agray@dhs.county.allegheny.pa.us
KEYS Summer Corps
About KEYS & AmeriCorps
What KEYS Members Do
Where KEYS Members Serve
Why You Should Serve
How To Apply
KEYS Videos
Past KEYS Members Talk About Their Experience
Although it has been a very rocky journey here for me at times, I would not trade what I have learned and experienced for anything. Like my students, I have changed as well, and feel much more positive about my own skills and abilities and what I have to offer the world. Despite the lack of money and the long days, when I see how much I have helped to have a difference in so many lives in such a short span of time, I can honestly say this has been the hardest and most rewarding year of my life.
I look forward to the end of my day, because it means spending an hour and a half with them. They are always so eager to tell me about things in their lives and share their homework problems. They are particularly eager to read to me, and everyday, I am bombarded with 9 or 10 students, asking, “Miss Lauren! Can I read to you today?” Everyday, I give them the same response, “If I look over and you are reading, I’ll come over and ask you to read to me.” Well, I am proud to say, in a school that typically teaches below grade level, almost half of this 2nd grade class is reading on a 4th grade level.
Loretta and I have started a lunchtime Storytelling Club. We have two groups, one for boys, the other for girls. The Girls Storytelling Club has really started to surprise us. They have learned to trust each other and find comfort in the time we spend together. Every week, we meet for a little over a half hour, which is barely enough time to eat. But somehow, little by little, we are able to discuss the topic of bullying: recognizing the signs, discovering why it happens, sharing personal experiences. Eventually, we want them to devise a solution and present it in an interactive story, told orally. But the most important thing about this club is not the product, but the process. The girls are developing close friendships, verbal communication skills, and self-confidence. These skills will benefit them greatly when they enter the adolescent years.
My students have been amazing. Not only have they dealt with a rigorous schedule but their work ethic has improved 150% and they are a great example of why this program is effective. One of my students, upon entering the program, was loud, disruptive, and unfocused. Now she is consistently early, works hard, focuses with determination and does not waste time. She has become a wonderful, professional adult. I also heard that her interview with AmeriCorps was fantastic and I am unbelievably proud of her. I also have a student who is in his second chance with this project. He has put forth more dedication and heart than he thought was capable of giving. He also just completed and earned his GED on the first try. When I see the tremendous change and growth these students exhibit through this process, I am grateful for the blessing this opportunity has given me to guide them through that process.
Georin Oliver & Jason Colbert Amy Adams & Roger Jeter Gwen Lane Ciara Thompkins Erica Black Jaime Becker Ami Kissell Aaron Gray Caprice Scott Emily McMahon
Jon Ferreira Lisa Briggs
Emily McMahon |
