Although the Stone Ridge Social Action program facilitates many connections with elementary schools in Maryland none is as strong as the one with their own daycare. Also known as “Pebble Ridge,” Malaika De Weever ’13 and Ana Figeruo ’13 volunteer there every Social Action Wednesday, keeping this relationship strong. From singing, to feeding, to holding, they do just about everything the teacher does. They deal with every temper tantrum and every restless and distracted toddler. What is even more interesting is their relationship with the teachers.
Unlike normal volunteers, Malaika and Ana have become great friends with the teachers they help. They make jokes and share many laughs, well acquainted in the community just across the lower school circle. Everyday the teachers thank Malaika and Ana graciously, make memories with them, and make their volunteering time even more worthwhile.
At a certain part of the day, as the clock ticks toward 3 pm, the lights dim and the blankets and soft music are presented. It is naptime, Malaika and Ana’s favorite part. All of the toddlers find their stuffed animals and curl up in their cots and blankets. While the toddlers are dozing off to sleep, Malaika and Ana are rubbing their backs, tucking them in, and making sure no scared toddler in the dark goes unhelped. This is the time of day that many can see the care Malaika and Ana have for the toddlers they work with, and the amount of dedication they have to making each and everyone happy.
Though Malaika and Ana may say they work with toddlers just like others at different schools, they possess a much deeper connection and love for their site not only because the kids are cute, but because they truly find a home there.
