1st Journal Entry

My first step in volunteering was attending the Service Learning Orientation on February 17. I am not very familiar with the school so I was unsure of what to expect. When I saw the school for the first time, it reminded me of my own elementary school. The staff at the orientation were very nice, and seemed eager to have us volunteer. Orientation concluded with a brief tour of the school. Seeing the gym reminded me of my favorite class in elementary school. I like to be active and play sports, so I asked to volunteer for gym and fitness class. I was glad to hear that both Derek and I were doing gym and fitness on Monday afternoons.
My first time volunteering was March 1. I was a little nervous of what I would be doing. I am not use to working with kids so I was not sure how they would act, but after the first five minutes of gym class, I realized how quickly they accepted the volunteers in their school. Miss Janet, the gym teacher, had arranged for the grades 4 and 5 to play indoor kickball. Having twenty 4th and 5th graders in one gym was a little hectic. It was easy to see that the majority of these kids have been in the same classes for years by the way they would playfully tease and challenge each other. It was a close game, but the team I was on took the victory.
My first volunteer experience was very delightful. Any uncertainties that I had about doing it were gone. I am looking forward to getting to know the kids better at next Monday’s gym class. Miss Janet and Maria were both very help and supportive which made the first time of volunteering very enjoyable.