By Kanyinsola Adesoba

My second week at Seeds of Caring was deeply engaging and filled with enriching experiences. This week, I was actively involved in our summer programming, specifically with the CDF Freedom Schools. We visited Lincoln Park on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, where we engaged with children aged 7 to 14. During these visits, we taught them about the invaluable contributions of veterans, emphasizing the importance of gratitude for their courage and bravery. The children used their hands, hearts, and minds to create thoughtful kits for veterans, which will be donated as tokens of appreciation.

Although my role this week was primarily observational, I learned a great deal from co-leading these events. The experience underscored the importance of fostering a growth mindset—not only for the children but for myself as well. I look forward to taking on more leadership responsibilities as the weeks’ progress.

A particularly impactful part of my week was the “PLANT” session on Thursday. PLANT stands for Peer-Leaders Aspiring for a New Tomorrow and focuses on children aged 11-14 who are passionate about volunteering but have aged out of our school visits and are not yet old enough to drive themselves to volunteer locations. This program ensures they remain engaged and feel valued in the community. The PLANT sessions are designed to help these young individuals develop leadership skills, allowing them to serve as role models for their peers at various events. It was inspiring to see these kids embrace their roles, demonstrating that they are indeed aspiring to create a better tomorrow.

Training continued throughout the week, including a significant research project aimed at future growth. As Seeds of Caring looks to expand into new cities, I have been tasked with gathering information to assess potential locations. This research is crucial for our strategic planning, and I am thrilled to contribute to the organization’s growth in this way.

My week went smoothly, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to assist in small yet meaningful ways. I am eager to continue learning and to contribute my skills and passion to Seeds of Caring. The sense of purpose and community here is truly inspiring, and I am excited to see what the coming weeks will bring.

I included a picture of me holding up the kit I made for the veterans at one of the classrooms we visited.

See y’all next week,

Kanyin