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Reflecting on Reading Buddies at ³Ô¹ÏÍø Hill Elementary

This experience has been very eye opening for me and I feel like I built a meaningful relationship with my little buddy. Listening to her talk about her home in Bolivia and how much her life has changed in such a short period of time makes me feel bad for her and all the adapting she’s had to do. I also really appreciate how strong and kind she is and I am so proud of her for how much she cares about others. I got to be a mentor and a friend to her which was so cool and this experience made me want to learn some Spanish. She taught me a few basic words but I think it would be fun to talk to her in Spanish more if I learned the language.Ìý

I have not been around bilingual children much so working at this elementary school gave me a new appreciation for how hard they work and how their learning looks different than children who only speak one language. I cannot imagine trying to learn to read and write in multiple languages that young and I feel a lot of empathy towards them and how much hard work they are doing. I am finishing this semester very grateful to have met my little buddy and if nothing else just being there for her once a week and boosting her confidence in herself. I think my little buddy enjoyed this experience. She doesn’t love reading so much but I think she really benefited from some one-on-one time with an adult because she has siblings at home and her parents also work. She had fun and even started bringing her own books to read with me during the sessions.Ìý

I think the most important advice I have for people joining this program is to really open up to your buddy and don’t just be physically there, be super mentally and emotionally present with your buddy because they can teach you a lot of things as well if you let them.