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Meet AmeriCorps member Traneshia Stormer, who serves at ARISE Academy. She discusses her favorite times to spend with ����ӰԺ throughout her day-to-day schedule.

One of my favorite times with my ����ӰԺ is small group intervention. During our small group time, I give ����ӰԺ extra support with their academics. The ����ӰԺ are always really excited for it, and it is something we all look forward to. I love being able to interact with ����ӰԺ one-on-one or in a small group because it gives me a chance to get to know them better. I love seeing their excitement to learn and watching them grow a little each day. I believe small group intervention also gives the ����ӰԺ a little more freedom to be open and express themselves.

Another one of my favorite times to spend with ����ӰԺ is recess because they always have so much energy. It makes me smile to see them running around and playing with one another and just enjoying life. I also love this time because I get to bond with ����ӰԺ on a higher level and in a different way; we get to talk, laugh and play games. They love to tell me about themselves and their families. It’s only a short time, but the ����ӰԺ and I always make the most of it.

As much as I enjoy these activities, my all-time favorite part of my day isn’t really part of my schedule at all. What I look forward to the most is all the hugs and love I get from my ����ӰԺ! No matter what kind of day I’m having, their compassion always makes me feel ten times better; it reminds me why I do what I do every day. I do it for the ����ӰԺ. I do it so I can see them smile and hear them laugh and feel the warmth of their hugs every day.