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Testimonials
What's being said about Athletes in Service: "Athletics play an important
role in shaping our character and values. I commend the staff and supporters
of Sport in Society for their commitment to expanding the positive role
of sports in our society, to curbing violence, and to promoting academic
excellence through programs such as Athletes in Service to America." "I have been surprised by how little it takes to
really impact these students. I really feel like the work I was doing
was powerful in these kids’ lives. I also think that being so intimately
involved in the lives of these children and families has really enhanced
my perspective on urban life - especially that of the working poor. In
addition, I have been inspired by the dedication of the other corps members."
"I learned about myself. That I have the ability
to effect change and be a positive influence on children. I know that
the education systems resources were severely lacking but I had no idea
how desperate the situation was in some schools. I have furthered my understanding
of how to relate to people from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Also, due to the amount of difficulty that we have experienced, I believe
that I have become more flexible and improved my ability to deal with
adversity." "It’s exciting to see the kids looking to
learn, and its great to be the one to let them do fun things that learning
can come out of. I never had to remind them why they were out there because
they were intent on working hard." "We have such an amazing corps. We have only been
in service, maybe 2 months, and I feel like I have met the friends that
will be with me for the rest of my life." "I get along with my teacher at the Hennigan wonderfully.
She is willing to let me take a pretty active role in the class running
journal groups and science experiments. I feel like when I take a more
active role in the class, the kids earn more respect for me and, in turn,
I can make more of a difference with the ‘tougher around the edges’
kids is earning their respect." "I really enjoy my days in kindergarten. When working
with this age one can watch a child learn something and grow right in
front of her eyes. Every student I have worked with gets very excited
about the opportunity to receive this kind of attention from someone.
The look of happiness on a child’s face after praising them or giving
them a high five is extremely fulfilling." "I know important the academic focus is, but I know
in order to get there, I need to build a foundation of trust with them
first… I have a renewed passion and look at each day as an opportunity
for me to help change a person's life." "I am really starting to have a fondness for these
middle school kids. They are starting to repect me a little more, and
I think it helps that I am going to gym period with them now, so I get
to play basketball and stuff with them. I’m trying to show them
that it’s not normal that the girls only sit on the sidelines and
draw or jump rope. I think they get a kick out of seeing me run around
and try to shoot. When I make a basket, even though that only happens
once in 20 attempts, they say I have game. This is not only a nice confidence
booster, but shows that they are suprised that girls can even make baskets
at all." "With the high school students, I got one student
to open up about what was going on with his family. He needs a job because
he thinks that he will be kicked out of his grandmother’s house
because his mom doesn’t want him and she doesn’t want him
living at his grandma’s. So I am going to try and go to Mc D’s
and Burger King, near his house and talk to the manager and tell him that
I am working with this kid and he really can do the work if given a chance.
So hopefully by next week I can give this kid an application to a place
that will help him get back on his feet." "Our after school basketball program only has two
weeks left, however I am sure that we have made a positive impact on all
the kids involved-in all areas such as basketball, teamwork, sportsmanship,
homework and schoolwork, and life skills. I truly believe the kids benefited
greatly from the program." "The group of kids came in a Boston Medical Van
with a nurse. I soon learned that all the kids were offspring of parents
with AIDS. Two of the eight kids had H.I.V. The group was a very close
and friendly group and my heart went out to them. They were great kids,
all of which were determined to learn how to ski- and gave it their all
and never gave up. It was another situation since I began my Americorps
service that made me realize how lucky I was for all the good fortune
in my life- and how proud I was to b doing what I am doing and helping
out however I am."
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