This photo was taken during one of the Harbor Explorer lessons. This lesson was actually a competition where the campers built their own boat and competed against other campers’ boats to see whose held the most marbles. Everyone did great and the kids learned that there is no one specific way to solve a problem.
Taking on a job as an instructor required a great deal of patience and persistence. However, as tedious as it was having to instruct the campers to follow the rules, the experience was rewarding. Our kids had spunk, humor, and passion. Whenever I taught the kids, they always brought new ideas to the table. To be honest, I never felt like I was the teacher, as the kids taught me as much as I taught them. Although, I must say that I am very lucky to have had supportive coworkers.
When I was talking to the campers, I tried to get them to learn how to believe in their abilities, as I understood how easy it was to compare themselves to other people. Learning is not always reading a textbook or writing down answers to equations. There are so many ways to learn, and I got the campers to understand this by introducing them to think critically and use their resources to make the world a better place. As for a lesson, I hope the kids will keep in mind throughout their lives, always find the opportunity to challenge yourself, whether it be through rigorous academic courses or training for the Boston Marathon. Most importantly, the campers learned to be kind and respectful to one another.
In the beginning, I noticed that some of the Harbor Explorers (HE) were very shy and didn’t trust their surroundings, which is normal. Throughout the weeks, the HE campers had started to build their confidence by raising their hands to offer their opinions during a discussion, helping the staff collect and put away life-jackets, and handling the tiller of a boat on their own. What made me especially proud was the fact the kids learned what it meant to do good even if nobody’s looking.
One of my favorite moments was creating lessons. As a student taking on the role of an instructor, I can empathize with the teachers who were involved in my life. It is difficult to create a smooth framework of lesson plans, especially when it comes it things like educational state requirements. However, the process was worth the work when I saw the campers’ determination to learn. The ocean breeze from sailing was also refreshing. It was inspiring to see the kids take charge and learn about what mechanisms affect what.
My goals for school are to maintain my academic performance, use technology to assist others, and volunteer my time towards servicing impactful causes. At work, I wish to get a bit more involved in the sailing aspect of the Center and to find opportunities where I can volunteer some of my time.
–Ayat Walid
