Many students expressed that because they live at the Grand Canyon they feel that they are not a part of a larger community. The students felt that the race was a positive link where they could contribute and make a difference in the lives of people who need it. Many of the participants commented on the sense of community they felt when they had finished and were talking with other participants after the race. One student commented that throughout the race people were cheering him on and thanking him for participating. The student expressed that even though he is only thirteen years old, he felt as though he really had made a difference. Many of the students remarked that it is easy to get preoccupied with life at the Grand Canyon and forget about people's struggles in the "outside" world. When other students stated that their own parents had received charity from Toys for Tots, it put things into perspective for many students.
In World History and Geography students are learning about Dafur and the struggle that they are going through now with the present genocide. The students suggested that we do a similar fundraiser at the Grand Canyon to raise money for the displaced people of Dafur. The students expressed that they learned that they do not have to be completely powerless over the injustices and the cruelties in the world. It empowered them to think that they could do something from the Grand Canyon to help people they have never met, on the other side of the world. As an educator, I felt it was amazing to see the students so engaged and emotionally triggered by what they were learning in the classroom. The students took the lesson to another level by their desire to want to work outside of school to potentially help rewrite the history book.
Bright and early that Sunday morning the students loaded the bus outside the school. Because they had to travel an hour and a half to participate in the event, they were required to be at the school by 6:30 am! Most of the students had never participated in an event like this and the excitement was apparent by all the bubbly yet nervous voices.
Though the school only invited students who were in 4th-12th grade, there were some participants as young as 5y/o that went The one mile fun run was the first event and more than half of the runners in the race were from the Grand Canyon! All of the students cheered on our runners/walkers at the start and were supportive when they came through the finish line. At the end, all of the 1 mile runners received a teddy bear as a prize!
Even though many of the students had never participated in an event like this, ALL of our students finished the race. The sense of accomplishment was a beautiful thing to see on their faces! Each student shared their testimonial of personal growth, whether it was completing a goal, reaching a certain time, or getting through a painful cramp and not giving up! The race was an amazing bonding experience between not only students but teachers and students. The students saw their teachers struggling or striding and have begun to see them more as human beings. Students who were not friends respected the accomplishments of their peers, formed new relationships, and cheered them on in their challenge.
When I promoted the race I discussed with the students the impact that Toys for Tots has on families without a lot of money. The students stated that they felt proud to be able to help and have fun at the same time. I see an enormous difference in the students who participated in terms of an increase in self-esteem and discovering a new interest.
Before the day was over, several students said "Ms. Davis, when we do this next year?" and "Ms. Davis, when are we doing another race?". This event allowed me to bond individually with students I never get to speak with and connected many students with the school who do not have that connection.