This summer, I’ve been working at the Manhasset-Great Neck Economic Opportunity Council’s (EOC) summer camp for underprivileged students in my community ages 5-13 years old. So far through the experience, I’ve had enormous fun connecting with students and the other counselors, most of which were campers when they were in elementary and middle school. I assist with everyday activities like setting up in the morning, serving meals to the students, and preparing sports. In addition, I’ve been leading music class for the students and helping the director with creating new experiences for the camp, such as watching the Blue Origin space launch live as in the image.
The most rewarding part of working with the students has been making them smile and seeing them engaged with the music lessons and other activities that I have prepared for them. It has also been eye-opening to hear stories from my director and the other counselors about their experiences with low-income and minorities.
Although I am past week 4, I want to reflect on the prompt questions. When I go back to school, I will be taking a course called “Race and Public Policy”. I am now more excited to learn more about the history and dynamics between race and policy that shapes society. As a SPIA major, I want to take what I have learned this summer by being in an underserved community, connect it with my coursework, and ultimately come to conclusions about how we can support at-risk communities. I have noticed a lot just by being in the community this summer, and I think it will make my learning in the classroom much more relevant. The ideas that I hope to learn from my professors will be put into concrete actions that I can bring back to the EOC.
I hope to continue serving my community, and I’ve learned that to have others be receptive to my ideas, I must first be receptive to theirs. As I go into the next school year, I will continue to absorb as much as I can so that I can have a stronger grasp of how my academic work can translate into practice.
3 Comments
You’re project sounds like a lot of fun! Always a good time working with younger students. Also, I like how you were able to find a class that connects to your project. Looking forward to hearing more about it.
It’s so cool your project is in person and that you’re working with kids! And that it made such a big impact on you! What was one of your favorite experiences this summer?
Also a prospective SPIA Major! I love what you said about learning “about the history and dynamics between race and policy that shapes society”. It’s so important to remember the impact that history has on modern culture and society.