Things I Learned After being a “Happiness Officer” for Kids (With a Down Syndrome)
It was a holiday, during my undergraduate study and i went home, to Bali.
That time, i had a chance to volunteer as a “happiness officer” at the local community which aims to increase the literacy and happiness of kids. I always love being around kids so I gladly joined that activity.
It was one of the best decision I’ve ever made. Not an exaggeration. It’s for sure.
That Day, I…
That day, we went to a local school (more like a foundation) specialized for kids (not really kids) with down syndrome. When i entered the place, i could see that many kids tried to steal a glance at us. They look curious… and happy, and EXCITED.
The activity started with explanation and welcoming speech from one of the teachers there.
Learnt?
- Excitement and Respect
They literally excited about everything. A small thing (for us) that brings them happiness. Small and simple thing.
Just by smiling at them, talk to them, hear their stories about how they practice for the welcoming performance (which made me cry because i think they’re amazing and it’s incredibly touching), their quarrels with each others, how’s their day’s going yesterday.
A big tweak of being a sincere listener ( I like people when they are being a sincere listener, not just merely a GOOD listener). Hahaha…
So, what i mean by being a sincere listener here is to be respectful to people. Listen to their story sincerely, (when people decided to share their story to you, it means you are chosen and trustworthy for them), that way we can learn to grow emphaty. (I am still learning, and it is a never ending lesson)
- Gratitude
Be grateful… do you remember the last time you say thank you because you’re born normal, without any disability? It seriously is a big thing, but sadly most of us never really care, most of us never really see it as a big deal and take it for granted. Always greedily wish something could be more and more staisfying.
Do you guys realize? that as we grow older, most of us tend to demand a complicated, big thing to be sincerely grateful? Frequently, we will say “ah, I wish to go back to my childhood!” It’s a nonsense, because the problem is not about being older or younger, it’s just us with our sick mindset (or probably just me, before). I couldn’t stop thinking what an -ungrateful bitch- i am after i met them.
I don’t know about you. But i realized that after i met them. I learnt that i should be more grateful for everything that serves on my plate. The smallest thing (in our mindset) which might be the most precious one. Since that time, i begin to remind myself each day, that even though my life seems to go wrong in a lot of things (LOL). I am blessed with things that some people might never be able to got in their whole life.
So, let’s be grateful for now. At least for that fact, that you can read this piece, means you’re alive :)
- loving and caring is human basic instinct, not hate nor hatred
I still remember, when I was there, Those kids were stealing a glance at me and the rest of the community’s member. They were excited to be visited by us. They can’t wait to say hello, (they keep standing in front of the classroom’s window to look at us and wave their hand, that’s cute).
Then when we finally interact with them, we played games, they served us a great dancing performance. They smile, ALL DAY.
One thing that I clearly remember, there’s a little girl name Tasya. When I was about to go home, she called me excitedly saying “Kakak!” (it means big sister), and hug me. It was a warmth goodbye. She is a cute little girl, with tons of love for others, despite her disability.
ALSO,
During that day, there’s part of the activity in which the student draw anything that they like, and we should assist them. Stand next to them, and give them support.
There’s this girl. I clearly remember her. She drew a heart. I bet if you just frankly see her drawings, it just looks like a typical messy drawings made by kids. But if you ever know the intentions of her while she made it. You will learn about sincerity, love.
She is a girl with a Down syndrome, she drew a heart, an A4 sized drawing paper full of “messy” heart shape. Then, she gave it to one of the team that assigned to accompany her during the drawing class. She said that she is thankful and love her. She said that it’s her heart, for her, then she hug that teammate.
- Perseverance
I mentioned before that they performed a dance to welcome us. It was amazing. I could feel their emotion, their passion, their emotion. Furthermore, I knew that it took them a lot of effort to memorize the movement.
The teacher there shared a story about how they prepare that performance wholeheartedly. They frequently messed up the dance scene because they couldn’t easily remember it. But they never give up.
Guess what?
They’re succeed, despite all the struggles and differences due to the down syndrome that they have. They can show us a very touching performance. Only a psycopath would not be touched seeing them dancing, singing, with a smile that never left their face. ALL DAY.
Those kids, they are not people with a degree, not an expert in any field. Furthermore, they are far from the image of a public figure or well known people. Not a scientist nor politician. They are just kids and people with a heart of a kid, with a hopeful and pure heart. That day and all things that i could learn from them is a prove, that you don’t need all those standard to learn something from others.
All it toke just a little kids, and your willingness to see what’s beyond the surface.
