For several years, I was a volunteer in the Trinity Educational Enrichment Program (TEEP) Art class helping 5th- and 6th-grade students for five mornings a week. I started volunteering with the intent of helping the kids.
What I experienced was that I was the one receiving blessings.
This summer, TEEP is celebrating its 60th year serving students from different schools, neighborhoods, cultures, and backgrounds. They come to the campus of Trinity School every day for six weeks. Morning classes include science, math, language arts, art, and music.
I started volunteering with the intent of helping the kids. What I experienced was that I was the one receiving blessings.
At 8:30 every morning, the students gather in Bishops Hall for breakfast and sing “This Little Light of Mine, I’m Gonna Let It Shine,” which sets the tone for the day.
Some students have natural talent for art, and others start off feeling very discouraged. I focused my time with the ones who said they just couldn’t do it. When I could help a child create an art project to the best of his or her ability, I witnessed how art builds confidence, self-respect, and self-discipline. It was a joy to help a child create and grow in a welcoming, judgment-free environment.
While anyone can learn, it’s the recognition of talent and building of confidence that brings true joy to the learning process. I found out that there was nothing better to practice my baptismal covenant, “To seek and serve Christ in all persons,” than a loving experience with a struggling child who sees he can create art and build his self-esteem.
