Just Being Nice

By Ondrea Goranson

One incident that brought great pride and joy to my heart occurred several days into the week at Southwood Luthern Camp. As I entered her classroom, I immediately noticed a girl from our program sulking in the corner. At a moment we had to ourselves, I asked her what was wrong. She pointed to a little blonde girl wearing a sparkly pink t-shirt and stylish Gap cap.

"She don't like me." she stated angrily. I had noticed the two girls exchanging unpleasant looks and commentary, so I inquired further as to why she thought they weren't getting along. "She don't like me 'cause I'm black."

I wasn't sure how to respond to this, being white, I can only imagine the pain of feeling that kind of discrimination, so I gave her the best advice I could give.

"You know what? Maybe you're right, maybe she doesn't have many black friends, but do you know that you could change that? All you have to do is show her how nice you can be." I was a bit surprised to see this girl looking at me sincerely, straight in the eye. She nodded as I continued. "If you think someone doesn't like you, just be nice to them, then you know that they have no reason to dislike you." I gave her a squeeze on the shoulder and sent her back in the classroom, hoping my elementary advice would have some impact on her. I said a quick prayer for her, that she would be able to use her strong personality to encourage rather than intimidate.

Later that afternoon I heard her talking to the little blonde girl, "Hey! Do you want to sit by me? Cute hat!" I sat back and watched the two engage in a positive conversation about the craft they'd made in class. In all honesty, I'd never seen her so outgoing and friendly to another student, much less someone who she thought didn't like her! I couldn't help but smile as the little girl looked taken aback by her compliments and the all important, female ritualistic invitation to the bathroom. Although the little girl didn't respond as positively as one would hope to her invitation, I couldn't wait to pull her aside and tell her how absolutely proud I was of her. As we stood in the hallway, I gave her a huge hug and held her hand. I asked her how it felt to "just be nice". She replied with a shy smile, as if she even surprised herself, and said "It feels good!” The rest of the week I noticed her efforts to befriend her classmate and I thanked the Lord for His loving-kindness, His love for this and how good it feels "just being nice".

Make an Impact, Be Impacted

by Ondrea Goranson

The following is a touching journal written by Miss Ondrea, after she had been gone a couple of days to a trip to New York City. She captures the real, rewarding connection that many have experienced working with youth involved with City Impact. It is a relationship that goes beyond the classroom, and impacts not only the children, but the staff and volunteers that have gotten a chance to work with these students.

The precious relationships I’ve formed with our bright students this semester followed me across the country several weeks ago. Amidst the skyscraping hustle and bustle of New York City, amongst a sea of taxis, glittering neon and couture galore, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the kids at ILC.

The gigantic, blue M&M towering one story above the Hershey factory immediately reminded me of Madison, who “L-O-V-E, loooves” candy. The miles of boutique, designer shops filled with colorful purses and jewelry reminded me of our self-proclaimed little princess, Milandr. I couldn’t help but think Hope would love exploring the city, mapping her way through the endless maze of streets and subways. As I breathlessly viewed the spectacular Broadway performance of Wicked, (a musical based on the Wicked Witch of the Wizard of Oz) I longed for my Dramashop students to witness our countries most entrancing theatrical experience. And what child, or adult for that matter, could resist the monster indoor Ferris wheel in America’s largest Toys R Us?!

During my first trip to the “big city” I came to a greater understanding of how strongly the children really have influenced me this semester. I’ve often heard that students teach the teacher, and now I’m a true believer in that statement. Despite the instructive lessons I’ve refined this year—such as practicing more patience, implementing strict, constructive discipline and adapting to unforeseen situations—the genuine connectedness I’ve developed with these young people has been the most spiritually enriching experience. I have a deep desire to see these students grow and thrive in a world that doesn’t always give them the opportunities they deserve. I know that God has an intricate, lovingly designed plan for each of these children and it has been my desire to play what role He wishes in carrying out that plan this semester.

He has also used them in my own personal walk with Christ. Although I do not desire to be a full time teacher in my future career, God has reaffirmed the passion in my heart to show love to those who don’t often see the never-ending love He has for them. I have no clue where He’ll lead me on this road of life, but I know that His calling is undeniable. I can only do my best to seek, trust and follow Him, genuinely love others, stay true to His word and stand up for my belief in the forgiving, loving, trustworthy, all powerful, creator God.

Dramashop-Behind the Scenes

by Ondrea Goranson

It's amazing how two cardboard boxes overflowing with hand-me-downs, last year’s fashions and other miscellaneous, rarely used items can turn a classroom into a magical stage. Dramashop was full of eager faces and even more eager hands as I introduced two boxes of costumes and props to the first and second graders. The assignment was simple: create a short skit by using the various props and costumes in each box. I had several performance suggestions prepared, but it turned out to be completely unnecessary! As the creative juices started flowing, it was a pleasure to witness the students immerse themselves in a world of make-believe.

