Our civic engagement project included spending a few hours at The Brown House, an afterschool program for underprivileged children in the Tuscaloosa community. I can say with a full heart that I had so much fun getting to interact with these amazing and joyful kids. We split into three groups, played with the kids, and got to know them. I had the opportunity to play basketball and get absolutely demolished by a seven-year-old in one vs one. Through this, I got to know a bit about his background and what he likes to do. Even though he kept tackling me, we got along very well after we became comfortable around each other.
This day of community service caused me to interact with kids who are different than me. It also helped me to escape the college bubble that I tend to get trapped in. I feel like I made a difference in the Tuscaloosa community and my own life. I learned a lot about my leadership throughout the planning and implementation of this project. I have become more aware of the importance of active citizenship and helping others in ways that they actually need.