This story was submitted by Megan, our True North member at Neighborhood Youth Services, and is more of a reflective piece. We get so caught up in the moment with our service at our sites, but it can be very satisfying to take a deep breath, and reflect on the relationships that you have created with these youth and all of the fun memories you’ve shared with them. When you are having a rough day, think of how far you have come since you began your service on day one. This is a great story to remind us of that! Thanks for sharing Megan! I am glad that you are able to recognize the impact your role has made on the youth at NYS. Keep it up!
There are a number of great highlights that occur each time I work at NYS. One story that has stuck out to me was my first day at NYS. I smile looking back because I remember feeling so nervous and at the same time, overwhelmed. Myself and one other staff were taking the kids on a field trip to the Heritage Center for ice skating and Halloween activities. We spent a great amount of time gathering the children and of course, dealing with the children who were told that they could not go. I felt pretty useless as I did not really do anything, but follow the staff. There was quite a bit of fighting and some absconding, but I just went with the flow and soon we were on our way to the center.
It was nice for me to go on the field trip because I got familiar with a few of the kids and I was not too overwhelmed. The kids wanted to do different things so the other staff and I split up. I was worried that the kids wouldn’t like me or listen to me, but we ended up having a great time. We went ice skating and explored the different activities there. I ended up having a great time and felt confident and comfortable by the end of the trip. It made me feel excited for the weeks to come.
I find there is a world of difference between my first day to now. I know most of the children by name and have started to build up relationships with them. I am also no longer afraid to be assertive and sure of my decisions. I enjoy thinking up activities and look forward to coming to the center each day. I am excited to be here more the next few months and to become more involved in the center and its goals.
-Megan Griesel, True North member at Neighborhood Youth Services