Last week as I prepared a lesson for the Summer SaLT (Servant and Leadership Training) class at Preston Taylor Ministries, my mom said something that gave me a new perspective on my role this summer, but also applies to many situations I will encounter later in life. She said "I've found that teachers learn their own material much better than students ever can. Teaching is the best way to learn." As I examined this statement and compared it to my experiences thus far at PTM, I agree with her.
Last week, for example, I taught lessons based on the theme of conflict resolution. I organized discussions, activities, and at the end of the week, a survey that helps the subject understand their style of conflict resolution based on their personality. In the process, I gained knowledge about conflict resolution myself. I even took the survey along with the kids and learned my style of conflict resolution. Not only have I grasped a greater understanding of what I taught, but I've also gained an appreciation for what my teachers do everyday at school. It is not an easy job, and I am thankful for this experience that has shown me that.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Summer JAM
This week at Preston Taylor Ministries, I had the opportunity to participate in the community-wide Summer JAM (Jesus And Me) sponsored by PTM and a partner church. In addition to the regular day-programming at Preston Taylor, I stayed to help set up for, participate in, and tear down Summer JAM. It took place every night this past week from 6-8 pm in a local park. This week was both a trial and a blessing. Despite the long hours and stressful schedule, I had a chance to bond with the PTM kids outside my Summer SaLT class. I spent close to 3 hours each night with younger kids, forming even more relationships and friendships, while also witnessing the kids have a blast and learn about Christ in a fun and safe environment. It was also a beautiful exhibit of diversity and unity for one purpose, to glorify the Lord through worship, games, and teaching. There were both kids from the local community, as well as kids of the volunteers helping put on Summer JAM. There were participants of all ages, all races, both male and female, all there in a pure and happy environment. It was a truly massive operation, and therefore was a humbling experience to see myself as a servant to these kids, to see myself as a part of a larger whole. This is definitely the longest week of my summer PTM schedule, but it was a great continuation of my Turner Fellowship experience.
More specifically, a few things stood out throughout the course of this week. For example, Audrey Kromer, last year's PTM Turner Fellow, came to Summer JAM to spend time with the kids she worked with last year. It was encouraging to see the relationships she formed were still intact even a year later. Also, my family came to volunteer on Friday night, and although Summer JAM was called off for rain, it was a great feeling to share this summer experience with my parents and sister, even if only for part of a day. We also took our Summer SaLT class on a few field trips, and had several quality discussions about leadership and discipleship throughout the week.
Overall, this week was long. Every day, however, I was rewarded tremendously by the work I was doing. I look forward to the rest of the summer with an eagerness to serve and bond with the children involved at PTM. I hope I can impact them in a positive way even half as much as they have already influenced my life.
More specifically, a few things stood out throughout the course of this week. For example, Audrey Kromer, last year's PTM Turner Fellow, came to Summer JAM to spend time with the kids she worked with last year. It was encouraging to see the relationships she formed were still intact even a year later. Also, my family came to volunteer on Friday night, and although Summer JAM was called off for rain, it was a great feeling to share this summer experience with my parents and sister, even if only for part of a day. We also took our Summer SaLT class on a few field trips, and had several quality discussions about leadership and discipleship throughout the week.
Overall, this week was long. Every day, however, I was rewarded tremendously by the work I was doing. I look forward to the rest of the summer with an eagerness to serve and bond with the children involved at PTM. I hope I can impact them in a positive way even half as much as they have already influenced my life.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Forming Relationships
This week was my first one on the job, as well as the first week of Preston Taylor Ministries' summer program. Because this is the first week I would be working with the kids, it was a crucial time to begin developing relationships and forming bonds. It was challenging, but also very rewarding. This summer I am co-leading a class for rising 6th graders called Summer SaLT, or Servant and Leadership Training. Because my role with the kids is as a teacher and mentor, as well as a friend, I also had to establish my authority within the classroom setting. It was quite a balancing act, being strong and authoritative while also being humble and caring. Nevertheless, by the end of the week, I felt very optimistic about the rest of the summer. The kids are all great, and even insisted on individually signing the cast on my broken wrist. By Friday, several of the kids even gave me hugs before they left for the weekend. I am so blessed to not only have such great co-workers and supervisors, but also to be forming relationships with the kids of the Preston Taylor neighborhood.
Furthermore, the exchange is not one sided. These kids have taught me a few things as well. Already, I have learned the importance of self-confidence. These children will not take you seriously until you take yourself seriously. They have also shown me the importance of having fun! Sometimes you just have to throw the lesson plan out the window and go outside to play in order to refocus. Finally, I have been exposed to a situation where someone depends on my efforts. This accountability is very strong motivation to go home every night and come back the next day with a beneficial lesson plan and schedule, as well as the right attitude to make the most of the time I am with them.
Overall, this first week was amazing. It felt like it flew by, but at the same time, it now feels like I have known these kids for years. I only hope that I continue to develop the relationships that have begun to form, and that I am able to be a positive influence in the lives of these kids.
Furthermore, the exchange is not one sided. These kids have taught me a few things as well. Already, I have learned the importance of self-confidence. These children will not take you seriously until you take yourself seriously. They have also shown me the importance of having fun! Sometimes you just have to throw the lesson plan out the window and go outside to play in order to refocus. Finally, I have been exposed to a situation where someone depends on my efforts. This accountability is very strong motivation to go home every night and come back the next day with a beneficial lesson plan and schedule, as well as the right attitude to make the most of the time I am with them.
Overall, this first week was amazing. It felt like it flew by, but at the same time, it now feels like I have known these kids for years. I only hope that I continue to develop the relationships that have begun to form, and that I am able to be a positive influence in the lives of these kids.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Week 1 - Responsibility
Because I haven't begun my time at Preston Taylor Ministries, as my first day is tomorrow, I haven't encountered the full experience of the Turner Fellowship just yet. Nevertheless, this preliminary time of organization and coordination has opened my eyes to the accountability required of individuals in their specific fields. I have had several meetings with my co-workers at PTM (Preston Taylor Ministries), and each one has made me appreciate the fluidity and reliability of any work environment.
The whole operation reminds me of a group project in school. In this project, however, every person involved has the utmost respect, care, and passion for the task at hand. Furthermore, each person is capable and willing to put in the work required of them. There is no wondering which group member will fall down on the job, as there tends to be in high school assignments. I've come to appreciate the commitment that adults in my life allocate to their own occupations.
Finally, I've already learned how to be more accountable and responsible for my own part. Obviously, I am still a work in progress, but I am learning how to formulate lesson plans, execute and plan a schedule, and work with others to accomplish a goal. These are all indispensable attributes that I've been exposed to, not even a day into my actual work schedule. This summer looks to hold a very promising and beneficial experience as I leave my comfort zone and adapt to what I will encounter on a daily basis after college.
The whole operation reminds me of a group project in school. In this project, however, every person involved has the utmost respect, care, and passion for the task at hand. Furthermore, each person is capable and willing to put in the work required of them. There is no wondering which group member will fall down on the job, as there tends to be in high school assignments. I've come to appreciate the commitment that adults in my life allocate to their own occupations.
Finally, I've already learned how to be more accountable and responsible for my own part. Obviously, I am still a work in progress, but I am learning how to formulate lesson plans, execute and plan a schedule, and work with others to accomplish a goal. These are all indispensable attributes that I've been exposed to, not even a day into my actual work schedule. This summer looks to hold a very promising and beneficial experience as I leave my comfort zone and adapt to what I will encounter on a daily basis after college.
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