Through community engagement, I have not only gained a better understanding of what it means to be little, but of what it means to play a role in a little person’s life. Children are a huge part of this world we live in and they are often times overlooked. I chose to engage in the community by looking them in the eye and letting them know that I believe in who they are and what they are capable of. Through my work with Bigs in Schools at UMW and my work as a dance teacher, I have explored mentorship at it’s finest and sometimes it’s hardest yet it is what I look forward to most during the week.
3 thoughts on “Melissa Coffman Research 2: Dancing with the Littles”
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What a great and unique way to get involved and impact the community by touching children’s lives with dance! Personally, I started dancing at 7 years old and continued to enjoy doing it growing up. With adult responsibilities and a tight schedule, I don’t do it anymore, but I keep telling myself I will get back to it. It seems like a lot of fun to spend time with the kids teaching them the discipline while doing something you enjoy. Although it’s clear that not much power lies in your hands in the chain of command, I’m sure you’ve definitely contributed positively to those children’s experiences and give them something to look forward to. I think with each small act of kindness ultimately comes great power.
I think this was a great way to go about the project! I also do Bigs in Schools at Harrison Road, I can see exactly what you mean when you say children are the future, and I liked the quote you used for that in your paper! I think you got the levels of power right so I liked reading about the different organizations that help and then comparing the level of power with your dance studio. Great job and I loved reading the paper!
I really liked your project because it was something i could easily relate to! I coach a swim team every summer and find myself in the same shoes you are. Although we do not have a lot of power, we know we are making an impact on these children’s lives!