A Messy & Positive Beginning to Virtual Learning
/By Olvia Friend, B-SAFE 2020 A-TEAM Member
As a new member of the B-SAFE Summer program, jumping into this novel way of teaching and interacting with young people was nerve-wracking and messy. I knew that being a part of the virtual side of B-SAFE was going to be an adventure, but one that was rewarding and worthwhile. When I hopped into one of my first zoom lessons, I was overwhelmed with the level of unpredictability. Not only was I embarking on a method of teaching that was unfamiliar to me, but I was joining a new community of youth, families, and staff.
When my first student joined our zoom call, I felt an instant and overwhelming feeling of gratitude for this program. Before I even said a word, the student was smiling and visibly eager to begin the lesson. She had so much excitement that she had already completed the day’s art project before the lesson began. Even though the materials were supposed to be used during the lesson, seeing how proud she was of her colorful creation made me feel that my virtual work was going to be very meaningful over the next few weeks.
I have felt an immense amount of comfort knowing that other members of the Academic Team are also tackling this summer virtually. Having that team and our leader, Vicky, as a constant support system has been one of the primary reasons that the last few weeks have gone smoothly for me. The first week of online lessons was messy and new, but regardless of how many materials got lost or students were absent, the people who were present made a huge effort to make those 50 minutes the best they could be. From these mishaps, I learned how to improvise and make connections with the students. This helped me realize that basic bonding time, where the kids have space to be their most authentic selves, is just as crucial as the content of the lesson, especially when we are limited to virtual contact.
We are approaching the end of the third week and I already have a running list of memorable quotes and heartwarming sentiments from the kids. At the end of one of my lessons in the first week, I asked the students how they were adjusting to this new method of programming. Immediately, one student unmuted her microphone and said, “Ya know, I’m just happy that St. Stephens decided to open. I get to go be at program and then I get to come home and do fun activities on zoom. Today I was just thinking, wow, I am lucky!” It was endearing to hear how grateful she is to be a part of this program.
With this being my first summer at St. Stephens Youth Programs, I have felt so lucky to be a part of their mission and work alongside such driven, passionate, and big-hearted individuals. While I have moments every day of wishing that I worked in-person with the students, I know that the virtual connections that we are making are just as valuable.
Olivia Friend is a rising Junior at Brown University, concentrating in Education Studies. She grew up in Newton, MA and went to school in Cambridge, MA prior to Brown. This is her first year working with St. Stephens as an Academic Team member and a Teaching Specialist. She loves working with kids and is passionate about enhancing her teaching and learning skills.