Overview
This week I was able to further identify the needs of those at KIM and work on a few of my goals for the week. I also identified that there are many moving parts at KIM. With this, there were a variety of people coming in and out of the house at all times. I look forward to getting to know these volunteers and employees more in the upcoming weeks.
Challenges
On Tuesday of this week, many of the kids were out of the house. This meant many of the mothers were at the house without their children. This brought with it a different feeling in the house. For me, this new dynamic took me aback.
Resolutions As one of my goals for this week was to get to know the mothers more, I took this opportunity of a changed dynamic to ask questions and engage. The mothers had Italian lessons, and so I worked with them on Italian. It felt we were all comforted in being together and learning together. So much of what I see as a challenge at KIM is a mental block as the mothers and kids are also learning. I was able to adapt to this sudden and unexpected change because I didn't let the little things impact me, and set goals for the week.
Tasks
1. Worked on set activities with the kids on Monday
2. Worked with the mothers on Italian lessons on Tuesday
3. Communicated with the mothers and kids in Italian with more ease
4. Worked with a few of the kids on English, in turn learning a little Arabic
5. Emailed campus representatives from Loyola University Chicago in regards to Fundraising
6. Donation box communication with Nadia, Rinaldo's workers, and Raffaela
Learning Object Progress
This week I focused primarily on learning objectives one and two.
1. As a result of interning at KIM Association, I hope to improve my Italian language skills, including daily communication during meals and morning activities.
I was able to work directly with the families and my coworkers in Italian on a variety of tasks. Although it is not where I wish to be in my language skills, I am happy to find small successes in daily activities.
2. Create a crowdfunding event that connects KIM association to the greater Loyola community.
I made a direct impact on this task by emailing my connections at Loyola and communicating this with Raefella.
Classroom Knowledge
This week we focused on reflection in class and talked more about if it was a skill we had, needed to develop, or enjoyed. Although I see myself as someone who has strong skills in reflecting, I do not enjoy the act of "casual" reflection
I recognize in myself the need for structured reflection, and so I look forward to continuing with this blog.
Upcoming
This upcoming week I hope to learn more about the kids and their mothers. Further, I would like to make strides with the crowdfunding event by connecting with resources at Loyola.