Shine On
Today marks the start of my volunteering for the SHINE Project. Every Tuesday I will be helping out in a Year 4 classroom in Northern London. I met Mrs. Tengra and her 30 students today, and I even stayed a couple extra hours to help them practice for a class assembly. Unfortunately, I cannot take photographs of the absolutely adorable students, but I did take these:
I seemed to get on pretty well with the kids. They call me "Miss Lindsay" (or sometimes just "Miss" when they can't remember my name)! Imagine it... Okay, cue the warm fuzzies. Fortunately, I will be there during their music lessons. This year they will be learning either the cello or the violin! Just imagine a classroom of nine-year-olds playing on miniature instruments... I think I'm in heaven.
One of the girls in the class is autistic, and at times when she does not have an adult aid, one of her classmates sits with her. Apparently, they became friends last year, and he has been by her side ever since. Not only is this young boy the sweetest friend; he also does all his work, holds the doors for everyone, and helps out whenever possible. Now I know you aren't supposed to pick favorite students, but he definitely has a golden star in my book!
These little ones all wear matching bright blue sweaters, collared white shirts, and black dress pants or pleated skirts. They ask me all sorts of questions about New York. They sing songs in British accents. And they make me smile uncontrollably. I am unbelievably grateful to have the privilege of spending my Tuesdays with them.
