Creating Leaders

Elise Madrid

A Mural on 91st Street and Commercial Avenue created by The South Chicago Art Center.

This week we took a long walk around the neighborhood to explore and take pictures. Although we kind of dictated the general route, the high schoolers gave us a great tour. They were knowledgeable about different places and it was really nice to see them step up into the teaching role and teach us about the neighborhood they attended school in. We learned fun things about where they liked to eat, what they do after basketball games and school, and more about the assets of the community that would be hard for an outsider to spy. In particular they took us to the People’s Park and told us about some of the activities that were held there such as an open mic night. As a group we also discovered some of the beautiful murals in South Chicago, which highlighted skills in the community the kids had not previously been aware of. We were also brought up to speed on some of the more serious events occurring in the neighborhood, such as why EPIC students aren’t allowed at a certain gas station, after a large fight broke out, in addition to why it may be best to avoid the park at times. I really enjoyed this activity because it allowed me to learn more about their personalities and daily lives. I think they also liked leading and teaching us something and I’m looking forward to having them step up to this role more often.