30 Days Until 30 - Day 4

You know the theme song from "Cheers"?

"...where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came..."

It sprang to mind this morning as I made my way to my daughter's class. We were heading out on another field trip. I've been on so many now I can't remember them all. I did, however, remember the first names of the Park Rangers who led our classes today. That's how often I've attended this particular outing.

Field trips, parent meetings, performances, festivals... I've been volunteering since my 5th grader was a Kindergartener. Today was with my 3rd grader. The first class at the outdoor center involved doing a skit. The ranger needed two parents to be Impact Monsters & destroy the campsite on stage. Before I knew what I was doing my hand was in the air. The other parents looked relieved/amused. We courted the only dad in our class to be my co-monster. The first thing he said to me was "I can't act"... neither can I! What was I doing? I am NOT outgoing in anyway, but here I was eagerly awaiting my turn on stage...

Volunteering has had numerous benefits to my children. They'd be smart cookies either way, I take no credit for their hard work. But the fact that they know the importance of school & find it fun is something I am proud to say I helped pave the way for. They actually enjoy me being around too. Even my daughter loves me being there, though I let her set ground rules. Today she told me I could either "come in the classroom this morning to wait for the bus and not embarass [her] or wait outside"... I opted for outside. :)

The benefits of volunteering for the school are obvious. Folks, they can't do it alone. They want, nay, need you there.

But as I learned today, volunteering has actually helped me out of my shell. I have always been outgoing with children. I ended up with 6 kids in my group today, I immediately dubbed them my Avengers team. All I had to do was say "Avengers assemble" & mine was the straightest line. *Kids get me.*

But I am Ms. Awkward around other adults. Today though I am proud to say, we tore it up on the set & the kids all laughed. We got applause & lectured on how to care for our state parks. It was great.

Volunteering has definitely made it's impact on me.