Staff Blog Week 5

By K’Danse McGee – Junior Assistant for Advocacy/Workshop Development

 

One of the most fascinating and fulfilling experiences I've had thus far is working as a Junior Assistant at the Boch Center. I was aware when I started that I would be accompanied by a wide range of individuals and skills, but I was unaware of how varied and linked my surroundings would be. It's a place where new things, challenges, people, and lessons are introduced every day. One of the first aspects that struck me was how diverse teenagers are, not only in terms of personality but also in terms of their hobbies, abilities, and methods for producing art. While some teenagers are born performers who command the stage with assurance, others excel in the background, creating the magic with their technical prowess, creative vision, or organizational prowess. In spite of these distinctions, we all manage to connect. It resembles a puzzle with distinct pieces of various colors and shapes that come together to form a larger whole.

Also, I've discovered how the Boch Center's varied disciplines function differently while still pursuing the same objective. Every specialization has its own rhythm, whether it's an artistic workshop, a tech session behind the scenes, or a community interaction event. However, those rhythms somehow meld into a single, harmonious beat, and it's amazing to observe and experience that cohesion.

The workshop tour days have been one of the most thrilling aspects of my stay here. These gatherings are teeming with enthusiasm, brimming with imaginative exhibits, motivational shows, and interactive chances for individuals to engage with the arts in novel ways. It has been extremely rewarding to watch guests beam with enjoyment and know that I helped make it happen with these teens.

Personally, my role has forced me to develop in unexpected ways. I've grown more receptive to hearing and taking into account the viewpoints of others, even if they differ from mine. I've discovered that when we listen as carefully as we contribute, teamwork flourishes. One accomplishment that I'm particularly proud of is my increased openness to delegating tasks to others. I had a tendency to want to manage everything on my own at first, fearing that things might not work out. I now realize that confidence is a crucial component of collaboration. Allowing others to fill in has reduced my burden and improved my relationships with the teenagers I work with.

In hindsight, my time at the Boch Center has been a combination of growth, learning, and connection. Every event has given me fresh excitement, every obstacle has taught me so much, and every person I've encountered has had an influence. Every day I go out feeling a little more encouraged, a little more self-assured, and much more a part of the amazing community that surrounds me.