Baking with Chocolate Chips by Jillian

Baking with Chocolate Chips by Jillian - May 2018 Scholarship Essay

My footsteps echo on the empty hallway as I walk past the various classrooms to the room marked with the number 12. The moment I crack open the door and step into the room there is a chorus of “Hi, Hey, Welcome back”. Tracy, one of the seniors, rushes forward and envelopes me in a huge hug. Julie pulls out a chair and pats it, silently commanding me to sit beside her. This is the reception I receive every time I set foot in Conover School.
Conover School is a local school for students with a variety of disabilities, ranging from physical to cognitive to mental. The school works with these students to help them learn certain skills necessary to function in the real world such as dealing with money and also improving communication skills. When I volunteer there I usually help them with common core activities such as reading, writing and math. Sometimes I lead the lessons as they go over the weather, days of the week and the norms of the school.
One of my favorite activities to do with the kids is physical education. Sometimes I push around Zayden, who is in a wheelchair or assist Ziggy with his enthusiastic attempts to walk, but usually I dance with Kiana whenever they play music. I also tried to bake with the kids as that’s something I love to do and I wanted to share it with them. I taught them about kitchen safety, how to turn the oven on and off, and what to do with the dishes when they were finished with them. It was hilarious watching Cameron continually try to eat the chocolate chips when he was supposed to be putting them in the dough. He giggled the whole time, knowing he shouldn't be eating them.
When I started volunteering there I wanted to make a difference in these kids’ lives. I wanted to make a connection with people who are usually so disregarded by society. Instead, these kids have reached out and touched my heart. I have found everlasting friends who will always greet me with a hug and a smile no matter how I look or feel that day. Their laughter is contagious and always manages to fill me with joy. They manage to turn my day upside down and I always leave feeling happy just by being in their very presence.
They have made me realize the strength that can be found in facing every day with a smile on your face. No matter what challenges they face these kids just grin and keep on trucking, working their way through or around the problem. Working with these kids has changed my perspective on life. I wanted to help these kids but I am definitely getting more out of it than they are. It has helped me appreciate my circumstances and all of the opportunities I have and it has made me fall in love with volunteering.
When I leave the classroom at the end of the day there is another chorus of “Bye, Goodbye, See you later” and another round of hugs. As I look around at the faces of the people that have become so dear to me I smile. As I shut the heavy white door behind me and walk down the still deserted hallway, my feet clip clapping on the tile, I can’t wait to come back tomorrow.