Mr. Marco's favorite Heart House moment (so far): “I taught a group of boys the magic trick where you pretend to take your thumb off. All of them had the most shocked face I have ever seen!”
You can usually find Mr. Marco in the 2nd and 3rd grade classroom at Heart House South. If you don’t see him around, look under the pile of children to the side and there he’ll be! The kids there have taken to him in such a way, that we hope he stays with us well after his college years.
Not much older than the children are, Mr. Marco was quite a surprise as volunteer. He came to Heart House in December of 2008 through the school program American Youth Works. As a student, Marco had the opportunity to commit his service learning project hours to a non-profit organization. He luckily chose us.
At first notice, he seems a cool cat, reserved and non-drama like. But he blossoms into smiles and laughter when he’s with the kids, teaching them silly magic tricks, letting them jump around him (and on him sometimes) and helping them with homework. He sincerely enjoys being with the children and it’s apparent the children love him too. When asked if he might consider teaching as a career, he smiles and says “Oh, yeah, this might be something I’ll want to keep on doing.” We are very lucky to have him with us almost five days a week through, at least, the summer- although he has hinted about staying on past his service learning obligation. Our fingers are crossed!
It is obvious the children very much look forward to him coming in and benefit from his affirming attention. His encouraging, playful nature lies at the core of what Heart House looks for in fruitful mentorship. His work with the children, with out a doubt, will encourage good choices that will bring beneficial change to our society. Many cheers, to you, Mr. Marco. We know you’ll remain a positive force for children around you, always.
More about Mr. Marco:
- What are some of your hobbies? I've been a DJ for almost five years and enjoy teaching others who are interested about it or giving lessons.
- What is your favorite food? Burgers (fast food)
- What is your favorite color? Black
- If you had a favorite superhero power what would it be and why? I would be super fast so I could trick people, and no need for a car.
- What made you volunteer with Heart House? I wanted to work with kids and I jumped at the opportunity of helping them here.
- What keeps you coming back to Heart House? The kids, the stories they tell me, the things they do, the fact they look up to me in some way.
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