Guest Blogger: Sarah Holtkamp
Sarah Holtkamp has neglected to write her own bio, even under threat that one would be written for her. She, in other words, has put her reputation in our hands. Fortunately for Sarah, we adore her: she is one of our most devoted, reliable and good-natured volunteers, and has been around almost since day one. She is also quite wily, and has uncovered a mysterious process whereby her employer, The Gap, gives us dough each time she volunteers.
I fondly remember when June marked the best time of the year. After months of being stuck in a classroom- Finally! Freedom was within my grasp! No more getting up early, no more teachers, and especially no more homework!
It has been two years (gasp!) since I have been part of any classroom and/or summer vacation related activities. I’d almost forgotten the excitement that builds up in the month of May leading to the internal countdown of weeks, days, hours and minutes, until complete and total freedom. This June, however, I have become a bit nostalgic.
Thanks to 826, this is the first school year I have been involved with school since my own graduation. Sure, it isn’t my homework I am working on; I am not being graded and it certainly isn’t my parents who are receiving the report card. That being said, I do find myself overwhelmed with pride when I find out that someone I have worked with has received a good mark. While I realize it isn’t completely due to my involvement that earned it, I know first hand how much work was put in to memorizing those multiplication tables or writing a final paper analyzing the historical implications of The Last of the Mohicans.
That is one of the things I am going to miss most this summer: the crazy Wednesday afternoons that could consist of literally anything ranging from coloring a picture to practicing spelling words to tenth grade algebra to proof reading a critical essay to even helping building shelving. I feel fortunate to have had these experiences. It has taken me back to my past and helped me remember when life was more than just making rent and finding good karaoke bars. The sense of accomplishment that comes with finally finishing the timed test in the time allotted AND getting all of the problems right is unparalleled.
So for now, I look to the summer a little sad, I am going to miss those Wednesday afternoons. Luckily, I have the summer workshops to keep me occupied until next fall.