Ever since I graduated from Joyland at the end of 6th grade, I wanted to go back someday as a Joyland teacher. I knew that I had received so much from all of my Joyland teachers and I wanted to give back. Only three years later, I didn’t expect an opportunity so soon, but when I heard that the youth were going to be involved in Joyland and Impact, I jumped at the chance to help out in Joyland. Now I’m the assistant teacher for the 3rd-4th grade girls.
Being a Joyland teacher has really helped me to grow in ways that I couldn’t anticipate when I first started. Although Joyland has evolved so much since I was a student, now actually being behind the scenes I’m able to appreciate so much more how much work all of the teachers put into every week, how much all of my teachers did. And as I spend time every week with the girls in my class, I find myself during the week just wondering how they’re doing, how things are at school, at home and really worrying about them. Even though I really do so little, I’m so thankful for this opportunity to be able to give back, because I know that I don’t deserve this. From coming early Sunday mornings to help set up, to doing all of the motions that I used to hate to do, I’m thankful for Joyland where I’m constantly growing and experiencing real JOY.