A Day in the Life of an Amate Volunteer

The following is a reflection written by Katie Pollard, one of this year's South House Volunteers.

After pressing snooze on my alarm three times, I frantically pull myself together in the morning and hop in the red van with McKenna for the routine drive from South House to Academy of Saint Benedict the African. Upon arrival at the Catholic elementary school in Englewood, I greet a vibrant classroom filled with eager fifth-graders completing the morning work assigned by Ms. Schallock (Amate alum ’10-’11). This is my first year working in a school, and as the assistant teacher for fifth grade (slash substitute teacher, religion teacher, and extended day staff member), I have come to realize that the rest of our structured days in the school will in fact be wonderfully unpredictable. Our schedules are as set as they can be in elementary school, but every day in my first month at work has had its own set of challenges and joys.

I am still adjusting to my new role as educator and role model, adapting to school mores and procedures, and getting to know the students and their stories. Low moments (or I suppose I will call them “opportunities for growth”) include: my somewhat frequent inability to take control of chaotic groups or motivate students to “keep their voices off” at appropriate times; frustration when students struggle to understand lessons; and the not infrequent act of misbehavior or backlash of attitude. Every day I learn from the staff, students, and my own mini successes or failures how to improve as a teacher, leader, and friend. High points (which always make the moments of frustration seem less important) include: the excitement on students’ faces when a topic truly excites them or “clicks”; frequent hugs, hilarious comments, and unsolicited kindness; and unexpected questions about life, God, and everything from seals to my love life. Although it can be easy for me to get frustrated, the kids and their genuine goodness help me to keep everything in perspective. At the end of the day, I am there to help them realize their full potential. They push me to cultivate the unselfish patience and thoughtful understanding that this task will require.


Fast forward from reading, math, religion, and recess to a typical night at South House. I most likely de-stress with a run in nearby McKinley Park, and if I am not cooking, will probably be found snacking in the kitchen alongside the two or three “chefs” preparing the meal (plus others drawn to the activity in the kitchen). Every week we assign each house member a night to cook. Although typical fare includes egg bake, black bean tacos, and pasta, we have the challenge of finding delicious meals that fit within our budget and will satisfy everyone’s preferences and needs. At dinner, my nine wonderful housemates share their stories from the day. Although our diversity of experiences at different service site provide ample dinner conversation, we often find ourselves instead simply laughing about anything and nothing. We may have prayer night or a community night following dinner, but most nights we all migrate to the living room to hang out with our own things to do or break off for a movie, a game of cards, or a conversation. I sometimes have to remind myself to find some time to be alone (and of course go to bed early)!

Community living is certainly not without its own challenges, and like teaching, I must try and keep the more difficult moments in perspective. There are typical roommate conflicts (dishes, chores, etc.) or personality conflicts, and it can be exhausting to constantly be present to the other people in my house. We have the opportunity to grow from our differences and to learn how to be more selfless in our daily decisions. Community living requires us to put the needs of others before our own, to work through conflict respectfully, and to put love into action with one another. My housemates push me to cultivate the unselfish patience and thoughtful understanding that this task also requires.