Recently in the heart of my fellowship project, a beautiful twist emerged. The cohort that I am mentoring as part of my Fellowship project indulged in creative activities like paper crafts, sketching, and guitar lessons. This enriched the experience and fostered an environment of vibrant self-expression and collaboration. Though seemingly simple, these activities opened new avenues for the cohort, both girls and boys, to explore their creative sides and express themselves in ways they had not fully explored.
Crafting Connections
During a module on communications, I asked my cohort a question: “What makes you happy when working with others?” The resounding answer was building something together. This led us to our first creative endeavor: paper crafts. The project was initiated with the aim of enhancing group dynamics through a collective creative effort. The result was a vibrant array of decorations, each one showcasing their creativity and collaborative spirit. As they folded, cut, and glued, the joy and satisfaction of creating something beautiful together was evident. It seemed to foster a sense of community and shared purpose.
Sketching Aspirations
Next, we ventured into the realm of dreams and aspirations through sketching. I asked the cohort to draw their dreams—what they envisioned for their futures. Whether it was a profession or a symbolic representation, each drawing was a window into their hopes and ambitions. To add a layer of excitement, we turned this into a fun competition with categories like the best drawing, the best explanation, and the most creative format. This approach ensured that everyone could participate, regardless of their drawing skills. The array of sketches that emerged was nothing short of inspiring, showcasing not just their talents but also their unique perspectives and dreams. The competition highlighted the diversity in their aspirations and the different ways they chose to express them.
Harmonizing Rituals
The creative journey took a musical turn with the introduction of guitar lessons. What began with four curious girls soon transformed into a popular activity attended by over 20+ boys and girls. The enthusiasm was contagious. Despite being beginners, the children eagerly strummed their guitars, filling the air with the raw, unpolished sounds of Bollywood songs. These sessions became a daily ritual, a joyous culmination of their efforts, and a testament to their growing confidence and camaraderie.
Nostalgic Crescendo
Reflecting on this journey, I am struck by how these activities not only enriched the lives of the students at the center but also transformed me. I have always shied away from creative pursuits, feeling insecure and stressed whenever I had to draw or perform, fearing I would make a fool of myself. Learning the guitar was particularly challenging for me, as I resisted the idea of learning in a group. My first group performance on stage of “Aashayein,” a popular Bollywood song about hope, came after a serious reprimand from my guitar instructor. We sounded horrible, so much so that the school was likely relieved when our performance ended. Yet, our instructor praised us so enthusiastically that we felt our next collaboration could be with the Beatles.
This led to a series of performances where I would bring out my guitar at gatherings and get-togethers, much to the dismay of those present, torturing them for being present at the right place at the wrong time. These embarrassing moments and the steep learning curve ultimately taught me invaluable lessons in confidence and self-acceptance.
Fearless Enthusiasm
Seeing the kids at the center embrace these creative activities with such enthusiasm and fearlessness has been deeply inspiring. Their eagerness to participate in these sessions reminded me of the importance of creating a safe space for making mistakes and learning from them. Their willingness to experiment, to sound imperfect, and yet to confidently claim their space in the world is incredibly motivating. Despite their age, they have demonstrated resilience and creativity that many older individuals hesitate to show.
As I reflect on the past months, I realize that the adolescents at the center have taught me the true essence of creativity: it is not about perfection but about expression, exploration, and the courage to be oneself. Through paper crafts, sketching, and guitar lessons, we have a community of confident, creative, and collaborative young individuals.
