What school do you teach at and which club do you advise?
I teach 7th grade English at Marina Village Middle School and I advise the Hands4Hope Club (third year).
What is your impression/experience with Hands4Hope youth?
My experience with Hands4Hope youth propels me each year to take on the group as an advisor. The students involved with this group have a capacity for empathy and compassion that truly makes for leadership now and in the future. I enjoy listening to them plan to assist their community, interact with each other, and build skills to get a job accomplished.
Is there anything that you've enjoyed most/been most surprised by in interacting with the club?
I was especially touched by the efforts to support our homeless community last year! The students vetted out the choices of service and solidly chose to help the homeless and did this with skill and grace. This year, I would be amiss if I did not mention the over-the-top fun experience of the Doggie Fashion Show in Town Center. Being a participant with my "grand dog" was so fun to plan and be a part of! Again, the student leadership shined brightly through the leadership of their Hands4Hope advisors.
Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Part of being the advising teacher means that students use my classroom for meetings. I love to have them because of their positive energy, their willingness to clean up after meetings, and their expressions of appreciation. Hands4Hope youth have a perspective that everyone can learn from.