Milandra, Daddiz and CJ settled on a medieval theme, stemming from Milandra's assertion that she absolutely must be a beautiful princess. The boys gathered a trophy, Frisbee, bracelets, gift boxes and a baseball bat to present to their princess. Milandra declared Daddiz, sporting a pirate’s eye patch, to be her prince. Meanwhile CJ, who was pumping up with a ten-pound dumbbell, was to be her slave. The action escalated to a sort of wrestling match between the boys and after several moments I interrupted with, "End Scene!”

As the second group of students took the stage. Jurnee and Madison, decked out in pearls, purses, and sparkly pink shoes, opened the scene by reading a newspaper. I noticed Mickela, their third castmate, waiting patiently to come on stage.

"Oh my goodness!" Madison opened the newspaper and dramatically declared, "It's supposed to rain today and we have no umbrella!!" Jurnee's mouth hung open in surprise.

"Oh no! What should we do?"

"I know!" Madison smiled and pulled out an old cell phone.

"We'll call Mickela, I bet she has an umbrella." True to dramatic form, Madison used grand gestures to dial as Mikela jumped out from behind the white board. She proceeded to save the day by providing the girls with much-needed shelter from the hailing rain storm.

I found myself filled with joy as the students pranced around, such innocence and imagination at work! I thanked God for the opportunity to provide these children with a positive escape from a reality that is seldom filled with such carefree wonder. Together we experienced a moment of pure silliness and make-believe.

A Sibling Bond

by Ondrea Goranson

“Ok everybody—yo!” I thrust my fist in the air and Team Prints, the third through fifth grade students, followed suite. As soon as the children settled in their seats, I posed a question. “I would like you to raise your hand if you have the strength of ‘Relating’.” Savannah and Quincy, sister and brother, each shot their hands in the air with enthusiasm. I couldn’t help but smile, thankful that we had established something else these two had in common other than their last name.

As many siblings do, Savannah and Quincy have their…disagreements. (How vividly do I recall my younger years of sisterly humiliation, the constant concern for copycatting, and the name calling that typically involved inappropriate bodily functions!) These two are no exception to candid arguments and quick-witted insults. They aren’t quick to show camaraderie, especially when peers are watching. But the moment they discovered that their strengths in “Relating” set them apart from teammates, together, the surprise and unspoken camaraderie was irrefutable.

Savannah and Quincy, along with the rest of the students, listened closely as I explained the power of friendship and importance of close relationships to those who held “Relating” as a strength. I was elated to have their undivided attention as I described the value of loyalty to relaters.

Naturally, these two are still corrected for the occasional tease, tiff or insult. But the quiet connection they made that day was undeniable. Despite their distinct personalities and other differences, the discovery of a common strength (specifically one emphasizing the significance of relationships) brought Savannah and Quincy together in a short, but powerful moment I won’t soon forget.

When TJ Smiled

by Ondrea Goranson

“When you stand or act in front of a crowd, it’s normal to get butterflies.” I told the students, when indeed I had a few winged creatures fluttering in my stomach at the moment. I was particularly nervous about TJ, a 7^th grade student who had never been to Dramashop. Earlier that afternoon, during a very serious game of SORRY!®, I asked TJ if he was excited for Dramashop. His response was less than enthusiastic, in fact, he answered with a long, low groan. I repeated the question and he mumbled an undecipherable, halfhearted response. I wasn’t offended, because TJ didn’t get excited about a lot of things. I knew getting him “pumped up” was going to be a challenge.

As I introduced the warm-up tongue twister in class, TJ hesitated. I emphasized the importance of clarity, as well as volume in this exercise. While we rolled through the tongue twisters, I couldn’t hear his voice, but I was encouraged by the movement of his lips and look of determination of this face. At the end of our warm up I was thrilled to see TJ raise his hand and volunteer to repeat the tongue twister for our class.

During our final drama activity, a high energy game of hand and vocal performance, I saw a side of TJ I’d never seen before. Quite hesitant at first, TJ made sure he understood the specific rules and methods to the game. I knew he was a board game lover, very smart and strategic. And he certainly didn’t pretend to be a dramatic, socialite. To my delight, after he had the logistics down, TJ was a willing participant. Despite my apprehensions, he got excited about the game and several teachers spotted a rare smile spread across his face. He seemed to truly be enjoying himself. That smile made my day, and the simple knowledge that TJ relaxed and had a good time affirmed my belief that God is working through drama at the Impact Learning Center.

Meet Miss Ondrea

My name is Ondrea Goranson and I'm a Junior at the University of NE. I'm extremely excited about working with the Impact Learning Center in its inaugural semester. As a Workshop Coordinator, I'll be using theater and drama as a technique to further my student’s education. I intend to utilize such tools as drama games and reader's theater to inspire the imagination of my students. I've titled my workshop class, "Dramashop". It is my desire that the students will see Dramashop as an opportunity to express their creativity, while inevitably improving skills in communication and public speaking.

I've grown up in Lincoln and I'm currently a double major in English and Broadcast Journalism. I've always enjoyed working with youth, whether it be on mission trips, my church Vacation Bible School or Campus Life. I love going to movies, creative writing, Mexican food, spending time with family and friends, attending Lincoln Berean Church, riding my bike and shopping at Target. I can't wait to travel the world and start a family of my own someday.