Unlike other fall or spring break trips in which Bona Responds goes somewhere that had been devastated by a natural disaster, our trip this past weekend was different. There was no hurricane or devastating tornado that hit Cleveland, Ohio. Yet, the moment that we got there it was obvious that work needed to be done.
The elementary school that we stayed and worked in was at the center of a poor, crime-riddled area. Kerry, our host, is a St. Bonaventure University alumnus and former Bona Responds participant. She now serves as the current assistant principal at Saint Francis Elementary School. She told stories of what it was like to be a child living in this area.
Many members of this community grew up with violence and crime. Unfortunately, this was the only life they knew.
Of course, this was very sad to hear, and we all wanted to help right away. We painted, cleaned up, and tried to fix anything that needed repair in the school.
At the time, it felt like work even though I knew it was for kids who really needed it. We worked all day Saturday, Sunday and most of the day on Monday. However, when we finally got to see the kids on Monday, it was clear that our work had more to do with mending people than it did with fixing things. For me, this is when it all came together and made this trip so worthwhile.
For as long as I have been with Bona Responds, this has always been my favorite part of our trips. However, this time it was different. This time it was for kids who, through no fault of their own, are living in a very unfortunate place. Getting to talk to the kids and see their eyes light up with joy and hope was amazing. The idea that complete strangers would do all this work in their school made it emotional for everyone who was a part of it.
All these kids need positive role models and for someone to be there to let them know people care. That is what Bona Responds is all about. Most of these kids won’t remember who we were or when we came, but they will remember what we did. They will see it each day, whether if they see the painted cabinet or the refurbished playing area. They will remember the feeling they got when they saw people cared about them. Our work is a reminder that no matter the situation, there is always a way to make things better.
For the children from Saint Francis Elementary, I believe that we gave them hope for a better life filled with possibilities and dreams. And in the end, that is what all kids are supposed to be able to do: dream about a bright and promising future.
By Jim Mahar, Professor Columnist
jmahar@sbu.edu
