Throughout my time at Abriendo Mentes, I have been very lucky that there haven’t been too many challenges with the project. This is especially thanks to all of the help that I get from the teachers and directors there, and also the kids who are generally really kind. However, sometimes there are issues with kids who get distracted really easily or have a hard time learning. This can make it more difficult not just for them, but for other people as well. This is a moment in which I think it is really important that I remember that not everyone learns in the same way and that everyone is learning at their own pace. When I am in situations like this, I can use patience and open-mindedness and help them to understand what they are learning in a way that is applicable to their needs and interests. Also, a strength of mine at Abriendo Mentes is that I’m young and I can understand what the kids are going through because I have been through it myself. I can use this strength in order to work with the kids who are getting distracted or are stubborn and can communicate with them in order to help them through the issue.
Another challenge that we are currently facing (although it will soon turn into a great opportunity!) is that Abriendo Mentes is trying to construct a library and a space to read/study. This means that there aren’t any more classes on Fridays due to the construction and we have to try and make up for it on other days of the week, which can be challenging because the classes only go for a certain time. Once the library is done and we obtain all of the necessary materials to complete it, then we can have a new space for reading and the Friday classes can go back to how they were.
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More About the Cooperative
RachelHarris
March 9, 2020
Question from Miss Amy: What about the challenge of having a lead role in a play and being an IB student along with having a CAS project? I want to know more about that!!!!
In IB, one of the traits on the Learner Profile is being Balanced, which is something that I have been working on throughout my IB experience. This means that I need to manage my time effectively between all of my IB assignments, the play, and CAS. The way that I have been doing this is by assigning all of these tasks for certain days so that I can still have free time to dedicate to schoolwork and relaxing. For example, I have rehearsals for the play on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays for around 7-9 hours every week. At first it was challenging to figure out when I would have time to work on CAS, but I worked it out with my mentor and I go to Abriendo Mentes on Wednesdays for 2 hours every week. Those are the main extracurricular activities I do in the week other than going to youth group on Tuesday nights from 5:45-7:45. Since I am very busy on Tuesdays and I get home late, I try to have all assignments that are due on Wednesday finished by Monday so that I can rest. Overall, I think the most important way that I’ve dealt with this challenge is by spreading out my activities and making sure that I leave time to focus on my wellbeing.