I haven’t yet begun sessions at the
school I’ve been assigned to, but I couldn’t be more excited to begin. When
talking about Jumpstart to my friends, I’m started referring to my future
partner children as ‘my kids’ – “I get to hang out with the same kids, my kids, every week, all year! How cool
is that?!” I have considerable experience when working with children, and I’ve
seen firsthand the malleability of their minds and the strength of their will.
There are so many personal connections that I’ve created with them that have
proved both healing and constructive. With an entire year with these kids, my
kids, I know that the connections forged will be strong and lasting
When hearing about Federal Work
Study students working tedious desk jobs making coffee and stuffing envelopes,
I feel so lucky to be wearing this bright red shirt. Of course, I know that
Jumpstart will come with its own challenges; I can already anticipate the sting
of panic and embarrassment as a child has a meltdown, a Center Time activity falls
apart, or a fight breaks out. I feel nervous about juggling the stress of
school and other responsibilities with the time commitment of Jumpstart. As a
Corps Member, it is my responsibility to quiet the static and focus on the child
during session, pushing aside what preoccupies me usually; I want to hone in on
the child’s troubles, happiness, and story. When I work on Jumpstart with my hair
pulled back, armed with glitter glue and safety scissors, I feel powerful and
important because I am achieving something and changing my part of the world.
~Aya Folk
Corps member
Team Compassion
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