Finding Myself with TCM

By Paola Rios Penarrieta, Field-ed Student in Kingston-Galloway

Before joining Toronto City Mission (TCM) for my field-ed placement, I was just a student in my first year of college nervous for what was ahead of me. I believe since being with TCM, I have changed myself for the better in only a few months by simply interacting with the children and staff, while also trying my best to follow in God’s footsteps.

When I was beginning to look for a placement for my second semester in January, it was important to me to find a workplace that involved helping families and children. Although I was not sure exactly what any workplace would have me do, I knew as long as I was able to help the families and children in need, I would be happy. TCM seemed like the perfect fit, exactly the kind of place I wanted to be a part of. I was thrilled when I got an interview with Elliott Shin for an opportunity to be placed at their Kingston-Galloway community.

I was worried that because TCM is a Christian-based organization and myself being Catholic there would be a problem. I did not know as much of the Bible as everybody else, I was not practicing my faith often. However, joining TCM and partaking in staff meetings, and listening during ‘Bible Time’ at programs made me want to change that about myself.

Once I got the placement with TCM I never expected myself to change this much. After attending my first few meetings and spending my first few weeks with the kids at programs, I created such great relationships with each and every one of them. The staff have always been so welcoming and friendly to me from the start, and the kids, while having their hard days sometimes, have been great too. While becoming more social with everybody, the kids began to open up to me more, and I was getting closer with the staff and other placement students. I began to get more comfortable with everybody and at the same time, the other way around. Not only was I talking to the staff and kids more often, I began getting the courage to start talking to the parents as well, who also began sharing their stories and experiences in their life.

It was after my first few weeks of being at TCM that I realized I wanted to get back into my faith and start creating a change in myself. I began to start talking to more of the staff about my wish to do so, and all who I spoke with immediately gave me their support and to help in my journey. I began researching about my faith more regularly, praying everyday, and began reading the Bible. I was excited to listen during devotions and go into our prayer groups during our staff meetings. It would put a smile on my face when I would see the kids interacting during ‘Bible Time’ at programs. Simply knowing and seeing for myself that what Carmen and Rachelle, the Outreach Workers from the Kingston-Galloway site, were teaching the kids made a difference. Even though Carmen and Rachelle were just reflecting God through themselves and the Bible, it was the way they taught and interacted with the kids to get them to better understand that awed me. I hope that one day I am able to get into my desired career like they have with TCM.

I believe one of my favourite moments while working with TCM would have to be when I was able to attend and help with the SpikeBack Again Poverty Sonshine Day Camp Fundraiser. Although I do have a lot of memorable moments at our regular KIC (Kids in Community) after school program, SpikeBack Against Poverty was really an eye-opening event for me. Seeing everybody come together, fundraising for the children to attend TCM’s Sonshine Day Camp, and playing some friendly games of beach volleyball was very special to me. Getting my own staff shirt made me feel good about being part of the team. I was able to meet new people–former staff that I had never met before and I was able to see different families have an evening of fun while their kids ran around in the sand. Seeing and hearing everyone having a great time and experiencing that with them was by far my favourite part of the night. Whether it was their first time attending and saying how much of a blast they had, or that it was their fifth time and that it got better every year.

I would say one of my favourite moments was on Monday nights during EPIC (Education Provided in Community) tutoring program. This happened after where we tutor some of the kids in the different subjects they are learning. At first, I was not sure if I would be able to be of any help; part of me was nervous when I was told I would be partnered with one of the kids. However, as I was creating that relationship with the child, it made me realize why I wanted to be a part of this TCM, as I continue to pursue becoming a Social Service Worker. During my time with them I’ve been able to gain more experience handling problems and coming up with solutions, improving my overall interpersonal skills,and becoming more organized with the work that I’m assigned, like leading food activities or gym games during programs.

All in all, although my time was cut short due to the unfortunate COVID-19 pandemic, I had a great time working with TCM. I was lucky enough to be offered an opportunity to continue working with the organization as a Summer Intern at Sonshine Day Camp. I’ve been very grateful for this opportunity, and I hope everything works out so I could continue to take part in God’s mission.