Community Building Day Reflection

                            Community at Whitworth and Beyond: Alyssa Peterson

During our visit to On Track Academy, I was particularly struck by the love and care of the teachers for each student; by how they desired to know them personally. Though no two students are the same, each of them had some particularly challenging experience that set them back in life. As these kids come from hard environments, their teachers’ love means even more to them, because they demonstrate a daily, dedicated care for each individual. On Track Academy represents more than just an educational institution. Instead, it also symbolizes a community, a team, a family.

            The Whitworth community had the opportunity to, if nothing else, be a friend to the students at On Track. We offered stories—one of the most powerful means of communication—from our lives and experiences. During the time to ask and answer questions, we had the opportunity to guide the students in their search for what the next year (or years) might look like. All of this was valuable and worthwhile, and yet we can do more. As Luke 12:48 declares, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required.” We have the gift of attending Whitworth, and along with that comes each experience that led us there. We have knowledge about college applications and admissions, about leaving home, about trying to find work and struggling to balance studies and socializing. Those things are what most of us would have in common, but beyond that, each of us has unique gifts to share. Our job, then, at a place like On Track (or similar organizations), is to offer those to others, to share what we have learned, to encourage, and to form community.

            One morning makes a day of difference. Continued relationship, volunteering and service, however, can make a lifetime of difference. The Frankentoys, mobiles, and others were creative, but the relationships were even better. I am inspired to go back to On Track Academy and mentor students, set up career workshops, or even just form solid relationships so that they know that no matter what happens, they have someone on their team. Community Building Day was an opportunity to look beyond ourselves in this way, and find avenues where we can dedicate ourselves to continued service in our community.