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The St. Louis trip has given us an opportunity to gain leadership skills through the various tasks we had to accomplish. Each one of us took leadership in one way or another through teamwork.
"The time is always right to do what is right."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
Alternative Spring Break gave each of us the opportunity to witness examples of leadership throughout the trip. One huge example was the leadership Corey and Sandra showed us. With months of preparation, they made sure to be prepared every step of the way and knew how to handle situations they weren't expecting. They made sure we had the best experience possible; they filled it with learning and gave us the opportunity to help the community of St. Louis. Without them, this trip would not have been such a huge success.
Lafayette Preparatory Academy
Our first destination we visited was Lafayette Preparatory Academy. We saw leadership through the teachers. They were able to keep each child in line. Every time a child would act out, the teacher would catch it before the other students got distracted by their behavior. It can be difficult at times to keep an eye on every child, but the teachers at Lafayette were able to do just that.
Their students also showed leadership. One example was when the kindergarten students were at recess, and one of the children was upset and went to a corner. A lot of the kids saw him upset and showed leadership by checking up on him to make sure he was okay. After the kids talked to him they all continued playing.
At the end of the day our group was given the task to clean and organize an art room. Everyone in our group took the initiative to ask what needed to be done. We efficiently worked together to get the job done and managed to clean up the art room quickly.
KIPP Inspire and KIPP Wisdom
KIPP stands for Knowledge is Power Program. These schools were an amazing example of leadership. They provide their students, whom they call scholars, with the best education possible. KIPP is different in that they let their scholars know as early as kindergarten that college is possible. KIPP's goal is that all of their scholars go to college. They do this by providing a great education giving their scholars a step up and making the dream of college a reality.
Another example of leadership was how well behaved the children were. With the distraction of coming into the rooms, they remained focused on their tasks. The kids were truly amazing. The teachers are great leaders because they use words like "track me with eyes" in order for the children to keep good eye contact. There're also 2-3 teachers in each classroom teaching their scholars.
Here we are at KIPP Inspire school taking a group picture with the students in the Hawkeye room!
Below is a picture of KIPP Inspire building.
The following picture is of the group learning about KIPP Inspire.
The last picture is the group organizing bins with microphones and mouses that the students will use to practice their placement tests.
Y.M.C.A
The Y.M.C.A strives to provide a better environment for those who come into their facility. They want their members to be a part of the community. They provide their members with after school programs, childcare, summer camps along with fitness classes for their seniors. Their goal is to provide everyone with a sense of community and inclusion. They do this with the leadership of the staff and the support of their members.
Cleaning a closet at the Y.M.C.A. In the picture above we are cleaning the shed for their summer camp activities.
Setting up the courts Cutting fish that will help raise money for the Y.M.C.A.
Kingdom House
Kingdom House in an amazing organization where they show leadership throughout all of their amazing classes and services. They offer services for someone as a few weeks old, to senior citizens. They provide childcare and after school programs. They provide teens with academic support and job readiness. For adults, they provide education and financial stability with one on one coaching. Kingdom House is also a part of Senior Corps where they provide aid to senior citizens as well as a sense of community. Kingdom House is filled with opportunities that enrich the community of Saint Louis.
Children are tomorrow's leaders and that is why it is crucial for them to have good leadership within their community.
-Picture from Kindgom House
Examples of leadership are all around us.
Whether it is a crossing guard helping children cross the street. Corey, helping a stranger, or Hawkeyes spending their spring break volunteering; it is important to be an active citizen in your community.
Thank you St. Louis and thank you Alternative Spring Break class!
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