My little buddies in NYC

By Kaitlyn Borzillo, Bachelor of Physical Education and Coaching

In March of 2009, I had the trip of a lifetime. My global studies class at Archbishop Carney went to New York City to volunteer with outreach programs in the Bronx and Harlem, mainly working with children under the age of 12.

One experience that really stood out for me was helping out at an after-school program called St. Ann's. We just spent time with the children whether it was helping them with homework or going outside to play. Playing basketball with them was one of the highlights of this trip. The children live in a very poverty-stricken area and their parents work 9-5 or late at night. They loved being active and just going outside to have a blast; you could see so easily how thankful they were to get to play with us.

These kids have so little, but they sure have a lot of joy in their lives. I’m grateful I got the chance to make friends with these amazing kids. Laury was in the third grade (he's on the left). He is so funny and loves cameras but does not like to be in pictures – this is the only picture I got of him. He would always take my brand new camera and take all these random photos that we would just laugh so hard about after. I will never forget him or his great smile.

I have three buddies that I still keep in touch with: Laury, Stephanie (she’s in the middle) and Joanna. Those three kids made such an impact on my life. Every time I get a letter or send them one, a huge smile comes across my face because I remember all of the amazing times we spent together during that week. I plan on going back in the very near future and help with these amazing children again.