I spent the summer working as a counselor in the three year old division of a summer camp. This ended up being the most stressful eight weeks of my life, but also the most enjoyable. Seeing a child’s face light up when they see you is the most heartwarming experience I have to date, and I’ll admit I chase that feeling. When the opportunity to volunteer at Harding Elementary popped up I jumped on board.

I’m usually at Harding as a lunch buddy, but last week my schedule worked out so I was able to attend recess buddies. I walked on to the playground with Christina, one of our pledges, and we both balked as we realized we were unsure on how to talk to kids that are older than three. Do you go up and compliment their outfits? Slyly push yourself into their game? Stand next to them until they’re forced to acknowledge you?

After much deliberation we joined a couple girls in hula hooping which quickly escalated into a quick-paced game of tag. Unfortunately, I quickly realized my lack of stamina and agility put me at a great disadvantage as I repeatedly skidded past kids half my height. When they all ran behind the building I slinked away, leaving Christina to do the running.

As I walked towards the playground, a bundle of curly hair flew at me. I’d met Ellen the week previously at lunch buddies and we’d had a meaningful conversation about her favorite classes and preferred colors. She wrapped her arms around my waist and exclaimed “I saw you yesterday!” Dubious, I asked her what I was wearing and who I was with. She proceeded to describe in detail my t-shirt and vest combination along with the hairstyles of my friends.

Impressed, I sat on the playground with her and discussed the pros and cons of the ponytail. She borrowed a hair tie and gave me her mother’s favorite hairstyle: the topsy-turvy ponytail complete with braid. I immediately did her hair the same way; we spent the rest of recess running around the playground and showing off our matching looks, Ellen even helping the teachers perfect their hairdos.

When it was time to go I once again stood in the middle of the playground with Ellen wrapped around my waist, demanding I stay “forever.” I held her tight and promised to return the following week.

The younger a child is the quicker they seem to be able to make friends. There are no social norms for them to follow or a fear of being awkward to hold them back. Because of this it’s easy to have an impact on their lives, and in return, they impact yours too. I love how easy it is to bond with kids at Harding Elementary, and how the smallest things can make them the happiest. Working with these kids not only brings a smile to their faces, but also one to mine. That’s why I love service—the feeling of accomplishment and joy you bring to both others and yourself. Seeing the actual impact your work can have someone’s life is amazing, and I love Alpha Phi Omega for giving me the opportunity do to this on a weekly basis.

This post was originally published on the Alpha Phi Omega service blog. See the original post here.