The college professors I keep in contact with are always surprised by my decision to give up art history and museum education pursuits in order to volunteer with children and youth for a year.  Right after graduation, I was offered an opportunity to work as a Lead Counselor and Technology Coordinator for St. Stephen’s Youth Programs through TechMission Corps.   TechMission is an AmeriCorp program wherein members commit to one year of direct service.  As a staff member of the B-READY after-school program at St. Stephen’s, I worked with Kindergarten to 2nd grade the first two trimesters, and now I am enjoying my afternoons with the older elementary (3rd through 5th grade) students.

The first month, I was overwhelmed. I doubted myself and questioned my decisions. There were a lot of “I could have…” statements lingering in my mind.  I was surrounded by so much energy from the children that sometimes I could not keep up.  But then I realized I am here to support them in every way so if that means I have to run and chase them when playing tag, I would.  If that means dancing to cloying Justin Bieber’s Baby, I would join them in chorus!  It is ironic how the activities I could never see myself participating in prior to St. Stephen’s such as athletic/physical games and singing and dancing to pop songs are now the ones that are among my favorite moments in the program. 

In more serious matters, I was afraid that I might not be able to relate to the students’ stories—of what’s going on at school, home, and in their community—and that I might say the wrong things.  However, I learned that children primarily want a solid listener who is willing to ask them what is happening.  I now treasure the times when I have had to separate a struggling student from the group—academically or behaviorally—to talk about what is going on or do one-on-one tutoring.  It has provided me with an opportunity to understand where children are coming from and to learn about their struggles, and consequently to improve the strategies I have for teaching and interacting with them.

I would say that what I do at St. Stephen’s, whether it is creating the Technology curriculum or leading a group in the after-school, motivates me to wake up in the morning and prepare for the day. It is wonderful to see how children are finishing their homework and doing it well, participating in different workshops and activities, socializing with their peers and volunteers during free time, doing therapeutic labyrinths and crafts, and helping pass out plates and cups during snack time. There are tough days but many of the students are determined to make good decisions, which I not only admire but find hope in. We must be doing something right!

Posted by Eunice Brady, Technology Coordinator and St. Stephen’s LEARN Counselor
TechMission Corps Member