Avalon Edwards
October 8, 2015
3:15 pm - 5:30 pm
Opportunity Services Center
Alyssa Mendoza
amendoza@ivsn.org
After a few weeks, I developed a routine at the center. I help prepare snack for the kids, help them with homework or reading, and then play outside or with computer games. No more dramatic experiences ensued after my first day, and things remained calm. Aside from the usual shouts of "No fair!" at the computer lab, things are actually much calmer than at my previous jobs with children. After getting to know the kids better, I began to look closer at the program itself. My summer job at the YMCA had promoted healthy living and safety above all else. However, the Opportunity Services Center doesn't necessarily have the resources to accomplish the same things while also tutoring and providing for the kids. For example, snack every day was required to count as a meal. So the kids got sloppy joe's, pasta, and grilled cheeses every day after school. Given the privileged education I've received, I quickly grew concerned with what clearly seemed to be an unhealthy diet for young kids. Aside from their meals, they were given cookies or chips nearly every day I volunteered. Additionally, access to physical exercise was lacking. The courtyard for the kids to play in is far too small to accommodate for more than 2-3 kids, and thus the rest are relegated to the indoors. Because they get free choice in their daily activities, all of the remaining kids choose to play computer games instead of read or draw. I'm still trying to figure out a way that I can address these problems with staff from the center as I continue to volunteer. Hopefully we can educate the kids about healthy eating and living and at least help them to live that way while they're at the center.
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