Volunteer Perspective by Ceilidh Matthews
Being involved with The Reading Bear Society for the past 9 years has been an incredibly enlightening and rewarding experience. I began my journey in early childhood literacy with RBS in Grade 8, when Dr. Joanne Roussy invited me to attend a StrongStart visit at an elementary school in Vancouver. I saw immediately the impact of the StrongStart program in the excitement that greeted us as we walked through the classroom doors. The immediate connection and power of the relationships fostered by reading together made a very strong impression upon me and I continued to be involved with book drives and visits during my high school years.
While completing my undergraduate degree in Health Sciences at McMaster University, I looked forward to returning to Vancouver to reconnect with the Reading Bear as a Summer Practicum student. During Summer of 2017, I planned a Focus Group for the Grade 8 students, guided by the RBS group discussion modules. The adolescents reflected upon their experiences with the Reading Buddy program, highlighting the enjoyment involved in meeting their partners and reminiscing nostalgically about the connections they had formed. We discussed the support material, the books children especially enjoyed and the areas in which they felt the program could grow. The students all called enthusiastically for more frequent visits. I saw the program in action and also observed a Reading Bear session at a Vancouver elementary school, where I was moved by the kindness, patience and warmth of the 13-year-olds as they greeted their excited buddies and read to them. Watching the older students nurture the confidence of an timid child highlighted the magic of the Reading Bear connections. I reflected on how this partnership was of benefit to each and every student in the room, and I summarized my findings in a report for the RBS.
During the Summer of 2018 and 2019, I was delighted to be able to volunteer at the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. Joined by fellow RBS volunteers, we read stories, sang songs, and interacted with the children and their families at Canuck Place. I also enjoyed visiting a Grade 1 class, where we guided children through a Dr. Bear visit. Another highlight from my time with the RBS was attending the Mom2Mom Summer Picnic. Dressed up in a bear suit, I read to children on a beautiful summer day in the park; the image of the children leaving with a bear and book bag in hand lingered long afterwards.
In April 2020, I was very happy to reconnect with RBS to engage in another Summer Practicum. My task is to review literature on vaccination, parent decision-making, and best practice in presenting information to guide the creation of an information sheet. I am grateful to be able to volunteer with the Reading Bear Society in a remote capacity, learning from and working with UBC Medical School FLEX students, under the guidance of Dr. Roussy.
My involvement with the RBS has allowed me to develop and build upon a multitude of skills. Working with children, fellow volunteers, and RBS leaders has challenged my interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills. I have learned to look at situations from numerous perspectives, to be empathetic, caring and understanding in my outlook and interactions. At times I have been pushed out of my areas of comfort, be it by donning a bear suit, singing vivaciously, or leading a group of 18 teenagers in discussion. Each Reading Bear experience has triggered reflection, personal growth and a strong desire to help communities in need. I look forward to continuing my involvement and contributing to the RBS.