Everything I Hoped .....
                             And More....

Josiah and I in the 3 and 4 year old room.

      Step By Step, has been the greatest thing that has happened to me since I have been her at UK. I am absolutely in love with the whole program and the idea of giving women that confidence to do what they need to do. And if college students can simply help by just watching their kids for an hour or two, then i am all from it. Every time I go to Step By Step, I am usually with the 3-4 year olds and I love it. They are old enough to talk and ask for what they want, but they don't have all the sass that older kids have. When I first went, I instantly feel in love with this kid named Josiah. He and I bonded so much and every time we see each other, our faces light up and we give each other a big hug. He is the highlight to my Thursday nights; in a way Step By Step, has become an amazing stress relief for me.

Josiah and his new log house.

    
     So... A simple day volunteering at Step By Step, is  first having the kids get dropped off by their parent and when that happens, they immediately charge the play area and starting getting to business. We usually allow the kids to warm up to use and then we walk on over and start playing with them. They get served dinner and after dinner they continue to play. Not only is this a free time for the kids, but it is also a free time for us college students as well. My most enjoyment would have to of been when I got to teach Josiah how to build a log cabin and how to match up all the logs so that everything fit together. He was so proud of it, that he showed everyone and wanted me to take a picture of him next to his house. I mean just look at that smile! He honestly is the highlight to my Thursday nights.

      However, with all this being said, Step By Step, has taught me that I am very lucky to be in the position I am in. And even though I get mad at my parents sometimes, I am very lucky to have them supporting me and backing me up. A lot of these women do not have that and the only thing that is helping them is Step By Step. Although that is a sad truth to this reality, I am very honored that I am able to be apart of this program. I was talking to one of the mother and she asked me what kind of enjoyment I get out of Step By Step. I looked at her and simply said the fact that I get to help people out and put a smile on kids faces, what not to love about this place. She looked at me and responded, "Because of people like you, we able to feel comfortable to be here and not be afraid of being judged."

*QUINN INCARDONA*