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 Kinsley Odom.
“My Little has made a BIG impact, whether we are doing math, which he dreads, or playing UNO, which I am not the best at,” Project MARS member Kinsley Odom said. “He struggled hard at the beginning of the year, but I am seeing loads of improvement not only in him but also myself. I am placed in kindergarten all day long, and it is a breath of fresh air to get to have some time with my Little.
“One afternoon, after he stumbled through a paragraph and his classmates heard and giggled, he kept his eyes steady to the ground. I saw he was upset and said to him, “you are so brave!” I never thought a word could mean SO much, especially to a child this age. Tears welled up, and in that moment we both knew this meant a lot to the both of us.
“The biggest change hasn’t been his grades – his demeanor and outlook have completely shifted, and honestly mine too!”
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- Kinsley Odom
