How are the students, clients, and/or staff responding to your efforts? Do you think that your presence is anticipated or appreciated? What is your emotional response to others’ reaction towards you?
I am writing this blog post after our last site visit to Crenshaw high. Had I written this several weeks earlier my response probably would of been different. When we first entered Crenshaw on day 1 I noticed that the students were ready to get involved. They had done this before, and were looking forward to it despite not knowing who we were. They immediately got into a circle and were ready to get into a discussion... but they had no idea what they were about to get into. On the first day we brought our speakers connected an ipod and started playing some of their favorite music. Some of the kids smiled and were already more comfortable with us. Professor Bower provided us with the Rolling Stone magazine featuring Lil Wayne on the cover which helped kick off our first discussion and lesson. That day they learned what Marketing and Publicity were, and the difference between them. The kids were sold and in for the rest of the semester.
We all casually looked over to the barbers who were cutting hair, but couldn't help but listen to what we were saying. We included them in the conversation and they participated everyday since. The students and staff have been nothing short of terrific in their support of us. We all get the feeling that our presence is appreciated. The students prepare questions, lyrics and ideas about the industry prior to our visits. Whenever we leave they always ask if we are coming back.
All of us have developed a great relationship with the youth and an emotional attachment with some of them. It is great to see the maturation of the project along side the maturation of our relationship with the students. I know when we told them we were getting into the recording studio they were eager to get in and looked forward to it for the entire week.
We had a great experience and partnership with the Fades 4 Grades kids!
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