Deeds Not Words

As my university was ill prepared to send us to community placements near our homes, I had to go around the public schools in my area to volunteer or risk being stuck in Bankstown community service placements. The first public school rejected me outright, the Beverly Hills Public principal not even wanting to see me. The second public school I went to was Narwee Public. The principal saw me and I felt very intimidated when she asked me questions about my placement and why I chose that school instead of others. After a second meeting she accepted me and I felt relieved that I did not need to travel to Bankstown every morning.

The first 2 days I was with the Kindergartens. I saw purity and innocence not found in adulthood, and they accepted me as one of them the first day I got there. By the end of the first day I had them all screaming "zacky zacky!" for my attention. In particular was a kid who always came up to say hi to me with a smile and hold my hand, asking me if I was his friend.

Two other days were spent with years 3/4. I saw the development of guilt, embarrassment and unfortunately, the loss of innocence. Rebellious students were present in each classroom, students tried to use me to get answers, and I was not as readily accepted in the classroom until I proved myself useful. I was abit amazed at the politics that the children go through in the classrooms.

The last day was with year5/6. I did not really enjoy it as much as the other days as the children had developed a mature mind and I cannot sense any of that innocence left in them. They became egocentric and cocky to colleagues and teachers.

I have found alot of respect for Narwee Public after my week of observations. The children would randomly come up to me and introduce themselves, and the teachers are friendly and do a good job at what they do. The school facilities are plentiful and there is a lot of services for special children.

In hindsight it really reflected upon my own growth as well. I had also been a very innocent person up until year 7. From K-6 I was the top of my class, however somehow failing to reach selective school. From year 8 onwards I became rebellious and I lost all my innocence to become a part of the 'cool bunch'. It wasn't until after year 12 that I had woken up that I was not 'cool' at all.

The surroundings that we are put in really molds what type of people we become. If I am put into the hospital surrounded by suffering and death, will I develop a grim personality?