Fifth Blog Prompt: Addressing specific aspects of your service experience, how has that experience related to this writing course’s content and purpose? How might this experience and course content be applied to your personal or professional life?

Since I chose charter schools as my research paper, my service experience gave me an inside look on what I was investigating. Through viewing the inadequate Boy and Girls Club facility at City Collegiate, I realized the importance of co-location between charter and DCPS schools. Because City Collegiate is in its first year, I saw difficulties and disorganization that was often discouragin. But I also talked with staff, especially Principal Hedlund, who really care and know their students. Overall, I saw the drawbacks and positives of charter schools. And as a previous charter school "agnostic," I can now say that I am a charter school convert.

Although my observations of the charter schools were worthwhile, my actual work at City Collegiate was not. The teacher I worked for was often rude and never said thank you. Each week, she forgot I was coming and hastily assigned me tasks like reorganizing the science equipment or rearranging her desk. Often, I felt like I was helping her get home from work early, not contributing to the kids' learning. Yet, this experience taught me to be patient and humble. Although I felt qualified for more meaningful tasks like tutoring the kids, I had to accept the tasks I was given. While they were often monotonous and boring, I realized that every little bit helps. City Collegiate is very disorganized. At least I could help it operate more smoothly.