A Love Letter to St. Stephen's

When the lead counselors left to pick up the kids from school, there were only 20 out of the usual 80 kids. Schools were shutting down the next day because of the coronavirus. The kids mostly played outside on their last day. I watched the lead counselors play an intense game of basketball with them on the courtyard. One of the kids would always tease the lead counselors whenever they didn’t get the ball in, and I thought it was the funniest thing seeing a fourth grader try to roast a 20-year-old. I couldn’t believe it was my last day with them. When it was time for the kids to go, the staff members and I sat and talked in the office. We were all sad about the uncertainty of the situation. One of the directors started playing “Graduation (Friends Forever).” We all laughed and said goodbye. 

The rest of the week was so sad. I wouldn’t be able to see these kids again. I missed sitting with them while they painted, seeing them create funny play pretend scenarios, and hearing the kids belt out their favorite songs during snack time. I looked up at the drawings some of the kids made me and I couldn’t help but tear up a little because this semester was the only time I had with them. I kept replaying memories I made with the kids and staff. I reflected a lot during the quarantine. I always thought the “real world” meant a serious workplace that was no fun, but St. Stephen’s was never boring. I loved the chaos of 80 children running around and playing. Fiona was a lead counselor that had serious conversations about respect with the kids. But when she wasn’t doing that, she would be doing Tik Tok dances in between rotations. 

Leaving something without any closure has always made me uneasy. When I think about it, I would rather be sad about leaving an organization that I absolutely adored than be relieved it was over so soon. I made so many amazing memories at St. Stephen’s. I got inspired by lead counselors that were passionate about kids. I got to see firsthand, all the work that goes into helping the community of Boston. Whenever I think about how unfair all of this is, I think about the staff at St. Stephen’s that have helped the children’s families being affected by the virus. They have been providing resources to families and consistently checking on them to see how they are doing. Even though my time at St. Stephen’s Youth Program was cut short, the selfless staff members of St. Stephen’s have continued to inspire me throughout the semester. I consider each one of them a role model. I have cherished every moment of it and I am grateful to have been part of a community that is so accepting and so loving.

So thank you to St. Stephen's for all the lessons you have taught me and all the memories I have made. I will always cherish my time there.

Warmly,

Kyla Tiongson