First day as a volunteer

In Rhode island now, back at my jiejie's house. It's almost like a routine now, coming over on the weekends. Helping her in her garden, cycling along the bike trail in the evenings, walking buddy, and going to URI for day study......Just when I'm starting to get used to life like these, reality checks on me and reminds me that I only have one more month-4 more weekends to do this. I really going to miss everything here.....



Oh i forgot to talk about my first day volunteering at the Boys and Girls club. I really enjoyed the company of the kids, in fact, I hoped to have gone to the club on friday instead of going to rhode island. Although they were black children from needy family, who were supposedly less motivated and of lower academic competence, they actually appear more confident and responsive towards the staff in the centre. I'm sure given more guidance and pointed ot the right direction, these kids can achieve much more! But then again, financial difficulties implicate so much more that makes it harder for these kids to fulfill their potential and dreams. I can only hope that somewhere along the way, they find inspiration to pursue something better!

I realized that kids are so different from each other. Everyone like kids who are agreeable, participative, friendly and responsive, and adults can unconsciously show favoritism towards certain kids. I almost got into that, but realize my mistake when i came across a kid during gym, who didn't seem interested to participate in playing any games with anyone.

He seemed quite lost at what to do at first, and simply sat on the side bench while everyone else, including the staff, were playing some game. I tried talking to him and asked him if there was any game he liked to play, but he just shook his head and kept silent. This kid stood out from the rest, because he was exceptionally reserved and introverted. this is in stark contrast to the other kids because they ALL were funloving and outspoken. I hope to be able to at least able to engage him in gym before I leave this place. It's a challenge that I might not have the means or appropriate knowledge to overcome, but i do hope that at least I can become a friend.

I remember that day when Paul picked me up from the centre to go to rhode island, we drove past a black neighbourhood that people would associate with the word "ghetto". Even though separated by the window screen, I could feel the atmosphere outside, with the loud hiphop music, people shouting to each other, kids playing on the streets, and people hanging around the steps from their apts. I've always wanted to go to brooklyn to feel what the black culture is like, I guess I didn't have to go that far.

It was not fear that i felt. Instead, on one hand I was fascinated about finally seeing such a street for myself, and the other, respect for this special lifestyle that belonged to the african americans. I respect their style, their attitude, and also the hardship they face as "blacks". I believe that many others would have felt the same if they saw what i did. Most of the black people are disadvantaged, especially the innocent children, but they don't need sympathy, they need opportunity. I do hope that life could be kinder towards them. And welfare centres like the boy and girls club, is definietly another step towards a better future for the kids.

I know i've said this before, but I am again very thankful that I came to american, that i decided to go for this internship and also coincidentally, my professor transferred me to my current professor. If all these had not happened, I would not have experienced so much more! Just like what Sandar says, "it's God's grace". I trully believe it is! Because if it were not so, I don't think I would be able to come here in the first place.

Whoever is reading this, do grab any opportunity that brings you to different places that could give you another side of life. It really opens your eyes and help you realize how meaningful it is to just be alive! You're life is not all there is, and believe me, you need to experience it to trully understand and be convinced about that. I remember Michael Jackson's song had this phrase "stop existing and start living". I''m beginning to get what this means.

Oh man, another long entry! But well, these are what I really feel and since I promised to share what's happening here, it only fair i put in enough details right?

I'm really looking forward to Tuesday when I see the kids again......Wish me luck!