SL Observations

The first time I went to the YWCA I was really shocked.  I had no clue that this place even existed and I had no idea what the requirements to go there were.  Every time I went, I felt that it just made me very sad and I felt bad for all of the kids.  I know you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but the environment at the YWCA was very sketchy to me at first and I felt like I would never be able to leave my kids there if I had any.  I was surprised by the teachers there and felt like I did judge them.  After observing there for a few hours though, I realized that the teachers really care about the kids and they are truly trying to help them as much as they can.  I think that what everyone at the YWCA does is just really cool and I love the mission they have.  Every time I observed the kids they seemed like they were having a blast and that they were actually pretty happy.  I expected them to be sad and kind of different from the kids I am used to seeing, but they really seem to enjoy spending time there.  I am glad they have this safe place to go.  I feel really bad that I made so many initial judgments about it because it is so totally different than what I am used to.  I think the most important thing about the YWCA is that they really always have something going on for the kids and a lot of the time they work educational lessons into the activities.  I was also really surprised to see how pretty much all of the kids got along really well with each other.  I never saw anyone pick on another kid or bully anyone.  I was really surprised because I feel like there are clicks at any age and there seemed to be none.  All of the girls and boys treated each other well and all seemed to get along.  I think that really says something for the YWCA that everyone there shows respect for each other.