Blinded by Sheer Awesomeness

As said at the beginning of Kung Fu Panda, I think I have been "blinded by sheer awesomeness." We just recently completed the actual service part of our Service Learning Project, and I am fully confident in saying that the success of our event was dependent on the smooth working style of our group. When we arrived at the Hanna Community Center to work with the children, we were excited to see the room filled with only about eight children, instead of the possible 25. Though five more children were on their way, the prospect for the next few hours was looking good. Until it became apparent that all thirteen kids were inexplicably energetic and all wanted to talk to each of us right that second, but weren't necessarily interested in doing the same thing at the same time. At this point, we all found ourselves looking at each other with raised eyebrows, as if to say "we have to do this for how long?"
But, then everything started to fall into place. Once we all sat down at the table and started to learn each other's names, all of us were able to be assertive enough to maintain control, but fun and energetic enough to hold the kids' attention and make the activities enjoyable. All of our group members were able to read each other and work together to organize the activities to make them the most enjoyable for everyone. We ended up switching the order of some of our activities as well as adding some games on the fly. Though this could have been stressful or hectic, our group pulled it off smoothly and it progressed without a hitch. I am not surprised that we were able to make the event as enjoyable as it was, but I am truly thankful for all the hard work everyone put in! Go group!

-Ellen Rohlfing