I've Found the Fountain of Youth

Close your eyes and imagine the following: mulch in your socks, clear blue skies, a chalk covered blacktop, and seats with chains from which people fly. For a total of six years (maybe longer if you were lucky) this was my domain. And let me be the first to tell you, I miss every second of it. Recess wasn’t just a time of day where I was forced to go outside, it was an integral part of my life. I loved feeling the sun beating down on me, smelling the wood chips, and climbing all around the playground. I loved making up games with my friends –imaginary and real — and I loved falling down and scraping my knees. I loved screaming at the top of my lungs, playing Jacob’s Ladder, and most importantly, I loved that feeling when it’s finally your turn in kick ball. What if I were to tell you that there was a way to relive all of these emotions that are so dear to us? What if I were to tell you… that I found The Fountain of Youth? Prior to being involved with APO, I never would have imagined my twenty year old self returning to the playground. However, after already obtaining the nickname “Snorlax” after just a few visits, I knew it was where I belonged. My childish spirit could not stay away. Seeing the smiles and hearing the laughs only reminded me of the youth I had begun to lose as I grew up and went to college. My inner child yearned to make a connection with my past self, and regain a piece of my conscious. For this, I am thankful. Recess Buddies has helped me reconnect with my youth and made me realize that I don’t have to grow up, I only have to grow old. Whether it’s being bossed around by a third grader, cheering up someone who had a bad day, or teaching the children the importance of respect, I feel like the impact APO members bring to Recess Buddies is invaluable. I never had a program like Recess Buddies growing up, but having older individuals around is certainly beneficial because it gives a younger generation an alternative perspective. By participating in this service event both the kids and members are giving back to one another. The kids give back with their youthful spirit, and the adults with their vigor and insight. Although I may not have found the literal Fountain of Youth, Recess Buddies has ensured that I will indeed stay young forever.