Reciprocity
Valerie Koury
Word Count: 270
“Not good…We heard gun shots…we had to walk the other way to school…A man died that day,” a second grade response to what is good about Baltimore.
The first time I walked into Lockerman-Bundy Elementary, my schema for an inner-city school was lost. Colorful murals filled the walls. Looks can be deceiving; I did not get my hopes up about the types of students that filled the vibrant school I would be working with. I was nervous about being down town, with flashing blue lights and meandering people. Yet, everyone at the school smiled and greeted me as if they did not notice the setting, mitigating my apprehensions.
I worked with students to complete program evaluations for ORCHkids. ORCHkids is an after-school music program that works with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to teach children to play and to care for instruments, while providing a snack and two extra hours of care beyond the normal school day. My first day was going well, and then I met Desha. Her spirit was remarkable and rejuvenating. She and the other staff and students truly enjoy being at the school and engaging with the music. The program consists of dedicated volunteers and teachers, and hardworking students who want to be successful in music. Though the program is contingent upon limited resources and thoughtful donations of supplies, the enthusiasm for music and education is the key to the program’s success.
I never knew working with a group of inner-city students could be so rewarding and refreshing. “Music is a gift…people can use it to express themselves,” a second grader’s answer to her thoughts on music.
Point: It is important to never judge based on stereotypes; there is good and bad everywhere. Never underestimate the power of a small group’s determinism and dedication, for you may miss out on a school of opportunities and enlightenment.
Valerie- The way you take us off the street and into the safe zone of the school is done very well. I picked up on your description of the corridor walls with murals and the place felt safe. Your description of Desha made me smile. Your point is expressed in the writing and it is good advice.
ReplyDeleteGreat story to use for your movie! The way you described things so visually will make a great script for some images in your movie. My only critique would be to maybe add some more details about Desha. When I was reading through, I thought you were going to continue on about her story, but you did not. Other than this, great story!
ReplyDeleteI really like how you provided a specific example of the girl that really believes In what she is doing for herself. The way you provide the example of the event puts the audience in a very suspenseful stance and thus will be highly effective in relaying the message of this story.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds good so far. I can really feel the impact with the words that you use. It makes me imagine the place where this happened and it is very fitting for your digital story. Good job!
ReplyDelete