Thoughts Along the Journey

Excerpt from an earlier journal entry:

Oh the life of a small town girl. So scared to go out on her own and find her way in a big city. Yes, I have the nerve, but I don’t like the feeling I get when I am stared at as I walk down the sidewalk, the only white person within 5 miles, then to be asked questions and talked to by people I would rather avoid. Yes, South Central Los Angeles. Hello.

My endeavor in the Notre Dame Volunteer AmeriCorps in Los Angeles is one that is definitely out of my comfort zone, and as a Midwestern small town girl, very far away from anything I have ever known. As I have been here for just over two months (now seven), I have learned a great deal about working with youth and teaching, as well as my own capabilities and passions. My experience thus far as a Teacher’s Aid/Academic Assistance Supervisor/Substitute Music Teacher at Saint Columbkille can be summed up as a road of self discovery through service with many challenges and rewards. A giving of myself as I have never given before – only to gain so much in return.

ThAnK yOu

Life finds me once again embracing this always changing, unpredictable phase of life. I have to be honest, it has not been a breeze. As a small town girl, making my way in the giant city of Los Angeles – living in a ghetto might I add, there are times when I ask myself “What the heck was I thinking coming here?” I do know that I was put here for a purpose – and that is becoming clearer as time goes on. As any other new phase, there are ups and there are downs. A huge thank you to all those who love me. I cannot thank my family and friends enough for being there through all of those times with me – and hanging in there while I make it through this. I would be nowhere close to where I am right now in my life if not for you. God has blessed and equipped me to handle each situation presented, with faith and support.

Genuine Love

As I walk down the open-air hallways in school, I am reminded of why it is that I find myself working with kids. Many smiles, and excited “Hi Ms. Schiebe!”s, that I can’t help but smile and laugh to myself. What makes me so special, that all these children think I am so wonderful? It’s as if I am some star or something that everyone wants to say hi to and run up and give a hug. One in class, one of my first graders raised her hand while I was teaching music, just to say “I love you” in her sweet little voice. Another day, one of my second graders came up to me and said, “Ms. Schiebe, I forgot to give you a hug yet today,” and he proceeded to give me a great big hug around my waist. It is these moments that fill me up. The times when I can just embrace them for the children they are; in all their sweetness and genuine love.