Remembering

Each month, I get to write a little paragraph story about something in my AmeriCorps term. The goal is to share something great about our AmeriCorps experience. I enjoy writing them because I get to reflect on my service, but they are also posted online so I get to read what other AmeriCorps members in my program are doing!

Here is my Feb. "Great Story":

One of my favorite things about my AmeriCorps position is that I get to revisit classrooms and teach them a different class/program. On my second (or third) visit, I always re-introduce myself and ask if the students remember what we learned about on my last visit. Sometimes the students look as though they have never seen you before and other times every student raises their hand hoping to get called on. (Then occasionally, they get me confused with another guest speaker that they have recently had.)

A few days ago, I visited six classrooms from different schools that I had visited in November/December. I asked my usual, “Does anyone remember what we learned about at my last visit?” and in all six classrooms, hands quickly shot into the air. After being called upon, they gave correct answers! It is so comforting to know that the time I spend with these youth is valuable. They remember what we learn! Working with young students, it is hard to tell if the information you are presenting is getting absorbed, but it is days like this that give me confidence and reassurance that at least some of the information I teach is sticking with students and hopefully helping them to be healthy and safe.