Early mornings at Peninsula Bridge are filled with so much energy; the sound of running feet, the smell of soccer and rubber balls in the sun, the sight of running kids moving from corner to corner across the quad, and everyone is excited for a new day here. This is only the second Monday of the five during the program, but already things seem to be working smoothly. The teachers and teachers' assistants work well together in the classroom and the students readily play together in one huge game of volleyball. Things are flowing well and we are able to begin to see the small joys that happen everyday. On any given day, you will see teachers and TA's sitting together playing guitar with a circle of students around them, TA's passing a soccer ball with students, and students running alongside new friends on their way to class.
If I have learned anything so far as a TA, it is that a lot goes in to putting together all of the intricacies of a five-week school program. I am constantly running around all day, preparing lunch, taking students to class, and helping out with any scrapes or bruises. Yet in spite of how busy things can get, all of the TA's have found the summer to be a great success so far. The days have sped by, and I have a feeling they will continue to be fun and enriching for the students. I'm confident that the smiles on their faces and the words that they speak will linger in our memories long after our time with the students is gone.