Project MARS/AmeriCorps collects “Great Stories” from its members in which they reflect on their experiences mentoring in the classroom and the progress they see in students. This month’s story was written by Krista Henry.
My biggest impact so far this year comes from the beginning of school, with a shy third-grader who was really on edge about her new classroom.
I really did not think that trying to reach this third-grader was going to go anywhere because she was so closed off. However, I tried to reflect on how I felt changing classes and being in a new environment, and met her with the understanding and acceptance that she desperately needed.
I told her it was OK to be nervous and have negative feelings about being in new environments. I reminded her that there wasn’t anything wrong with her. I told her about my childhood, how I was the kid who struggled to make new friends, and often wondered what was wrong with me. I told her I eventually did make friends, and that I loved them dearly.
As I was talking to her, you could see her body start to relax. She gave me the biggest hug. From that day on, she was attached to me.
It was absolutely beautiful to see her confidence grow, and to see the friendships she has formed. This is the story of a little girl who mirrored myself at a young age; only I did not have the privilege of having someone reach out and try to navigate this new environment with me.
I hope that next year when she feels just as nervous, that she reflects back to the conversations we had this year and realizes that even though she feels alone, she never truly is.
