Hey Bloggers,
Today was sadly our last day volunteering with the WINGS kids. Even though we were sad to be leaving the amazing kids we were determined to have a positive and fulfilling last day with them. The day started with a short staff meeting where we got to bond with the WINGS Leaders outside of the classroom. The meeting was filled with jokes and laughter while still showing support and passion for the kids and each other.
After picking up our groups from their classrooms, the day started with snack as usual, but we were then fortunate enough to get to participate in their monthly award ceremony that recognizes excellence and improvement in behavior and living out the WINGS creed. It was truly amazing to see the kids light up when their names were called because they received praise that is often unsaid or sometimes never experienced.
After a fun awards ceremony and impromptu dance party, we all headed to our Academic Centers. Many kids did not have assignments for the long weekend so many of us got the chance to connect with the kids on a more personal level by playing word games, card games, coloring, reading, and talking about our favorite princesses. Others however, struggled to remember the basics of multiplication and division but gave it their all to help the kids learn. Even though it was really hard (so hard that some of us are questioning if Calculus is really the right choice), it was extremely rewarding to see the kids feel a sense of pride and accomplishment when they understood the material.
Since the kids are out of school Thursday and Friday, we had another day of Choice Time. We gathered in our Choice Time groups and made plans on how to expose the kids to these extracurricular activities for the rest of the semester. We have had so much fun seeing the kids discover new interests in activities and hobbies that they otherwise might not be exposed to. Even some kids who were extremely disappointed about the Choice Time they were assigned yesterday really opened up to learning more about the activity they assigned to today. We were truly amazed to see how much the positive energy of WINGS can have a nimpact on these kids lives.
WINGS has not only been a positive impact for all of the children in the Charleston area, it has truly had an impact on your favorite MABers. We came to Charleston with the intent on serving the area kids, but no one could have guessed how much these kids stole our hearts (yes, even the ice queen of the group), and made saying goodbye nearly impossible (even the kid who put yogurt in our hair, twice, we'll miss him too). Our time with WINGS has truly been an amazing experience and something all of us will remember forever.
Until next time Bloggers!
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