As I walked up the steps of the strange-looking building, I began to wonder how many hours were left until I could go home. When I had decided to volunteer at HeadStart, a preschool program for underprivileged children, I was excited at the idea of helping others and gaining a new experience at the same time. But when I pushed open the doors and entered the empty hallway, a million questions began to fly through my head. What if the kids don't like me? What if I don't like them? What will I have to do here? I tried to reassure myself that everything would be fine, feeling more and more like the new kid on the first day of school.
The children didn't seem surprised to see a new face in the classroom, although I saw a few questioning eyes glance my way. The kids were busy at various activities, and I was put to work setting the tables for breakfast.