Nikki - Playworks - Blog 5

Our final day was very tiring. By the end of this week we are all pretty worn out. I do not think I have played so much in five days ever!! It was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life though. Doing new adventurous things is not really how I normally live my life. I really had to put myself out there on this trip. I could not have been happier that I did so. I have met some amazing people who will be my friends for life. I have broadened my knowledge for different cultures. I have met many role models from Playworks that want to make a difference just like I do. I did not know anyone had such extreme empathy like me until I went on this trip and met the people from Playworks. They gave me hope that there are people who would like to change children’s lives. I also learned a very valuable lesson from almost all of the coaches and staff at Playworks. The best piece of advice I have received is that you will not be able to help every single child but jus by helping one you are doing a world of good. I have been struggling with this in my own life. I am trying to figure out what I can do to “change the world”. I must realize that I cannot change the whole entire world but I can start by doing little things for the good of society. I would like to be able to help all children but than is not realistic. Even on the playground this week I was able to break through the shells of some children but not others. At first I was very hard on myself when children did not understand me or want to listen to me. By the end of the week m confidence had grown and with that newfound confidence I realized I had touched many children’s lives, which is a good start even if I did not touch every single children’s life. I will take this experience with me wherever I go and I will not forget the wisdom I have gained.