I served for the Southwest CDC at Patterson Elementary School in Southwest Philly for this summer. I created a Gocha Machine(a capsule toy machine), using cardboard to represent the community I served. When I first entered the school, before the kids came, I noticed the lack of resources, the humidity, with dust scattered everywhere on the tables. In conversation with one of the staff members, he shared fond childhood memories of strolling around the streets with his friends. This insight inspired me to paint the background of the machine in gray, reflecting my initial impression of the Southwest community and capturing its street vibe.

Over the weeks of summer camp, the vibrant energy that the kids had, really brought the school alive, which can be represented by the colorful names and doodles that they drew for me. They were engaging in the activities, expressing their creative ideas, and always really welcoming when we entered the classroom. Each child’s handwriting and perspective represented a unique splash of color that contrasted with the gray in the background. 

The "capsules" in the machine are the stories the staff wanted to share – memories from their childhood and the things they loved most about their community. Like the Gocha machine, you wouldn’t know what you are getting from the capsule until you turn it out of the machine and open it, like how you need to immerse yourself in the Southwest Philadelphia community, work with the people to understand their way of life. I really appreciate the opportunity to serve the underserved population in Southwest Philly, giving me the chance to engage with them, listen to their stories, and gain insight into their upbringing and lifestyle.