My Summer Program

nAs many of you know due to my constant posting about it on social media, I LOVE my job and I LOVE the Columbus School for Girls Summer Program. I've gotten a lot of questions lately about what a Summer Program is and why in the world I would choose to work this summer while also planning for my wedding in two weeks (what?!) and preparing for my full time time this fall.

First, a summer program is school based community dedicated to creating memorable and educational experiences to enhance the summer learning of children in the area. At CSG, I teach elementary music in the morning and hang with the 3-5 year olds in the afternoons.  

But why come back during this crazy summer? There are so many reasons, but primarily, prior to CSG I always believed that I was meant to teach high school. I thought I wasn't great with young kids and that my exacting personality was made for high school music teaching. But here at CSG, working with the youngest kids brought out a side of myself I hadn't met before. I loved the natural curiosity, genuine compassion, and high energy you find in elementary students, and I loved even more that I found all those same qualities in myself when I was them. It completely altered my outlook on the future of my career, and now, thanks to the influence of CSG, I'll be teaching elementary music in the fall. 

Finally, I've fallen in love with the family I've found here at CSG. The students, parents, and staff have become my true friends and I feel so indebted to them for the wisdom and acceptance they have shared with me over these three years. 

Plugging into the Bexley community though summer program work, and being joined by Ben this summer in doing that, has been one of the most impactful experiences of my life.

However you get involved in the work of the world around you, your contribution is valuable and worth making the time to participate in. How do you work in your own community? Comment below and tell me all about it!