat someone at a game of some sort.

I am looking forward to what the next couple of weeks will bring.