Alina BigJohny
ARC Reflection
EDUC 352
Why, Thank You…
Attending the ARC Fall Festival event at the ARC of Wabash on November, 13th, 2010 was one of the most interesting and fun school-related functions I have participated in this semester. Manchester students put together a fun and engaging event for ARC clients. This event involved clients making turkey hand crafts, eating an abundance of snacks, and playing BINGO, with prizes for everyone. Overall, the event went very well and everyone, clients and Manchester students alike, had a fun and enjoyable experience.
Before arriving at the ARC of Wabash, I was slightly reluctant to go as I had taken my Praxis II that morning in Fort Wayne and honestly, just wanted to go home and go to bed. I kept telling myself that I had to work on staying positive and optimistic so that the clients could have the best time possible. Setup at the facility went smoothly and I was glad to see that so many Manchester students showed up to help with the event. The most surprising part to me was, once the clients started showing up, I no longer had to remind myself to stay positive. Not only did the charismatic nature of the clients brighten my mood and cheer me up, but the atmosphere naturally gave me energy, which I did not think existed after my long day.
Originally, I expected that the event would consist of clients running around and having a good time as the Manchester students tried to engage them in crafts and BINGO. I was unsure how BINGO would work with ARC clients; I wrongfully assumed it would mostly consist of us playing the cards for the clients. My expectations were, excitingly, completely wrong. The clients were all well-behaved and strinkingly intelligent. They knew the expectations of them at the ARC facility from how to line up for snack even to how to play BINGO. I enjoyed watching the clients’ excitement over the turkey crafts, which was a new experience for most of them.
My favorite part of the event was helping one woman make her turkey hand craft. Her energy level and excitement were very contagious, and I could not help but be cheerful and overly exuberant as I worked with her. She could speak pretty well, but loved having me as her helper. As we picked out feathers and stickers for her turkey, she consistently said, “Why, thank you!” Her manners were excellent and this surprised me. Thinking about helping her makes me smile even now. I would love to go back and thank her for allowing me to see how easy it is to be thankful and grateful in any situation.
The other part that I throghouly enjoyed was when Miranda and I asked a few clients what their favorite part about Thanksgiving was. I expected answers such as turkey, naps, family, etc. Instead, we received answers that began with, “I love Thanksigving because I am thankful for…” The clients spoke to us about being thankful for roofs over their heads and families that love them. I was astounded by the intellectual answers produced from such a simple question. I believe that if I asked that exact question to other people around me I would get the answers that I originally expected- the surface level, unthankful answers. I love the way that the clients’ minds work. Some of the clients have such profound thoughts, that I was baffled by their brilliance as I conversed with them.
I learned to never set expectations when going into a new environment. Not only was I proved wrong, but my eyes were opened to the possibilities of the mind. I knew that you can never stereotype people with disabilities, because everyone is different, but I relished in the fact that ARC clients minds’ ranged in every way possible. This experience showed me that in my classroom, I can never set expectations of what will happen when I encounter new students. I need to be open to all possibilities, whether they be good or bad. Part of being a teacher is being ready for surprise and being open to new ideas. Interacting with ARC clients opens teachers’ eyes to those facts. I was surprised and excited about my interactions with the clients. It is very easy to gain new friendships and to walk away, even after the longest day, happy and cheerful. After the Fall Harvest, I could not wait to get home to share my experiences with my friends.