A couple of weeks ago I started mentoring a local fifth-grade elementary student. Going in, I was quite terrified. I kept asking myself if I was qualified to help this student and what I honestly had to offer her. I found out early on that I was placed at a Title I school, meaning my child most likely came from a low-income home. I didn't care if she did because I never judge peoples' backgrounds, but I was worried that she wouldn't connect with me because I could never truly understand what she has been through so far in her life. So I walked in that first day nervous yet excited. I walked up to this little girl who looked up at me and smiled. She was so excited. Her excitement and happiness were contagious. During a typical visit, we play and eat lunch, and talk a lot.
Over the past few weeks, during these sessions, I think that I have learned way more from her than she has learned from me. I have learned that I am not very good at board games and I am not as strategic as I thought. I have learned not to wear heels when going out to recess. I learned that its okay for a group to make up rules to games when no one knows the actual rules. I have learned not to care about what people think of me and to let loose and enjoy life. I have learned that it doesn't matter where you come from, it matters where you are going and how you get there. I have learned that children are resilient, which is something I hope none of them lose. I have learned to think outside of the box. I have learned the power of imagination, that over the years I have forgotten. But, most importantly, I have learned that it is possible to love someone you just met because I feel like I have gained a little sister. I know I will continue to learn from the little girl, and I hope that I can teach her as much as she is teaching me.
