AmeriCorps Week
Dear Editor: My name is Anmol Pannu and I serve with Sitka AmeriCorps at Baranof Elementary.
I am writing in celebration of AmeriCorps Week, to honor my fellow volunteers who have chosen to uplift American communities through service. AmeriCorps is a great way to expand ones definition of community. It allows individuals to learn about and enrich communities that may be dissimilar from those they are used to. Or to even enrich a community that may be closer to home. I decided to move to Sitka from California and I am so grateful that my fellow AmeriCorps members decided to do the same. Gunalcheesh to y’all!
The mission statement of AmeriCorps goes further than just to strengthen our communities, we do so to make our people safer, smarter, and healthier.
Through running the fresh fruits and vegetables program at Baranof Elementary, I am able to do all of these things! I recently set out to teach the students about the benefits of winter squash. When I was first assigned this task, I was not sure how to go about teaching students so young what a vitamin or mineral was and why they are so important. It seemed like whatever I would come up with would be overly simplified or so complicated it would go right over their heads.
To my surprise, I came up with a presentation and little figures that they actually seemed to understand and enjoy. I do not remember learning about the benefits of proper nutrition as a kindergartener or first grader, but I am so glad I had the opportunity to teach the students that what you eat matters!
I would like to take this time to also thank all of the wonderful people in the Sitka community! I am beyond thankful to be able to not only help out in the schools, but also be welcomed into helping out other fantastic community organizations as well. I know my time here will allow me to become a better advocate and future physician. Gunalcheesh!
Anmol Pannu, Sitka
Correction
In the caption of a front page photo in Wednesday’s Sentinel of the blessing of the Herring Rock, reference was made to the Eagle “clan.” It is not a clan: it is a Tlingit moiety.
The Sentinel apologizes for the error.
