Here is another wonderful addition of semi-volunteering I am doing, tutoring gifted children.

You don’t know how rewarding it is to work with gifted children. The sparkle in their eyes, the quicksilver minds, their inquisitive eyes, their keen senses and when they see it’s OK to be themselves. It’s a wondrous feeling.

I worked with two young boys last week. First, it almost made me feel like my generation are like dinosaurs. It seems they are so much more advanced than we were. Another great thing was how Californian education for these kids is so environmentally aware. They were learning about water conservation, environmental programs. I looked at them and saw a new generation of kids, a glimpse of hope for the future.

Lastly, the reason why I have always been found of gifted children is there is so much in place for “special education” but not that much for those bright minds sitting bored in class. Some of them become so bored they turn to unproductive ways of living. If we can help them harness their curiosity into a healthy sense of wonder and develop inquiry, you have a whole new generation of well adapted kids, eager to learn and apply what they have learned.

It wasn’t until I had the chance to get into a program in my High School called SWAS (School Within A School) that I spread my wings. I was miserable before. Never understanding why I was being taught anything since I wasn’t given the overall view and application. When I got to SWAS, grades were gone replaced by evaluations. Workshops sprung up on interesting things like Eastern Philosophy, Science, Music, etc. It was a mind opener.

I am happy to work with children like this. I am happy to see there is some type of infrastructure for them. They are tomorrow’s hope.