Reflection on first day of service

Today I started my service at North Albany Academy. I am working with the Lego league robotics team with a few fourth grade classes. Although I didn't meet any of the 4th graders I did meet a few of the 8th graders from the older Lego team who will be mentoring the little ones with me. I learned that one of the boys was a first generation American- his parents are from Syria. The principal and tech teacher introduced him to me and asked me to tell him a little about Bonner and Siena. The entire time we talked they kept telling him about how he was going to go to college after. They also said this to every student who came into the classroom. They are also having a college day for middle school students this Saturday that a lot of the kids are going to. I thought it was awesome how the principal knew all the students' parents (she even told a few that their parents would be interested in going to the event on Saturday) and knew what the kids were interested in. I could tell that the personal attention she gives to the kids really makes a difference and encourages them, academically and otherwise. I haven't really seen this level of interaction before, like for example, when I visit my the school my sister teaches at back home. This is just one way that I have seen so far where NAA is a bit different from some other schools and how I know that it is a positive environment for these kids to be in, especially when other things in their lives might not be working out as well at the moment. I can't wait to really begin my experience tomorrow afternoon!