As
Jumpstart comes to an end I have the opportunity to reflect on everything that
I have learned while being a part of this program. The first thing that I
learned very early on while doing Jumpstart is not to judge or predetermine
what or who people are without knowing them. When I heard that I would be
working in Anacostia my initial reaction was intrigue and a little fear. I had
never visited Anacostia, I never even heard of it before I came to DC, where to
many living in Northwest DC, it is a very “dangerous” place.
When hearing these remarks I initially registered them as true, thinking “these
people must know better than I do what goes on in Anacostia.” The reality is
that yes, Anacostia is a very poor, very violent area, but that does not mean
that all of its inhabitants are
violent, bad, neglectful people. While working in Anacostia I have come across
many helpful, kind, happy people that are dedicating themselves to making where
they live a better place. I find these people to be inspiring, because this is
a lesson that everyone could learn from. No place is perfect and everyone can
do more to make their community a safer, happier, better-educated community.
Another thing that I have learned
while working with Jumpstart is that just because these children come from
low-income areas, and are at a disadvantage to children their age whose parents
have money, this doesn’t mean that they are stupid, or that they can’t think
for themselves. These are people, they can have conversations with you, and
they will call you out if you say something that contradicts yourself. Most
importantly it is astonishing to see them grow just over the course of a year.
Each and every one of the kids in my Jumpstart classroom have grown and changed
so much and I cant wait to see what they accomplish in the future. It is
endearing to know that they all have so many possibilities in front of them,
and they can do anything with their lives. I can only hope that everything that
we have done for them through Jumpstart can give them the extra push they need
to succeed in life, but only time can tell. I am so thankful that I was given
the opportunity to work with a program that offers young children the
opportunity to succeed and have a bright and full future.
~Loren Grier
Team Leader
Team Inspiration
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