By Peter Roth, VE Global Volunteer, September 2015
Recently, I video chatted with my close friend Brianna, who introduced me to VE Global. We could only talk for a moment, and she was so excited to hear all about the kids, VE Global, and my life here in Santiago, that before I knew it the conversation was over and I had forgotten to say the most important thing: thank you. I know that I will be eternally grateful to Brianna for having connected me with VE Global.
Thanks to Brianna, I am now a part of the loving, energetic, and tight-knit Domingo Savio family. It is hard to put into words the power that lives within this community. My first day at ‘the club’ I was sitting next to a thirteen year-old boy, enjoying the daily home-made meal cooked by Tia Magali, when he turned to me and asked, “Tio Pedro, what is your favorite thing about Santiago?” I gave a vague answer—I had already fallen in love with the city after two weeks, but I couldn’t truthfully pinpoint why. “And you?,” I asked. When he responded with “this club”, I began to get an inkling of an idea as to what Domingo Savio is all about. This club means everything to them. At the club, the kids have a safe space to learn, grow, interact, love, yell, cry and laugh, and they truly appreciate it. As a VE volunteer, I can help to provide that space. If he asked me again now, two months later, what my favorite part about Santiago is, I too would respond with “this club.”
During homework/workshop time I am with the younger group, which consists of eighteen children ranging from five to nine years old. Daily, prolonged exposure to young children has left me with a profound respect for the amount of growth that happens during this critical age. In just two months, I have watched the kids grow academically and in character. While most of this growth happens under the surface, there are times, especially in the academic arena, where I can see the direct results of my work. I had never imagined just how rewarding it could be to teach a foundational skill—like how to sound out a new letter combination, or how to understand multiplication—until I had done so. One reason for coming to work with VE Global was to confirm my thought that I wanted to pursue a career in education. After working at Domingo Savio, my addiction to that feeling of reward that comes with having taught a new concept validates my suspicion that teaching is something I want to do.
My meaningful volunteer work is only complemented by the fulfillment, adventure, and world-expansion that comes with living in a new country. Since I have been here, I have been introduced to so many new ways of life, new foods, a new language, and many new friends. I already feel truly connected to this amazing city and the people I have met here.
So, the next time I speak with Brianna, I will be sure to express how truly grateful I am to her for introducing me to VE and all that it has brought to me.