Ever since I began doing a Service project with SVS it has opened my eyes to all the different things that go on around the Muncie community without me knowing it. When I decided to sign up as a tutor at the Ross Community Center, I never imagined what went on there and how much of an impact I could make and they make on me. But after only four weeks of going there, I have learned so much, and hopefully I have helped the kids in return.
The Ross Community Center is a place where children can go after school, have fun, relax, get their homework done, and know it is a safe place to be. The place is a little run down, but the kids do not mind. This is their fun place for the day. There are usually four to ten kids at the center when we go, and oh how they love us when we arrive. They want attention so bad because they lack it at their home lives and probably school, so this is our opportunity to give it to them. Sometimes some of the older girls need attention way too much and start chanting profanity and start fights just so they can get our attentions. It works, but we have learned to just ignore those comments and actions, because we know they are just for show.
When I started tutoring, I told myself not to get too attached. I was there to help the kids with their homework and have a good time with them after their homework was completed, but I did get attached to one girl in particular. Her name is Casey. When I first saw Casey my heart went out to her, because she was so sweet and a little quieter than the rest. Her sister was the one who always make the obscene gestures, but Casey would just sit there and watch. From that moment on I decided I was going to invest my time into her whenever she was there. So whenever Casey is at the Ross Center, I make it my goal to play, talk, and help her. I know if I put my time and effort into her little by little she will definitely get something out of my visits.
I believe my weekly visits to the Ross Community Center have made me realize that I need to be thankful for what I have. I see these kids trying to take all the extra erasers or pencils that we bring for them or how they get so excited whenever someone brings in something new that they do not have. I just appreciate life more. I am also more thankful for my parents’ good upbringing they gave me. I see these children and how they cuss and do things that I would never have thought to do in my elementary years or even middle school years; ok I still do not do them. I am just so thankful for having a good upbringing from my family. I always took that for granted and sometimes got mad at my parents for being too strict, but when I look back I am glad they were.
I believe that I am impacting Muncie little by little. I feel that if I can reach the kids and try to show them through my actions ways to behave. I am not saying they are bad kids, I feel like they just need some guidance. Therefore I believe I am impacting Muncie’s future generation little by little, which is all anyone person can really do.
-Michelle Ripley
Ross Community Center Volunteer
BALL STATE'S PREMIUM CONNECTION TO ACTIVISM
