Service Learning Reflection

This quarter, in Service Learning, the Caritas kids came to Graded, and we played with them. I remember it like it was yesterday. The buses arrived and all of the 8th graders were nervous. I was especially nervous since I didn't really know portuguese, and I was afraid none of the kids would talk to me. When they finally departed the bus, they were all smiling and laughing with each other, and I noticed that they were all about the same age. They were all holding hands and clinging to each other, shy towards us as well. The next thing though, happened so suddenly.  A girl came up to me and hugged me and told me that I was now her “Tia.” I was so glad and happy that they liked me. Now,  I am so glad that I signed up to this class because I realized that the best thing is when you give someone a favor that you know they can never repay you back with.

    As I said I liked the experience a lot in multiple ways. First, I really liked how we got to meet new people, that have really affected my life. They have taught me to be grateful for what I have in life, because other people may not have it. Everyone has problems, some larger than others. As I said, I was glad that we met that kids since they really taught me to be polite, and to never waste. Since I have met them, I have never thrown away food in the cafeteria, because I know how happy they were when they saw the junk food. I should be so happy that I have all the things that I have. I cannot always take things for granted. Another thing that I really enjoyed was playing with the kids. For example in the first few weeks I would play Run Rabbit Run with the kids and they would love it. They would always run as fast as they can, and of course I wouldn't try, but the relationship that was build throughout the experience was the best ever.

    So in conclusion, I think we should continue to do this experience. I really enjoyed this experience and it has taught me many things. I really hope people in the future can do this as well, since it really has affected my life. I have thought about things I have not thought of before. It was very fun seeing the kids look up to you in a way which makes you feel proud. It’s also very fun how they just come up to you, and they already know your name. It really made me feel special, and really proud to be in a school which offers this elective. I hope I can do this again!