Ryan:
Today was quite shocking for most people and what they experienced at the Tennyson Center. I was placed in the Aspen High School Classroom for students with various trauma, as well as learning disabilities. I was blessed to be received with kindness and compassion. I felt welcomed by all faculty and students and was able to fully jump right into activities with them. Though I didn’t have to deal with as difficult situations as my fellow RJ brothers, I still felt a sense of anxiety being in a new environment with those who experience the world so differently from myself. Overall, I enjoyed my time today and connecting with all the students in my classroom. I hope everyone can build off today and we can keep the same chill vibes in the classroom tomorrow. I appreciate this opportunity to serve an overlooked community and build bonds with those around me.

Oliver:
Today was nothing more than a surprise, a mind-blowing and humanizing experience. Every one of us had a leg shaking during our meeting before we went to our classrooms.  I was given the opportunity to work with high schoolers; many of whom were honest about the challenges they face at home or have dealt with in the past. Including drugs and abuse, it is impossible to comprehend what these students face on a daily basis. The classroom environment is loud, chaotic, often combative with students vying for the attention of their peers or teachers. As I reflect, I know that tomorrow is going to be a new day on earth and that’s all I’m hoping for, I didn’t and won’t get a chance to know these kids enough to be able to help them seriously and change them for the “better”. The best way to help these kids’ lives in a huge way is to immerse myself and listen, I have to try to make there day just a little better, the teachers a little easier or to just give a teacher a second to drink their coffee without a kid throwing a chair at them. If I can do just that bare minimum, this immersion was impactful for them and for myself.