Issue link: http://latinschool.uberflip.com/i/96437
Fourteen years ago, I dropped my son off at Latin for his first day of junior kindergarten with the normal concerns for him. Will he make friends? Will he fit in? And I was even more concerned about me! Was I going to fit in? Would I make friends? I felt lost and intimidated standing on that lower school sidewalk wondering what to do next. How was I supposed to navigate this new community and become a part of it? That is where volunteering came in. My son had attended a cooperative nursery school where being involved is required, so I was no stranger to volunteering at school and decided I would just jump in to whatever volunteer opportunity was available and get to know people that way. It was an auction year, and there was plenty to do. From then on, I knew I was part of a community where people support their school as well as each other. From being a grade chair to writing the auction catalog, I have learned that being an involved member of a community is more rewarding than being a bystander. My family is proud of my involvement and it makes them feel even more a part of Latin (even when they are eating take-out for three weeks while I finish the auction catalog). And, because they have seen how rewarding it has been for me, my children also volunteer. I have truly enjoyed all of my volunteer positions (okay, maybe not standing in the rain selling baked goods). I have met some amazing parents from other grades and made some great friends whom I might never have known without being involved. It's a wonderful way to share information and advice about the kids (especially things your kids won't tell you). During one volunteer meeting, I found out my son had a girlfriend – his first! Needless to say, he sometimes does not appreciate the closeness of the Latin community. Volunteering has allowed (sometimes forced) me to learn many new skills. I am now PC and Mac proficient, thanks to the domination of Macs at Latin. It also has given me many opportunities to do art projects with the kids, which is something I will always treasure. I could list countless ways I feel rewarded by my involvement, but one stands out in particular. In 2006, I was diagnosed with cancer. The Latin community rallied around me and my family in a way we found astounding. Parents drove my kids to and from school, took them on outings; brought meals, flowers, gifts and cards; called and visited. The counselors and teachers helped the kids keep up and listened when they needed to talk. While standing on that sidewalk 14 years ago, I never imagined I would not only "fit in" and make friends at Latin, but very personally experience what it means to be part of such a wonderful community. "From then on, I knew I was part of a community where people support their school as well as each other." Some of the class art projects Sandy has organized for Latin's Auction events. Latin School of Chicago 29