I would not use the word "excited" to describe the way I was feeling waiting for the service learning van. I had four classes nonstop that day and I'd been entirely drained. Typical Monday. So I waited there. Even with my training, I still wasn't sure I was ready. But instead of focusing on being nervous, I focused on my pathetic excuse for a meal (A nature valley snack bar) and tried to savor it because it was the only thing I'd be eating for the next three and a half hours.
On the ride there, the nervousness really sunk it. I was not ready for this. I looked around at everyone else. Were they as nervous as me? Everyone was nicely dressed (maybe not dressed up but still a lot more presentable and then there was me in my jeans and oversized hoodie. I felt out of place. I also managed to forget my CFL packet, the only thing I needed for this day.
We walked in and all of the learners were already seated and ready to go. I looked around and tried to guess who mine would be. But I'd find that out shortly anyway. I made sure to keep a smile on my face. And I said a hello to the ladies I passed as I found a seat. I was shaking. Mark began his introduction speech and announced who we would be matched up with.
This was when I met my learner, Miss A. She was a quiet woman (or maybe she was nervous too) and she wore the most gorgeous african robe. She told me she was born in Africa and she moved here due to the war in her country. When she came with her family to America, she never enrolled in school. She hasn't been in a classroom since she was 10. I thought that was really interesting, but also really sad. This made me really want to help her. She seemed very interested in learning as much as she could. That day we started with spelling, reading, and we even started typing.
I'm still not sure if service is for me but I'm going to try my very best. Hopefully, as we get to know each other better, Miss A and I will become good friends. I feel this is an experience we will both learn from.
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