Ashley- 826 Chicago- Day Two

On our second day we were able to take some time to explore the city. 826 had us come in around 1pm so that we could stay later that night for new volunteer training. So that morning we set out with a vague plan of what we wanted to see. It consisted of the typical bean picture excursion and sightseeing. First we started walking and decided to check out the public library since it was right next to our hostile. At first it was not all too impressive. Each level was the same, rows of books and wifi users stationed at large oak tables. We continued to the top floor and followed a sign that led us to a roof garden. This was an open room with a glass ceiling and marble floor. It was gorgeous and certainly not what you would expect after wandering the rows of books. After that we headed to the Bean. It was thoroughly entertaining. Many a picture was taken. Our next stop was a café for lunch. Then it was off to 862. That day they had us help with decorating for a prom fundraiser they are having in April. It is Comic con themed. Our task was to find papercrafts that could be used at the prom in bigger scale. It was actually very entertaining. I was not complaining about having to spend the day in the city and then do crafts to help decorate. Around 3pm the children started to arrive for tutoring and this time we were stationed at the writing tables. That is where the tutors send the children to do a writing prompt. The prompt this week was asking the children to write a story telling what kind of party they would have if they held a 30 hour dance party. Every answer was very unique but I think my favorite kid to work with was a young boy named Christian. At first he refused to write. Then after I got him talking about anything other than writing he was fine. Then I simply had to ask him questions about his party. The best part was seeing him get excited about his story and watching him run with it. All he needed was someone to believe that he could do it and tell him his ideas were good. He was just a kid that needed one on one attention. That is why the 826 program is so good for the community because there just aren’t enough teachers to provide that kind of support. Seeing his excitement made my day even more so than getting to explore the city.