A First Job and It’s Lasting Impression

Oct. 13, 2010 - PRLog -- The same routine of clocking in at the beginning of the day, clocking out at the end of the day, and getting paid every Friday, but little did I know the impact this job would have on me. It’s amazing how much you can learn in a year.

When I started I was mostly in the office. I was coming up with activities, making copies, running errands, and getting everything organized for the up coming after school program. I was happy when we finally started working with the kids. At first I figured working with the kids would be fun, but it was more than fun. The whole experience was out right amazing. I spent time with the kids every day. I tutored, listened, helped, and comforted them. I bonded and got to know them and their parents. It wasn’t just me teaching them; they taught me some valuable lessons too. I also made long lasting friendships with my co-workers, one of them who I consider my best friend now. To me this wasn’t just a job anymore; it was like one big family.

Towards the end of the program we had a mock graduation ceremony for the kids and it was amazing. The best part was when the parents were coming up to the podium and thanking us for our work. One parent was so grateful she began to cry. That right there was all the proof I needed to know that we were making a difference. From then on that’s when I knew this is where I was meant to be.

After this first year the kids have taught me so much. They have taught me how to have patience, to listen and to be understanding. These are things I’ve applied to my everyday life. I have gotten close to the kids and have built strong bonds with the parents. I can’t imagine myself leaving this job anytime soon.

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The mission of The J.C. Coleman Foundation, Inc. is to improve the academics, life skills, and attitudes of at-risk pre-teens and teens through a variety of creative, innovative, non-traditional and collaborative support services.

The J.C. Coleman Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) whose main focus is to help the at-risk children. Through free tutoring, unconventional educational strategies, challenging and exciting activities, preteens and teens build respect for themselves and gain a desire to explore new and diverse possibilities, thus improving their quality of life and also helping their community.