By Mykia Smith
Our first day at Overbrook was a
good day. After all the anticipation we got to put a name to the faces that we
will be serving during our week in Philly. There is a difference between
talking about a population of people and immersing yourself within that
population. I saw students today not in their uniform, I saw students not in
class, and I heard students use inappropriate language; but I also saw students
hold open doors, show respect to their administrators, and delve deep into
discussion with serious questions about what it means to get a higher education
and what it means to have a better life. So often we think of people in
unfortunate situations as “others” and attribute their disadvantages as a
product of who they are. We saw firsthand today that this is not the case. These
students are no different from me as they are from each other; in a system that
is currently changing and failing them we see why it is important to have community
and non-profit organizations step in attempt to pick up where the school system
has disappointed them.
As a result of today I have
learned of the dangers of being closed minded. To have come into Overbrook and
immediately written off these students as lazy and not caring about their education,
and had seen myself as their savior, would have been false and ignorant. I
appreciate my experience today because it allowed me to learn about myself in
how I regard others, how I stand up for what I believe in and how I express
myself. I have learned from my ASB Philly family to be patient, to allow a safe
space for others to express themselves, and how dangerous it could be to assume
that you know what the best way to “serve” someone is. I have learned from the
students why it is so important to dig deeper and to motivate and encourage
students and educators. Educators and students are some of the most important
people in society in that students are the future policy makers and leaders of
society and educators are those people that influence and shape these students.
We have to provide these students and educators with the proper resources to
engage in a effective learning environment because without them society would
surely cease to exist.
To get back specifically on topic
what I have learned in my 2 days on this trip have provided with me with an insight
and information that I could have only gotten here. I am truly grateful for my
experience here and I cannot wait for tomorrow. :)
What powerful observations and insight! I'm sure your team's evening reflections are so meaningful! Keep up the awesome work!
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