Empowering Futures Through Education and Community

Working with Delores works was a great experience. Getting to spend time with a community I’m not typically in allowed me to take a step back in how I view and evaluate others lives in this world.   Being able to teach something as simple as soccer skills. Though it may not seem much to us as the teachers you can see in then the joy it brings then to have a connection back with something relating to their culture.   I also enjoyed getting to interact with my fellow coworkers in the program. Hearing how they spend their time at their own universities and the plans they have for themselves great.  Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Delores Works and I am glad I was able to take on this opportunity.

As the summer school season comes to a close and I reflect on the past 5 weeks working for Delores Works I am reminded of the many lessons that I have learned. Working with kids from 1st to 5th grade has been challenging but rewarding, my understanding for students who may have difficult home lives or children that have no desire to be here has grown, and yet we have been able to connect with each student. I have also grown to appreciate the hard work of a teacher, not only do they instruct a class, but they become second mothers and fathers. School becomes a home for these young students, and teachers are here to help them find their potential. This internship has really opened me to the many different possibilities in education, but further more I have gained a profound appreciation for the school system and the people that have helped me grow into the college student that I am today. I thank you so much for this opportunity, and am extremely blessed to have worked here this summer.

"Getting up every morning playing soccer, basketball and just being able to assist my co-workers and teachers has been a true authentic experience for me. Every summer since I was started high school I’ve been working at Delores works. There hasn’t been a single bad experience since I’ve been here that’s why I’m grateful for both Judy and Delores for letting me work here for the past 3 summers. After reflecting on this year’s summer school I feel like as a team we did great. The kids were awesome this year I loved playing with them in the field and working with them in the classroom. The only thing that I feel we could have done better this year was get the schedule down so everyone knew where they were supposed to be at all times. but at the same time I feel like it has made me grow because it has forced me to be flexible as a person and be patient and positive with a open mind attitude for situations that are out of my control."

"This summer, I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to be apart the Delores Works program at Richfield Stem School. Getting the chance to make a positive impact in a child’s life means a lot to me, as they may not be getting the guidance or direction that they need to grow as a person. Whenever a student didn’t want to participate in an activity, I made a it a priority to understand what made them want to sit out, which resulted in some students joining the class activities later. I try to make a connection with students that only a younger adult would be able to make, acting as an older sibling in a way while remaining the authority and direction of a teacher. Once again, I am very thankful to Delores and Judy Henderson as well as Richfield Public Schools for this opportunity."