Lend a Hand.

Now that I've vented about that stupid LASSI test, I can concentrate on more important things...helping out the community.

For this class, we have to go and mentor 6th graders at Hand Middle School. We're just supposed to talk to them, be their friend, and guide them in the right direction, without telling them what to do.

Honestly, I'm really excited about this. My only concern is that my student won't like me. If my 6th grade self met myself today, I don't know that I would like me. This is probably how our conversation would go:

College Laura: Hey! My name is Laura, and I'm just here to hang out with you!
6th Grade Laura: Why are you so perky?
College Laura: I'm just having a great day!
6th Grade Laura: What's so great about it? There's all these annoying people everywhere.
CL: Oh, I'm sure some of them are nice! You must have some friends!
6thGL:Well, yeah...like 6.
CL: Oh...well, you all must be really close!
6thGL: Yeah, I guess. Hey, what's your major?
CL: Fashion merchandising.
6thGL: So like, you'd pay more than $15 for a t-shirt?
CL: Of course!
6thGL: And let me guess...you straighten your hair every day?
CL: Well, yes...
6thGL: And you probably wear Rainbows.
CL: Yes...haha, what's your point?
6thGL: You are so shallow.
CL: Oh...um...*awkward silence*

I remember what it was like to be in middle school. I can remember feeling judged every day and hating the pale skin, frizzy hair, braces, and glasses that I saw in the mirror. Middle school is rough.

My biggest hope for this experience is that I can help a student not feel so alone during this time, and maybe help them find a little bit of themselves in the process. Maybe they'll learn not to judge people. Maybe they'll learn to let their defenses down. Or maybe they'll just see me as a cool older sister. That sounds cheesy, I know, but that's what I would have wanted back then--someone other than my parents to guide me through those dark days.

Also, maybe someone who would have told me that putting feathers in my pigtails wasn't a good look.

Keep it classy and fabulous!
xoxo, Laura