I was lucky enough to work at the Girls Inc. of Memphis (GIM) Youth Farm. Girls Inc. is a organization that encourages girls to be strong, smart, and bold through various programs and activities. I’ve always had a passion for helping and teaching children and have often sought out opportunity to work in settings that let me exercise that passion. But I had exclusively worked with elementary-aged children and younger because I felt I would not have the patience to work with older children or be able to effectively interact with them.
The Youth Farm is the newest program at GIM, and employed 6 high school girls. The participants not only learned basic farming techniques and healthy living habits but also entrepreneurship, leadership, and civic skills. Each week, the participants would work on the 9.5 acre farm in Frayser, engage in workshops, participate in the local Frayser Exchange Club meetings, experience other local businesses on field trips, and sell their produce at the Memphis Farmers Market. At the farm, I assisted staff by planning and leading activities, in addition to working alongside the girls and interacting with them as a mentor.
While the farm threw me out of my element, it would be an understatement to say that I learned a lot. I learned how to grow vegetables, and how to lead workshops. But more importantly, I learned to listen. I learned that you cannot serve others without understanding your role and what you can offer. Helping others to satisfy your own personal need isn’t truly helping. I learned that you should serve because you can assist others to be the best versions of themselves that they can be.
I think your blurb is beautifully written. It flows so smoothly. I especially love your last paragraph. You wrapped up what this fellowship is all about, service. You are able to tie that into your blurb very efficiently. I'm so glad you had such a great experience with such an incredible organization!
ReplyDeleteBecky,
ReplyDeleteThis was a passionate and inspiring blurb! There isn't much that I encourage you to fix. 1) Make sure it says "an organization" instead of "a organization" in your first paragraph. 2) I would change "opportunity" to "opportunities" in your first paragraph also. 3) In your first paragraph explain why there is a need for Girls Inc. You discuss how Girls Inc. tries to teach these young ladies to be smart, strong, and bold - but why is that important (I know why, but your reader may not). With these minor changes you will have a very smart, strong, and bold blurb!
Great job! I think it would be interesting to hear a little bit more about your experiences working alongside the girls and whether you learned anything through that experience. It sounds like you spent quite a lot of time with them this summer, so I'm sure you did learn quite a bit.
ReplyDeleteLoved your post! The last paragraph really inspires! I would like to have read something about how your time with the girls changed your previous outlook on your ability to interact with older age groups. Did you find it challenging at first until you grew into it? Was it not at all different from working with younger age groups? I'm curious!
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