All Still Children at Heart Anonymous

The only explanation why there are Cheeto-dusted fingerprints across a squash court could only be: little kids. Over the summer, my squash coach asked if I would help with her children’s summer camp. Naively confident, I accepted. Throughout those four weeks I not only learned about the tricks of Pokémon Go and MarioKart, but I also made some of the funniest friends yet most frustrating fiends.

Employing whatever knowledge of argumentation I could, I tried ethos, logos, and pathos, none of which were convincing enough for the mini tyrants half my size. Defeated, I stepped back. I realized although I knew what I meant, it wasn’t about me, and I learned to connect with their understanding rather than mine. Week my week, my listening skills advanced, carrying my communication skills with them. Gradually, the drills and match-play became fluid, the campers positive shift in attitude was palpable. Our newfound collaboration not only benefited the students, but enhanced the experience for the coaches as well. Having the ability to effectively interact with others is a skill that permeates even the smallest of situations.

Although it was these primary school age children taught me a lot about the necessity of humor and grace in...