This year, I had the amazing opportunity to help tutor and watch students at St. Margaret of Scotland. Although I did not go as much as I would have liked due to other commitments and a tough junior year, I went when I could. Every time I did have the chance to go, the staff and the students were incredibly grateful. Ms. Kameraan, the woman who runs the after-school program, is always looking for extra hands. Whenever I would go with Cate Lewellyn, she would be so happy for help. The last time we went, as we were leaving, we received big goodbye hugs from the students and a big thank you from Ms. Kameraan. As I left with Cate that day, I felt happy with the service we did.
Yet, I also wondered how we could do more. When considering what I could do for a final project, I decided the best thing I could do for the after-school program would be to expand it. Ms. Kameraan is always looking for extra sets of hands to help and extra eyes to watch the students. It would also be a huge relief if it was confirmed that a volunteer would be there each day. In order to do this for Ms. Kameraan, the volunteer program should be expanded and have a set schedule. If I reach out to other Marist students and even other local high schools, more volunteers will sign up. When someone shows interest in the program, I will ask them to sign up for certain dates. Each day, I will hopefully have 2-3 volunteers. The easiest way to expand the program would be through Social Media. I will create a group on Facebook with a description and a schedule to sign up for dates. It would be a closed group, but one that you could easily find to request to join. Then, I would add friends and ask them to add more. The group will quickly expand and Ms. Kameraan will finally get the help she deserves.
The service opportunity I had this year is one I feel more students deserve the chance to have. This service is not only beneficial to the students and staff at St. Margaret of Scotland, but it is spiritually beneficial for the volunteer, as well. If any one has a spare day after school next year, I strongly recommend signing up to spend time with the great kids at St. Margaret of Scotland.
