A was very resistant at the beginning of the term.  During the first class, A refused to dance and sat against the wall with her arms folded around her legs.  A few weeks passed and A returned to class.  Her attitude had changed drastically. She was focused,  fully participated in each aspect of class and was enthusiastic about the learning experience. I am not certain about what she was going through at the beginning of this term because I did not get a chance to speak with her. I did let her know that I am proud of her progress and the way she is approached the material in class.

As one of the oldest students in the class, she began to take on a "lead-by-actions" leadership position in the class. It is often harder for the younger students to stand still and grasp some dances in the combination.  A and her younger sister, An, were more than willing to take the younger students to the side to help them with the movements. They also helped to keep them motivated through the class. A consistently came to class during the middle and last weeks of the term and fully expressed her leadership skills. She has completely transformed during the course of this term.

By Maritza Ogarro

Maritza is BuildaBridge's hip hop and African dance teaching artist. Her story is from the fall 2011 semester.

---------------

3:30 is a question: What is your 3:30 story and what role will you play in contributing to the development of children in your city and your world?

BuildaBridge answers with our own stories of transformation from the children we serve.

3:30 is a challenge: What will you do about 3:30?

BuildaBridge responds with the continuation of after school programming for children in need.

3:30 is a promise.

BuildaBridge promises to uphold this commitment both in Philadelphia and abroad.

Will you respond?  Will you commit?  Will you advocate?  Will you give?