It’s finally week nine at Seeds of Caring, and I am flooded with emotions as I reflect on this incredible journey. With only one week left, I am torn between excitement for the future and a bittersweet sadness as this transformative experience comes to an end.

I remember when I decided to apply for this program, I was driven by the belief that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. That very day I received the email inviting me for an interview at Seeds of Caring, sitting across from Sarah and Brandy, I felt an instant connection and knew I had to be a part of this organization. When they offered me the position, it felt like a dream come true.

My first day as a fellow, following our initial meeting at the Columbus Foundation, was a whirlwind of nerves and anticipation. Walking into that room of unfamiliar faces, I felt a wave of anxiety, but the warm welcome I received quickly put me at ease. As an introvert, I feared these ten weeks would be incredibly challenging, but I soon realized I wasn’t alone. Many of the staff members shared my introverted nature, which made me feel more comfortable and accepted. The conversations we had, I still remember the one with Ciera, another BTS lover, were particularly heartening and made me feel like I belonged, especially because this was had the very first time we met.

I remember leading my first session with the kids, this was a moment of intense self-doubt; I must say. I watched the other staff members engage effortlessly, and I felt a sinking fear that I couldn’t measure up. When it was my turn to lead, I froze, convinced that the kids wouldn’t enjoy my session. This thought weighed heavily on me, and after the session, I felt like I had let everyone down. I was determined to do better and vowed that after our annual break, I would give it my all. I practiced relentlessly, determined to present the material in a way that was authentically me. Returning to the summer programming with renewed confidence was a turning point, especially now that I know I have to make an impression on the kids at the new Freedom school location. The joy on their faces, their hugs, and their eagerness to share what they remembered from our previous lessons filled me with a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment I had never experienced before after the second week. It reaffirmed my passion for working with children.

This week, I had a deeply reflective meeting with my supervisor. She praised my growth, acknowledging my strengths in planning and task execution, and gently pointed out that my communication skills, although better than how I started, still have room for improvement. I smiled and told her that I couldn’t deny all the things she said about me. While it was hard to hear, I appreciated the honesty. It’s a reminder that growth is continuous, and there is always room for improvement.

As I wrap up this summer fellowship, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I’ve learned so much about myself, my strengths, and the areas where I can continue to grow. The connections I’ve built with the kids and the lessons I’ve imparted to them have been incredibly rewarding. This experience has shown me that even as an introvert, I can inspire and lead with confidence and authenticity.

Week nine has been a rollercoaster of emotions, and as I look ahead to week ten, I am filled with a mix of anticipation and nostalgia. This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am eager to see what the final week holds. Here’s to embracing every moment and making the most of this incredible opportunity!

Until the final week, see ya!

Kanyin