In my last post, I mentioned the butterfly effect. The metaphor may seem trite (read: there’s even an Ashton Kutcher movie thus entitled), but it certainly encapsulates the experience and impact of a volunteer at Mi Escuelita. The crew of dedicated volunteers contributes so much, but at times, the individual’s work feels so tiny – like the flutter of butterfly’s wing. When I think back to my first afternoon in the classroom reading stories, I can only marvel at these alacritous and ambitious kids. They switch from Spanish to English as easily as they do a silent nap to raucous play. I find the children’s spirit and their growth truly remarkable. The cynic’s assessment that helping a teacher hang the students’ latest art project represents tedium more than progress is, however, irrefutably contravened by the number of big hugs from tiny arms. To the kids (and the teachers and the staff), it’s these little things that not only make a big difference, but make all the difference.
Interested in making a difference? Check out volunteer opportunities here:
http://www.miescuelita.org/volunteer.php
This post was contributed by Sarah Stinnett, a Mi Escuelita volunteer from Southern Methodist University.
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