Going into this project, I was not sure how I was going to be able to spend 5 hours a week with middle school-aged students. I remembering being in middle school and just thought of it as an awkward age. How was I going to be able to lead them? Looking back at this experience, I can see how I did gain a relationship with these students. I felt empathy for them and their family situations. I recall showing them that school isn’t impossible, but it is going to test them in their determination.

         

         I grew to be a less selfish person from meeting with these students each week. I started to care about the wellbeing of others and wanted these students to succeed. I hope I was able to show the students that anything is attainable, if they put their minds to it and are willing to work for it. They don’t have to settle for anything. I know theses students changed my life and made me more empathetic for others and their situations.