After a long year, I finally was back at La Semana, a week long adoption camp for kids from Latin American countries. After the joyous reunion hugs and hellos, I headed off to my classroom that I would be helping in. Glancing out the window I instantly knew that it was one of those picture perfect days. The sun already shining, and a cool breeze just strong enough to lightly brush through my hair. Back in the classroom however, the temperature was not so pleasant. In the doorway, a little girl stood behind her protecting father. I sensed the shyness and fear from the girl and as I examined the scene, I couldn’t help but see myself staring back. I calmly walked over, asking her name. “Faith”, she whispered. I smiled and explained to her how
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I reassured her multiple times that being at camp is a safe and special place to be. After each activity she would slowly expand her comfort zone and explore new things. And by the end of the first day, Faith had left my side and was engaging with other kids. Throughout the week, every morning she came running over to me and gave me a hug. It warmed my heart to see how much I had made this young girl feel that she belongs at camp and she is welcomed. Just like Faith, I felt scared and afraid of an unfamiliar place but was welcomed with open arms at Eau Claire. In the short time that I was there on campus, I went from being an ordinary stranger, to feeling a deep connection to the Eau Claire community. I was guided by caring people who showed their commitment in the success of their future students.
Eau Claire offers so many opportunities to their students and I feel that it is important to give back. I would not only bring diversity to the school and student population, but I would bring my leadership and support to my peers and classmates. Making sure others feel the same way that Faith and I felt when they come in to a new experience is just one way I plan to give back. I hope to one day be a tour guide and make one’s experience just as meaningful as mine
I reassured her multiple times that being at camp is a safe and special place to be. After each activity she would slowly expand her comfort zone and explore new things. And by the end of the first day, Faith had left my side and was engaging with other kids. Throughout the week, every morning she came running over to me and gave me a hug. It warmed my heart to see how much I had made this young girl feel that she belongs at camp and she is welcomed. Just like Faith, I felt scared and afraid of an unfamiliar place but was welcomed with open arms at Eau Claire. In the short time that I was there on campus, I went from being an ordinary stranger, to feeling a deep connection to the Eau Claire community. I was guided by caring people who showed their commitment in the success of their future students.
Eau Claire offers so many opportunities to their students and I feel that it is important to give back. I would not only bring diversity to the school and student population, but I would bring my leadership and support to my peers and classmates. Making sure others feel the same way that Faith and I felt when they come in to a new experience is just one way I plan to give back. I hope to one day be a tour guide and make one’s experience just as meaningful as mine