September 12: My First Day at St. Charles Elementary

The excitement one feels before meeting someone for the first time is indescribable. It's not only the nervous stomach butterflies that flutter endlessly, but also the inability to keep from smiling! I had been feeling this way all day, and the feeling only became more intense once I entered the EDUC 299 classroom at one o'clock in the afternoon. I felt like that class period was the "team prep" before the big game. We were all getting ready for a very important moment in our lives: the chance to finally meet and begin impacting our little sisters and brothers. Unfortunately, my little sister was not present at the first day of mentoring, but even though I was a little disappointed, I was able to use the time wisely. It was amazing to see the faces of the big sisters and little brothers who met for the first time. They all seemed to bond right away, and the endless stories on the ride home were priceless! During the hour and a half we had at the school, I wrote my little sister a short letter telling her how excited I am to meet her next week. It was also a great opportunity to contact her teacher. I learned about her habits in class and how she interacts with other students. This week, I am going to think of some fun activities that will hopefully help her open up and become comfortable around me during our first meeting. I hope she will trust me as a friend, and I cannot wait to see her smile! One thing I have learned this past week is to expect the unexpected. Most of life experiences are unpredictable; I will always be running into obstacles and finding ways to overcome them. As a mentor, I must encourage challenges and not be afraid to learn through the conversations and activities my little and I will experience together throughout the next year.