The Light in the Eyes of a Child

I began my career as an assistant summer camp counselor in the Ferguson-Florissant School District's Camp Comet. I was in the 9th grade, and continued to work every summer camp through my freshman summer at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.  I arrived at UMSL wanting to be a teacher, but left a Sociologist who was soon to become a social worker.  It should be no surprise that I spent most of my career working with children.  As I get ready to head to Germany and work with children, this photo spoke to me.  I've been mindful of children throughout my preparation. I think of their importance to our world, their moldability, and their resilience. I think about what they need and how they aren't always able to get those things.  It is an honor for me to walk with a child, to be able to see that light that shines in each one and makes each one special. I'm looking forward to doing a little going back...paints, colors, music, sports and teen centers here I come.  I'll be out there looking for that light that shines in the eyes of a child...I bet mine is going to shine even brighter in the process.

Comments

[Laury Bourgeois]

I laughed Evelyn-everything is going well so far as I come into those "last week" preparations to departure. Of course Anne, this one is different than any of the others that came before...but I'm learning as I go-Love to you both-Laury

[Evelyn Jackson]

Of course it's a man...now that you tell me! I thought maybe this was one of your old photos, maybe from your college days with short hair! Duh, me!

[anne]

Lovely photo..Yes the eyes of a child. I often wonder what is going through my grandchildrens minds.. :-)

Hope all your preparations are going to plan, and all goes well over in Germany . xx

[Laury Bourgeois]

Arabella-I remember Marcos as a baby, but never met Warren. It's funny about the light-I feel the sunlight in my head with my eyes closed and the moonlight in my heart with eyes open, just as you described. I'm going to have to meet them one of these days-Love, Laury

[Arabella]

Laury, you would love my boys. They each have a different light. Warren is sunlight and Marcos is moon light. You want to close your eyes and bask in the sun and open your eyes and be in awe of the moon.

[Laury Bourgeois]

That's a man Evelyn...my friend Leon and his grandaughter from the day of I don't do gallop! I love that photo too-ah, wonderful Grandpas!

[Evelyn Jackson]

Great photo! Is that you..the tall one, I mean??