Volunteer of the Month: February 2015

WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO BIG CLASS?

I had a friend whose friend that was involved with Big Class. After a night of conversation, I decid- ed to try and see what it was like to volunteer there.

WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?

I do really enjoy being a help the kids, their homework being my specialty. After the day is done, I do have a great feeling self fulfillment. That addition of happiness into my life is a big reason for continuing my Big Class involvement.

WHAT ARE SOME SKILLS YOU HAVE THAT HELP YOU OUT AT BIG CLASS?

Silly laughs. It can be trying helping with home- work or creating new ideas. Completely break- ing focus and laughing reminds us that we can have a lot of fun while in Big Class.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU’VE FACED AT BIG CLASS?

One of my biggest challenges at first was being authoritative. I didn’t feel genuine chastising anyone for making a ruckus. Over time this is something I’ve focused on getting better at, and its gratifying to see how much better I am at this.

WHAT ARE SOME GREAT PIECES OF WRITING YOU’VE HELPED WITH? TELL US THE STORY BEHIND THEM IF YOU CAN.

The pieces that stick out are of wrestling and the most recent future series. A couple of the boys will write of wrestling and tell of a match like no other. Seeing them laugh loudly about certain details they’re adding or get really excited about whats happening next can be fun and heart- warming. Some of the kids wrote about robots in the future recently. Talking about the details and plot was more gratifying that a lot of the writing prompts I’ve been involved with in the past.

WHAT ARE YOU UP TO WHEN YOU’RE NOT VOLUNTEERING WITH US?

If I am not working I try to get out and ride my bike around. Risky at times, but New Orleans is a great city to explore by bike. I like to paint, draw and create art. I like to read books, articles and graphic novels. Recently I’ve found the graphic novel section at the downtown library. The librarians are so helpful there!