goodthings.com: Guide to good people--folks to follow.

				Get GoodThings Greeting Cards			Get Involved
	December 1, 2008

search site


	PAPER GREETING CARDS! sell our cards buy our cards past goodletters subscribe directory of goodthings send us your good tell a friend link to us

Cassandra Einheuser
February 8, 2001

The summer after my sophomore year in high school, I was given the opportunity to volunteer at the day camp at Kirkland Heights housing project. I decided to volunteer there because I enjoyed being around children. I knew that I would have fun, but I never expected it to change my life.

Having lived my whole life in the suburban bubble of the Eastside, I had been sheltered from issues such as poverty. I had always known that poverty existed in big cities, but not on the Eastside. Not in Kirkland. The children of Kirkland Heights opened my eyes to a new world. Though they faced so much adversity in their lives, they have overcome obstacle after obstacle and remained wonderful children.

Before my experiences at Kirkland Heights, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. By giving me the opportunity to volunteer at Kirkland Heights, the Boys & Girls Club didn't only give me an unforgettable summer, it provided my life with meaning and direction. From that summer on, I knew that I wanted to devote my life to helping children, especially those from less fortunate circumstances. In order to accomplish this, I hope to become an elementary teacher.

Through the Boys & Girls Clubs I have worked daily with a variety of different children facing issues. From learning disabilities and abusive situations. The Club has also given me the opportunity to teach my own Spanish class to ten children between the ages of seven and twelve. This class has taught me skills, including creating lesson plans and keeping children's attention during class. Not only has this class been educational for myself, but it has also been extremely fun. In fact, it has become one of the highlights of my week.

The Boys & Girls Club has also provided me with many role models that I aspire to be like. All of the staff members are very devoted to not only their jobs, but also to the children themselves. They care about each child so much and are an inspiration to me. In a day and age where much of the world is driven by money and power, it is a relief to know that there are still caring people out there who would sacrifice money and glory in order to better the lives of children.

So when asked what the Boys & Girls Club means to me, the answer is easy. It means my future and the skill I will need to fulfill my dream of becoming a teacher. It means acquiring a place where I can find role models that amaze and inspire me daily. It means solace and sanity when the rest of my life seems so unmanageable. The Boys & Girls Club has given me so much and I hope that in time I will be able to give back all that I have received though a new generation of children.

Send your own stories about how the Boys & Girls Club changed your life or that of someone you know.


	DID YOU KNOW...? GoodThings makes and sells recycled-paper greeting cards! "Gratitude" is just one of them. Click it to see more in our store! WE NEED YOUR HELP Buy a few cards today and feel good knowing your purchase helps us continue to spread the word about ideas and actions that are making the world a better place.