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- I went into it thinking it would be a lot worse than what it actually is. I do still deal with things that aren’t ideal, but I definitely thought I was going to be more stressed, which I am not.
- Showing up constantly is important. I was lucky to be able to go to every single one of my days assigned to me. I think that it really benefited the overall experience for both me and the students to be there every Monday/Wednesday and get that opportunity with them. Being present all helps you stay in the loop with what’s going on in the program.
- Being able to shut whatever is bothering you from the day and being present/there for the students. There were days when I was tired, stressed or even hungry since I don’t have that much time during my day to eat lunch so not getting to eat anything until 5:30 is really hard sometimes. But I learned quickly that those children don’t know whatever you’re going through. So if you seem stressed or annoyed, they are going to see that and wonder if they are the reason for you showing those emotions.
- Creating relationships with the students is key. I definitely wanted to be a good impression and role model for the students, as well as be there for them if they need something. I never want them to feel like they can’t come to me or that I am scary or mean. So I really tried (sometimes forced) a smile or a happy face for the students so that they did not feel like they were getting negative vibes from me.
- Sometimes you need to take what the kids tell you and say “thank you for letting me know” but don’t do anything about it. Children love to tell you things that really aren’t that important about other students. So when it comes to them “tattling” on another student for something that isn’t that huge of a deal. I learned instead of doing something about, sometimes not doing anything at all is better.
- Children can be brutally honest. Don’t take everything they say personally.
- Never compare two students. Every student is different. They are dealing with different things at home, their personalities are different, the way they interact and learn is different. So I try to never compared two students, even in my head. I feel that it is unfair for the students.
- Just like I may have things that has gone on throughout my day that may be stressing me out, so do the students. So I learned to not be too harsh on the students. Before I say something to a student, I try to remember what they might be going through and think before I say something.
- As a volunteer for the after school program, there are certain things that I am not responsible or asked to do as part of my role. It can be hard sometimes because in certain situations, I feel like I should do something or discipline the student a certain way, but that is not my job. So understanding what role I am in the Village Project is essential.
- Being an active listener and showing that you are listening to the students. I feel like this one is a bit hard for me because there are times when I am prioritized with another student, and a student is telling me something that really isn’t that important. It is hard to be there for the student I am helping, while also trying to show I care and am listening to what the other student has to say. Although in that situation it can be difficult, I think that when you are not doing something else already and a student is telling you something, you should be actively listening to what they have to say.
