Isaiah's Eyes by Katie

Isaiah's Eyes by Katie - March 2024 Scholarship Essay

Have you ever stumbled upon a job that you really loved? My junior year I was working as a cashier in the local grocery store, and I hated it. My friend told me about an opening at the YMCA After School Care at an elementary school. It paid more and had better hours, so I applied. For the past year, I have enjoyed a job that has helped me to remember a child’s perspective and to obtain skills necessary for adulthood. In turn, I hope to have a positive impact on each student.

One of the most enjoyable parts of this position is being able to mentor these students. Many of them do not have good role models at home and they look to teachers, bus drivers and after school counselors. The most memorable one is a rambunctious boy that I will call Isaiah. From several discussions and redirections, we have had this year, I can see that Isaiah’s home life is not ideal. He is constantly listening, and more importantly, watching his role models at school to learn how to conduct himself. I try daily to exhibit kindness, gentleness, and self-control so that he can see what that looks like in action. This is such an important and heavy role for me and the longer I work here, the more important I see it through Isaiah’s eyes. I pray daily for help to exhibit these characteristics because I know that actions always speak the loudest.

One thing I love to do is to help them finish their homework. Some of them suffer from ADHD or other learning difficulties that make it hard to focus, read or complete math problems. Despite my higher test scores and good grades, I also have ADHD so I can relate to this issue. I usually seek out these kids (like Isaiah) and sit down to assist and encourage them, often pushing them through each math problem or reading assignment. Working with these kids has helped me reflect on what I needed when I was their age and I try to give each one the assistance that is necessary to help them succeed. I tell them that I believe in them, I encourage them, and I often find math or reading tools to help them get through an assignment. Hopefully, what I do after school will spill over to their classroom and home life.

In addition to ADHD, I have had my share of social difficulties. I find that I often cannot “keep up” with conversations with larger groups because I process auditory information more slowly. When I was younger, this was an issue when making and keeping friends. When I notice kids (especially girls) who are having trouble socially, I make it a point to play with them. What I find is that when I do this, other kids often join, and we end up having a great time. It seems that when the teen counselor takes time with a child, other children often think he is “cooler” or more fun. My behavior can end up setting these children up for success later.

Through this job, and other children’s volunteering activities, I have discovered that I would like to work in pediatric nursing. Being a mature role model, encouraging and exhibiting solid characteristics, and modeling social behaviors are important skills I have learned from working with these children. I would have never realized that these skills were necessary before I took on this role. I will be a better parent, aunt, children’s church volunteer, and pediatric nurse because of the relationships I have grown with each unique child in after school care.