Nyla McMickle
Nyla McMickle volunteered at Lake Erie Ink as a part of her Junior Service Project with Beaumont School. The following are pieces of her final reflection for the time she spent with us.
Everyday after school, i drove to the headquarters in coventry directly behind the park. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by Adam, the teacher, and another teacher…Around 3:45 we were greeted with Boisterous laughter, giggling, slight screams, and the sound of pattering feet. Evelyn and Shiya, the child version of Thelma and Louise, always greeted me with a hug. Their hug was usually followed by a “Ms.Nyla we missed you so much!” although they had seen me a day or two before.
For myself, I learned that patience is key. Kids will definitely test your patience but in the end their most likely doing it out of love. Honestly,this experience helped me to further realize that my calling is to work with kids at some point in time in my life. God calls everyone to serve to demonstrate our love by serving one another. Throughout life God guides you in the direction to do what’s right. For me, Lake Erie Ink is on of my biggest calls so far to serve in life. This call led me to another call to serve children in the future.
The kids (at Lake Erie Ink) have changed me for the better. The kids at Noble Elementary will forever be my little siblings. Every tuesday and Thursday I look forward to getting into my car after school and pulling into the parking lot. Hearing the screech of children coming down the slide. The patter of the jump rope hitting the black top, and most importantly the smiles on the kids faces. I am proud to say that I was able to work with an organization like Lake Erie Ink that provides kids all over the city with opportunities to better their lives in some way, shape, or form.
To the kids at Lake Erie Ink, you have changed me forever. I can honestly say that my life is much better with you all in it. You have no idea how much of a positive effect you have on my life. When I am down because of a bad grade, having a stressful day or facing problems at home, you are my lightness in the dark. You all have beautiful , bright and one-of-a-kind personalities that I hope never change. You all always ask me how it feels to be an “adult” or complain about how much you hate being in elementary school. My real advice is to take full advantage of these years while they last. Hold on to the good memories on the playground, innocent laughter and your hilarious yet creative dancing videos. Because before you know it you will be applying to college, taking your SATs and facing a whole new chapter in your life that even I can’t believe is here called college. I love you all more than you can imagine. Thank you for this amazing experience.