By Noelle McDermott, Class of 2025
Imagine being asked to solve a physics equation. That’s likely what learning how to round numbers feels like for a third grader.
Every Monday, the Charlotte Fellows serve at Brookstone School’s after school program, and I’ve paired up with the third grade class. In all honesty, sometimes I struggle articulating why we round up or down when I’m helping third graders with their homework. Most of the time, I’m trying to get them to lower their voices or focus on their homework. However, the hecticness doesn’t mean sweet moments don’t happen.
Last week, when a student asked for homework help (on the dreaded “Rounding Up or Down” math sheet), he added, “I feel stupid.”
My heart broke for him at that moment. How often do we ourselves grapple with feelings of worthlessness? How heartbreaking is it to hear from a child?
As I sat with that student, I reminded him, “Just because we feel something, that doesn’t mean that feeling is always true. This math sheet may be difficult for you, but that’s okay. You just work at it a bit more.”
I supervised him as he worked through each problem. He told me he was determined to finish the whole sheet even though he only needed to complete half. I couldn’t have felt more proud when he solved every problem correctly. It’s easy to feel trapped by the voice of self-doubt, and I felt so privileged to have witnessed his accomplishment and his ability to overcome. Can’t we all relate? Life can feel so defeating, yet God doesn’t let us stay where we are.
Before walking into Brookstone most Mondays, I question if I have the capacity to show up fully. Yet I’m grateful that I’m pushed to be consistent; to keep showing up for my sweet third graders each week. The Fellows program requires a lot of us and I want to leave room for God to surprise me, even when I’m tired or think I can’t do what’s asked of me - just like this sweet third grader. He’s worth showing up for.
Additionally, seeing the rest of the Fellows interact with their students has been so delightful. I adore watching Laura running with her kindergarteners or JP shooting hoops with elementary kids. I love overhearing Caleb making science fun for his middle schoolers and finally catching up with Kacey and Ainsley after our students have kept so busy. These are such sweet sides of the Fellows I’m fortunate enough to witness.
To every single one of my eighteen third graders in Brookstone afterschool, I love you so dearly. Thank you for being your silly selves, and I’m so grateful that the Lord has intricately planned each of your lives. From Miss Noelle.