Much thanks for our guest contributor Upama KC . Upama is a corps member in United Way’s One Million Meals Campaign, meaning she has dedicated her summer to feeding kids and teens through HIP’s summer meal program.
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As we head towards the last week of HIP’s Summer Meals program, I cannot help but reflect on how it all began. The nervousness kicked in on the first day when Kate, our supervisor, gave us a tour around the four sites managed by HIP. A week later, I was placed in Lake City Court. Three weeks into the program, I had started feeling comfortable going to my site every day of the week. In fact, lunch time became the favorite part of my day just because I got to interact and play with the kids. As the kids were of diverse age groups, I usually found myself running after a two year old and trying to communicate with them to having a semi-grown up conversation with a pre-teen. Each week came with new experiences, new dilemmas, and new faces.

Some weeks flew past and others dragged themselves slower than a turtle. But I can say for sure that I never had a dull week this summer. This summer has been extremely enriching as I got to meet my fellow corps members, the extremely helpful volunteers, and the wonderful staff at HIP and Lake City Presbyterian Church. And of course, the adorable kids at Lake City Court who were always able to put a smile on my face. Thank you to everyone! I will truly miss each and everyone of you!