Haylen Satterfield: The Sticky Reality
During my time as a tutor at Community Initiatives, I worked closely with a diverse group of elementary-aged students in an afterschool program during the summer. This experience not only gave me insights into the inner workings of a nonprofit organization but also brought to light a significant cultural difference that I encountered during my time there.
In retrospect, my encounter with this cultural difference was a valuable lesson that extended well beyond my role as a tutor. It underscored the importance of adaptability, open-mindedness, and a willingness to challenge one's own preconceptions. Moreover, it highlighted the transformative potential of cultural diversity when used to advance a shared mission.
A memorable experience that comes to mind is when I was tasked with teaching a STEAM lesson to a group of fellow students. The objective was not just to impress the program's board of directors but also to stimulate our students' creativity. It was a demanding challenge, and I needed to come up with a project that would captivate their attention and encourage them to think outside the box.
I found myself in an old, dimly lit kitchen within the office building, feeling the weight of my supervisor's request. It was a far cry from an ideal classroom setting, however, as I looked around, I spotted a candy dish filled with forgotten gumdrops and an overlooked container of toothpicks nearby. It was an unusual source of inspiration, but it sparked an idea.
In that moment, I envisioned a project that combined the sweetness of gumdrops with the precision of engineering – I called it "Gumdrop Bridges." I had a feeling it might have been done before, but the environment forced me to get creative with what I had at hand, so I went with it.
I gathered the gumdrops and toothpicks and headed to a makeshift classroom where the students were waiting. I presented them with the challenge: to design and build bridges using only these materials. These bridges not only had to be functional but also artistic and capable of bearing weight.
The students accepted the challenge with enthusiasm, and I watched as their creativity kicks into high gear. They began by meticulously sorting the gumdrops by color, strategically selecting which ones to use as supports and connectors. Toothpicks became their building blocks, carefully inserted into the soft gumdrops to create intricate frameworks.
The students totally jumped into the challenge, and man, you could practically feel the excitement bouncing off the walls, their eyes were sparkling with this mix of curiosity and pure enthusiasm. It was contagious.
So, picture this: there's this sea of gumdrops in all these crazy colors, and the kids are there, sorting them like they're on a secret candy mission. There's some serious strategy going on, too. It's not just about colors; they're eyeing those gumdrops like pros, deciding which ones are going to be the strong foundation and which ones will be the glue holding their sugary masterpieces together.
Then, enter the toothpicks; it's like magic wands in their hands. They're delicately stabbing those toothpicks into the gumdrops, turning them into the sweetest building blocks ever. You can hear the giggles and laughter mixing with the soft 'pop' sounds as toothpicks meet gumdrops.
It's like a candy construction zone, but with so much flair. They're not just building structures; they're crafting mini-gumdrops universes. And you can see it in their faces, this mix of serious concentration and pure joy, like they've just unlocked the sweetest level of creativity. It's a total Candyland adventure, and I'm just here, soaking it all in, loving every second of their sugary escapade.
With nothing but candy and toothpicks from that abandoned kitchen, they had to think deeply about structural integrity, balance, and design. They couldn't rely on high-tech equipment or fancy materials. Nope, just gumdrops and toothpicks.
It was like a candy survival challenge, and they were heroes in a sweet, low-budget action movie. They had to put on their thinking caps, not about tech, but about how to make these gumdrops stand tall without collapsing into a sugary mess. The kitchen, with its rusty appliances and forgotten memories, became their playground.
Think about it: no flashy 3D printers or computer-aided design. It was like going back in time, where you had to rely on your hands and your brain, not a screen. No virtual simulations—just them, their ideas, and the sticky reality of candy.
In a world where tech often steals the show, this challenge was a rebellion. No buttons to press, no screens to swipe—just pure, old-school imagination. The lack of high-tech stuff wasn't a hurdle; it was their secret sauce. It made them think harder, work more, and appreciate the sweet simplicity of candy and toothpicks. Who needs a fancy lab when you've got an abandoned kitchen and a bunch of gumdrops? They figured out that innovation doesn't always need a plug; sometimes, it just needs a toothpick and a dash of creativity.
Instead, they had to harness their creativity and problem-solving skills. These students were also in a situation where they had to use the resources they had. By having two students rather than just one student, we created diversity for this project.
As the project unfolded, it became clear that the environment had a significant impact on their approach. The students became resourceful and innovative, finding unique ways to reinforce their gumdrop bridges. They even used the stickiness of the candy to their advantage, creating joints and connections that exceeded expectations. I was thoroughly impressed. They needed to come up with ideas to complete the task together.
A Color-Coded Gumdrop Bridge
When it came time to test their creations, their gumdrop bridges surpassed everyone's expectations. They confidently loaded small weights onto their structures, marveling as they held up far more than anticipated. These bridges weren't just functional; they were artistic marvels, reflecting the students' imaginative process.
In the end, my supervisor and I documented their gumdrop bridges and submitted the project to the board. What initially seemed like an impossible challenge in an abandoned office kitchen turned into a testament to the power of creativity and adaptability. The environment pushed us to think differently, and in doing so, we not only solved a problem but also left a lasting impression on the program's board.
This experience taught me a crucial lesson: sometimes, the most ingenious solutions can emerge from the most unexpected places, and limitations can be the gateway for boundless creativity. It was a valuable learning experience for both me and the students, demonstrating the importance of thinking outside the box and adapting to challenging circumstances.
My internship as a tutor profoundly moved me, revealing the incredible impact of mentorship and education on my students I had the privilege to guide. As a tutor, the immersive experience provided valuable insight into the challenges faced by these young learners. One of the most moving aspects was witnessing the struggles some students had with expressing their creativity. Many students were hesitant to participate or open up to me because they believed they were incapable of excelling in certain areas. To address these challenges, I focused on building strong connections with each student. This involved creating a safe and supportive environment where they felt comfortable expressing their thoughts and questions. Making learning fun was a strategy I used for my students to feel more comfortable with me. The students that I connected with seems to grow more academically. Witnessing students evolve from hesitant participants to enthusiastic learners was incredibly rewarding. As their self-confidence grew, they became more engaged in discussions, displayed improved academic performance, and collaborated more effectively with their peers.
I have had this summer have altered my perspective on education and mentorship. Witnessing the power of guidance and encouragement has led me to recognize the importance of fostering growth and self-belief in others. I now see how small gestures, like providing individual attention and showing empathy, can significantly impact a young person's life trajectory. What surprised me most was the extent to which these students were transformed. Their resilience and ability to embrace challenges, given the right support, was both inspiring and unexpected for this group of diverse students. This experience illuminated the untapped potential within every student and reinforced the notion that mentorship can unleash remarkable growth. The challenges faced by these young learners encouraged me to create a nurturing environment where their confidence could flourish. Witnessing their transformation has left a mark on me, encouraging me to teach with empathy and commit to fostering growth in myself and my future students.
Haylen Satterfield is an elementary education major that completed her breakaway as a tutor through both Community Initiatives and Lander University in Greenwood, SC, during the summer of 2023. After graduation in May 2024, she plans to continue teaching in Greenwood as 3rd grade math teacher at Mathews Elementary School.