I have had many chances and opportunities to serve my community as well as learn from these experiences, and sure enough I have served. One of the most prominent experiences I’ve had volunteering has been tutoring and mentoring young third graders at a local elementary in Federal Way, WA. It was during my sophomore and junior year. The kids were in need of much help, many of whom were ESL (English as a Second Language) students. I felt a huge burden to help and assist these kids, not to mention that I needed community service hours as well as extra credit in my Spanish class. However, these were just extra perks which made the experience that much better.

The experience can now be felt as beneficial and definitely positive. Not only does it look good on paper, but it gave me experience and the chance to impact the lives’ of numerous kids. The atmosphere was just amazing; right when you walk in the door they shout your name and just have a mood of excitement at your presence. Even if you aren’t teaching them anything, just being someone the child can talk to can have major benefits for the child. Nothing about it was unproductive or negative.

I now have experience with working with kids, and I believe that may help at the Boys and Girls Club. Hopefully it goes as smooth as my past experience.