Youth Frontiers Inc. is a program that has one goal: to ensure an experience that persuades youth to be kind, civil and respectful toward their community. Visiting areas that surround South Omaha, such as North Omaha, Papillion, Council Bluffs and more, Youth Frontiers goes around inspiring youth with encouraging voices about why being kind to one another is an important key to having a welcoming environment. With the use of engaging activities and powerful sessions, the speakers of Youth Frontiers are able to actively present their experiences and ideas about why being kind is important.
The National Honor Society (NHS) members of Omaha South High School were recently given the opportunity to work with the speakers of Youth Frontiers to provide help during the session they had with fourth graders at Gomez Heritage Elementary. The NHS members were put into small groups with the fourth graders, where they had one-on-one conversations with each student on topics that aligned with the importance of being kind. The discussions served as a reflection of the true harm that can be caused when students choose to be impolite to one another.
Xiomara Chaidez Rodriguez and Arturo Lopez are two Omaha South seniors and National Honor Society members who had a lot to say about their experience at the kindness retreat.
When I questioned Chaidez Rodriguez and Lopez about how they felt sharing the experience with the fourth graders, they both expressed that it was a meaningful and nostalgic moment.
Chaidez Rodriguez and Lopez both agreed that the retreat allowed the fourth graders to enjoy themselves and let out energy while also being taught that being kind is significant and has more importance than it is often known to have.
Different activities that were provided for the kids either allowed them to participate in group games that let them release their energy together or express their sentiments. Lopez preferred the train game, which lets everyone work together and dance. Chaidez Rodriguez felt that the activity that allowed the students to apologize for not being polite or thank one another for a polite act was her favorite.
“The speakers encouraged us to be positive role models and to respect others, which is something that resonated with me,” Lopez said.
The retreat did not only impact the students but also Lopez and Chaidez Rodriguez. They both encourage others to get involved, as it leaves a positive impact and can truly affect your perspective on being kind.
