Being an AmeriCorps Social-emotional Child Mentor in San Mateo county has been such an incredible and rewarding learning experience. I was placed to work in a pediatric clinic where children face many challenges. The luxury of reading a book before going to bed or going to the museum at 3 years of age so the brain can be stimulated doesn’t always happen, for a variety of reasons. It is important for a clinic to recognize a child who needs help, who is not developing appropriately, so that we can get them help. I am honored I had the opportunity to assist the clinic with implementing that process and better prepare children for kindergarten through school readiness assessments and developmental playgroups.

This video incorporates photographs taken throughout my year of service, giving a glimpse of how AmeriCorps works through my eyes. Enjoy!