The highlight for this month was when my classmates and I got an in depth look at the inner workings of the KIPP school system where we have been volunteering for the semester. Josh, the volunteer coordinator for the KIPP school we volunteer at, took some time this month to take us around the premises of the school and talk with various staff members and students regarding the impact that the KIPP school system has on the community. To begin with, we were shown around the school playground where the 8th grade students were eating lunch and socializing. We learned that many of the students there come from poorer backgrounds and have troubled home-life environments, and for these students KIPP provides a measure of stability for eight hours every day that they may not find at home which can make a huge difference for these kids. In addition to speaking with the students, we were introduced to some of the faculty who work at KIPP. One such individual was the school’s assigned social worker who is responsible for meeting with and talking to students who have recently experienced trouble or a personal tragedy at home. Another person we had a chance to converse with was the school’s safety officer who told us that after spending a decade as a police officer in New Orleans he decided that he could make a more meaningful contribution by working on the prevention-side of crime. Later that day, while sorting through a utility closet and organizing supplies for the school, I felt a sense of satisfaction in knowing that our work was contributing to the smooth running of the school and by extension our work in a small way has a benefit for the students who spend five days a week there. As we close out this school semester I have come to the realization that I feel attached to the school where I have spent countless hours volunteering, and I look forward to coming back next semester to continue working here.
Hours this month: 6
Total Hours: 30
