For the majority of my life, I have been the student of many people. These individuals include my parents, my teachers, my friends, and my own conscience. When I am given the opportunity to teach, I find it fulfilling, worthwhile, and rewarding, and working in the Creative Workshop was no exception. I will have to say that my experience meant so much to me because it placed me in an environment where I was responsible for the children’s well-being. In return, I realized how capable I am to not only be a friend and supporter but also a leader and guide.
In the past, I attended summer camps where I played games, had fun with crafts, and made a few friends. Now that I got to be in their shoes, I was able to see things in a whole new light.
First, I spent time gathering materials, assisting all of the teachers to get work done. As time passed on, I gained more and more focus on the children, including their names, what they liked, what they needed, and even their behavior patterns.
A few of the top qualities I performed in include the following: Patience, time management, leadership, assertiveness, compassion, modesty, and self-control.
Whether I was taking the children to the restrooms, waiting for them to stand in line, or waiting to speak in class, I soon found a better way of understanding that “there is a time and place for everything.”
In order for me to manage time, I did not only prompt the children to exercise this quality. I actually improved with my own time management. Now, getting up early, getting tasks done, and keeping on track is not as tedious.
On my first few days at the MAG, I had a softer voice, which influenced feelings of ambiguity when something needed to be done; nevertheless, I found my voice and got to exercise discipline in an authoritative way. I learned to neither be soft and passive nor disrespectful and authoritarian.
As an intern, I made sure to give all of the children my undivided attention. If they needed my help with a project, I would make sure to be there at once, putting down my current task.
If they wanted to show me something they liked, I would listen. Even if a child was not following directions, I would still respect them and praise them for doing good.
Finally, I learned a very important role. It is good to provide service to others, and it is especially rewarding when I give them the credit, praise, and attention. I have lost count of the number of projects I helped to create, the messes I cleaned up, and the sticky situations that I faced; however, the ability to come on top with a solution gave me a sense of control.
My entire time working at the Memorial Art Gallery definitely opened my eyes as to how it can be applied to my future in college, my jobs, and beyond. As a prospective psychology major, I was able to draw connections between all I have learned in textbooks to what I have observed in real life. I was thrilled when I first began my job because I got to witness how people think of things, analyze tasks, find their strengths or passions, and create solutions. What was really special was that I experienced working with a cross-sectional array of people from infancy to adulthood.
I believe that teaching the children had an impact on them because teachers always made an impact on me when I was a child. Teachers serve as mentors, friends, and guides for children by leading by example, patiently giving knowledge, and always making sure that the children are getting the most fulfilling learning experience. I had the pleasure of being in this role, and I absolutely love being with children. It is a positive event because children’s brain cells develop rapidly in the early years, and they need the best guidance through patience, love, and consistency so that they can look after themselves. Nobody can ever grow up already emotionally developed, happy, and healthy without somebody to lead the way, and these children are responsible for our future. As Whitney Houston sang, “I believe the children are the future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside.”
I cannot be more grateful to have worked in the Creative Workshop, and I am looking forward to moving on with everything I learned from the staff, the parents, and the children. I am confident that the future is bright.
