On Friday, 10/18, I was able to make my first trip to "Circle Urban" with some of my classmates. Our purpose in going is to assist and guide young people in their schoolwork and lives. We, as college students, are going to set an example for the grade school and junior high students to look up to. Before arriving, I was a little anxious, as I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I had heard some mixed reviews about how my classmates prior experiences had gone. However, after arriving I felt very comfortable. Upon arriving, we were taken into a room where we were able to meet with the "college readiness" group which was made of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. These students were very excited to have us there and instantly began asking us questions. We played some "get to know you" games where we shared our names and interests with the students. Following our games, the Trinity students split up. Half of us stayed with the college readiness group and participated in a scavenger hunt, while the other half of us were sent down to work with the younger groups. I was one of the students selected to go work with the younger students. Those of us chosen to work with the younger students, were given a very thorough set of guidelines for us to follow that would help us manage and assist the young ones. After that, one of the Circle Urban students led us downstairs to the "Circle for Success" classrooms. I was chosen to work with the group of 3rd and 4th grade boys. Although, they were a rambunctious group, they were also a lot of fun. While I was there, I was able to do a multitude of things. I helped students with their homework, played "Connect Four" with some students during free time, built "Legos" with some students, and I tried to converse with almost every student in the room. When I arrived in the room, the students were having their "free-time", so I tried to mix in with whatever they wanted to do. After free time, they had their snack time. My group had to wait until last to get their snack, because apparently it was their week to bring a snack for the whole school and no one had brought anything. I thought this was a fair rule, however, the students were NOT happy that they had to wait while everyone else was eating. After snack time, it was time for me to go. I gave a final "Thank you and have a good weekend" to the kids and Mr. Anthony who was the guide for my room and then I went back upstairs to meet with my classmates.
On my way out, I ran into "Mrs. B", who is in charge of the "Circle for Success" program. I made sure to compliment her on the way she handles the kids. I was really impressed with her ability to put things into perspective for the children and finding ways to make them understand the error of their ways. Anyone can just yell at a child who is acting out, but it takes a bigger person to really help the children understand right vs. wrong. I'm looking forward to returning to Circle Urban for my second trip. I might even volunteer to work with the boys group again.
