Reaching Out to Help Others

Westminster students participated in community service at the University of Hartford Magnet School in West Hartford during the fall trimester. While there each afternoon, they helped children in first through fifth grade with their homework, reading and play activities. The experience was so memorable for the Westminster students that it prompted them to make some of the following comments:

•    All of the kids at the Magnet School appreciate the small things that we sometimes take for granted. They love telling stories, drawing pictures and playing tag. One girl, who was new to the after-school program, was very reluctant to talk at first, but by the end of the day, she had told me all about her dream to become an Olympic swimmer. All it took was someone willing to listen, and she opened up quickly. Community service at the Magnet School has taught me that, no matter how simple an act may seem, it has the potential to make a huge difference in another person’s life.

•    This is where I met Sam. Sam is 11 years old, has brown eyes, dark black hair, and a wide smile. He lives in Bloomfield, not too far away from the school. Sam is a very talented artist. He loves drawing pictures of his favorite super heroes. He is very good at math and loves to play football. Spending time with him day after day grew our friendship. He always looks for me when I’m not sitting at our usual table. … A simple deed like spending time with Sam has changed his view of the importance of education. Seeing the opportunities for Sam change in a matter of weeks by working hard in school, seemed unbelievable in my mind.

•    The hour we are there goes by faster than any other hour in my day. The kids are so cute and funny that it makes the time go by so fast. Although this experience has been so amazing, the only down side is that after it is over I won’t see the kids every day, and I will miss them so much.

•    Getting to foster meaningful relationships by helping the children with their homework and setting a good example has been very gratifying. I look forward every day to seeing the kids and spending time with them and I know many of them feel the same way.

•    As no Westminster Thai Scholars have done before, I chose community service for my afternoon program. This is the first time that I have had a chance to help much younger children, and I embrace this chance. This is the first time that I have studied in the USA and I still lack some ability to communicate, so I am not quite confident in my choice. … However, my choice turns out to be one of the best choices I have ever made in my life.

•    Community service is a thrill.
It gives us a chance to play with the kids and chill.
Community service is a fun time.
I’m Jayda’s best friend and she is mine.
The kids are so great and fun,
Whether they are working inside or playing in the sun.
The kids are so great and fun.
Time flies till we are done.
The kids are so happy; it’s such a sight.
Constance is so great at learning how to read and write.
The kids are so happy; it’s such a sight;
Even when they are hungry or start to fight.
Drawing, juice, and Hannah Montana — they love it all.
Sometimes they steal our phones and place a call.
Drawing, juice, and Hannah Montana — they love it all,
Shooting some hoops at recess and chasing the ball.
Overall community service has been the best
Helping the kids out with their next test.
Overall community service is the bomb
Even though sometimes the kids are rowdy and rarely calm.