Lessons Learned

Summer JAM is never boring! On Monday, each group had class and service projects. Since I am in the Education class, I went to the Washington Middle School for Girls. My two group members and I were all sick so we fought to put on happy faces. As the character building session progressed, the girls started bouncing off the walls. They stopped listening to us and we not showing us the respect they had the past three sessions with them. I began by giving a calm but firm mini-lecture about the need to respect us as mentors. When that didn’t work, another of my PANIM friends stood up and raised her voice to the girls, which also failed. Finally, a third PANIM group member took one of the instigating girls aside and gave her a childish lecture.

During our debriefing session, I realized why I was so upset. I was disappointed in myself and my skills. I took it personally that the girls disrespected me and my friends. The entire experience taught me a valuable lesson. When working with children, not everything can go well every time. What matters is how you deal with the rough situations as a mentor. Although my disciplinary attempt didn’t work, I did not raise my voice, and I did not get mad. I am going to forgive, forget, and enjoy the next two days with the girls.

On a different note, we spent today simulating a presidential debate. The candidates each had a team and we researched and debated the different issues. As a debate student and political activist, I really enjoyed the program. Taking the role of John McCain was different and challenging for me. In the end, Obama and Guliani won. I think the entire JAM community got something out of this program, candidate or staff. At the end of this long day, I have to go do toranut but check back for another blog later.

-Jordan H

JAM '07