Service Day

I went to the Storyteller Children’s Center in Santa Barbara and spent the morning with a dozen Spanish-speaking preschoolers. These children all come from extremely low-income single-parent families who meet the criteria to attend the school at no cost. We arrived at 9am to meet dozens of bright-eyed faces seated around a table together, eating their breakfast of rice pudding and apple slices. We were welcomed with open arms. They were all well-mannered and lively and they adored their teachers, constantly smiling up at and cuddling with them. Following the breakfast, they brushed their teeth with their own personal toothbrushes, and then engaged in a session of singing and dancing—in both Spanish and English.

What I found especially poignant was the fact that the school worked so hard to raise the children properly, teaching them everything from table manners to songs, from speaking English to what it means to love. The warmth that radiated from the teachers was tangible; it was clear how fortunate the kids were to be under their care.

For me, the day was a rare opportunity for me to practice my Spanish with a group of young, native speakers while simultaneously serving the local community and spreading love and joy. The few hours that I spent at Storyteller Children’s Center has made me step back and put my personal life into perspective. I feel that it is our duty to help bring happiness into the lives of others. I’m more than ready to go back there the first chance I get.