Last Spring Break I lead an Alternative Spring Break trip to Chicago IL. Now you my think, "Spring Break, you're supposed to be going somewhere warm, not were there is more snow"! I took a group of 12 U-Maine students to work with the boys and girls of the James R. Jordan Boys and Girls Club.
It was such an inspirational time as well as challenging. First off we were a bunch of white people, most of us from Maine, going to an area of strictly black and Hispanic cultures. It took a day for the students to trust us, because unfortunately they've been taught not to. After that first day when the 3 boys on our trip, schooled some of the club boys at basketball, we had some respect.
We tutored, played games, played sports, taught, danced, laughed, smiled, and had just an amazing time!
The Last day we were there, Friday, March 7 2008 there was a shooting at the local high school only 2 miles down the road. The Club was on full alert and we were kept very safe. The shooting was over a hat that had a clock in it. The shooter was actually at one time a member of the club. The student who was shot was killed and another student was beaten to death wit a golf club.
It sound horrendous, and i bet you're wondering why i say this was an amazing trip. You never know once you have violence in your face, how bad some folks have it. We were able to make these students happy for a week. That was our job and we did it well!
No comments:
Post a Comment