I consider myself lucky because the work that I do as an AmeriCorps member provides ample opportunity for reflection and inspiration. It didn’t take me long in this position to see what a tremendous, positive impact Playworks has on the school communities we serve. Additionally, I quickly noticed how serving as an AmeriCorps member has benefitted me.
I am proud of the work that I do and I am proud of what AmeriCorps stands and strives for. This pride is so important, as it reflects onto the population that I am serving. The kids I work with, I hope, notice the positivity I try to impart on them throughout our programming. Sure, my service challenges and frustrates me from time to time, but, overwhelmingly, it amazes and inspires me in what I learn, see and do.
One example of the impact my service has had on me is represented through the work we do with junior coaches. A few months ago, Playworks Utah had our annual Junior Coach Conference, which is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the fifth and sixth graders student leaders from each school. Everyone comes together for some large-group skills building, cooperative games, workshops and fun.
In the month preceding the event, I continued to support several Playworks programs at various schools in my role as flex program coordinator. I tried to pay special attention to the junior coaches at each school I visited. It was a chance for me to get to know these kids a little better and learn more about their lives and what being a leader at their school means to them.
Everyday I saw wonderful examples of leadership on the playground, in the halls, the cafeteria line, the gym, from all grade levels and every type of kid. Junior coaches are expected to take that drive for leadership to the next level, by guiding their school community to become healthier, positive, respectful and more inclusive.
In my short time at these schools, I’ve observed numerous examples of junior coaches stepping up in their own way. I’ve seen shy kids stand up in front of a class of rowdy first graders and effectively teach a new game. I’ve watched as kids who face the very real fear of ostracization from their peers step into a game and say “You know, that’s not the way Playworks does things. We use positive language and fair play.” I’ve noticed former troublemakers harnessing their energy by committing to something and taking a responsibility seriously.
Before, during and after the Junior Coach Conference, I took a step back and realized how much these students are growing and developing as positive forces in their communities. Every kid that we come in contact at Playworks has vast potential. This potential is one we all are trying to nurture with the goal of bringing out the best in every kid.
Guest blogger Connor Cushman is an AmeriCorps member at Meadowbrook Elementary School in Bountiful, Utah. Connor studied Psychology at Bates College and was a member of the ski team there. Aside from long games of wall ball, four square and jump rope, he enjoys spending time quietly contemplating his natural surroundings, exploring them on his feet, skis or bike.
