Volunteering at Alpharetta Y. Museum

Unexpected Lessons with Children

My younger brother Leo, six years younger than me, was always by my side. Like Woodstock trailing Snoopy, he followed me everywhere when he was little. I had to help with schoolwork, and at night Leo would crawl into my bed and keep me from sleeping. At first, it was nothing but annoying. But over time, those little habits started to feel endearing. Eventually, I noticed they were imitating me, taking my words seriously, and I realized, “Maybe I’ve become a kind of mentor.”

I felt the same during my time as a patrol leader in Scouts. At first, it was exhausting to watch over younger scouts, making sure nothing went wrong on hot camping trips. But slowly, they began to follow me around and rely on me, and their trust became something I cherished. The annoyance faded, leaving behind only laughter and shared lessons. This pattern repeated itself when I volunteered at the Alpharetta Yeargin Art Museum, coaching children in art. At first, some hesitated to pick up a brush. But with time, they painted with growing confidence, proudly showing me their finished work. On the last day, one child handed me a drawing with the words “For Teacher” written on it. That simple gesture warmed my heart.

Time with children is always the same: it may begin with frustration or effort, but eventually I find myself learning more from them, and the moments we share become my most treasured memories. After all, we have all been recipients of that kind of love and now, I want to be someone who gives it back.