Second Graders Challenge Bogin, Munns & Munns Legal Assistant

ORLANDO, Fla. - April 19, 2013 - PRLog -- GAINESVILLE, FL – Meeting the needs of many diverse clients is a daily challenge for legal assistant Angie Tipton at the Gainesville office of Bogin, Munns & Munns. But facing 19 second graders as a Junior Achievement (JA) volunteer instructor proved much more daunting than the adults she is accustomed to serving.

“I’ve never been so nervous in my life,” Tipton said of her recent experience teaching a second grade class at Idlywild Elementary School in Gainesville. “These bright and enthusiastic kids were not going to be satisfied with a boring presentation. Fortunately, JA provided a comprehensive lesson plan filled with engaging activities. I did my homework and came prepared but wasn’t sure how this precocious group of eight-year-olds would accept me.”

Tipton volunteered to represent Bogin, Munns & Munns in a community partnership with Junior Achievement. Managing Partner Adam Towers decided to support this effort because it gives young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices.

“This is an investment in our future,” he said. “If we can reach young people with these important lessons of self-sufficiency and good citizenship then we’ve established a solid foundation for our country.”

Tipton made an instant connection with the students. Their enthusiasm built throughout the day as each lesson proved more exciting and challenging than the last. She knew she achieved success when the students didn’t want her to leave.

“Junior Achievement has put together an amazing curriculum filled with colorful,
engaging material designed to speak to children on a level they can understand,” she said. “We formed a make-believe donut shop, learned how to make the donuts and even earned a paycheck.”

The funniest part of the day was when the “tax collector” swept through the class. Tipton chuckled as the kids had a similar reaction to “paying taxes” as many wage earners experience in real life.

“That collective groan was spontaneous and somewhat understandable when they realized they had to give back some of their money,” Tipton said. “But when I pointed out their tax money is what pays for teachers, police, firefighters and all sorts of necessary government functions, it was very moving to watch the change in their attitude.”