All twenty of us together after our day in the school styling our new Alternitive Break shirts!
Today was our first full day at Sheridan Elementary. Many of us began to see similarities and differences between this inner-city school and our own Alma elementary schools. Although the curriculums are almost identical, the children and environments are very diverse based on school size and behaviors. According to Ricardo Martino, the schol was originally built to hold about 500 students and currently holds close to 1,000 students. After working in the classroom for the day, we all ate lunch and talked about our individual experiences. After school, we participated in the N.C.S.S. After School program--in the lunch room. We helped students with homework, colored, played games and socialized. One young girl distributed stickers to us while we were helping out.Â
After school, some of us went to South Street while the majority of our group returned to the hostel to cook dinner and rest. Andy Lauppe, Alma College alumn, ate soup and grilled cheese sandwiches with us. It was fun to hear about his life after Alma in a suburb near Philly. Â
In the hostel, we are meeting a lot of interresting people from around the world. There are two gentlemen from the Netherlands, two gentlemen from Quebec, two gentlemen from Wisconsin, two gentlemen from Japan, one woman from Italy and a few other people. It has been a lot of fun talking to them about their experiences and sharing our own experiences.Â
Today was Amy Hyder's (class of '06) 21st birthday. Last night, Tim Chairez (class of '08) brought in a small poptart cake to Amy. We are greatful for her contributions on the trip and for giving up her big day to assist in service.
The group is becoming closer through sharing experiences in and out of school.
