Community Partner : Corner Team Intern : Roy Sun Site Supervisor : Sara Artes
What is Corner Team ? Corner Team uses Olympic-style boxing to strengthen core competencies that improve academic performance , encourage healthy and active lifestyles , and build strong communities of engaged citizens .
My summer at Corner Team has been nothing short of spectacular , and each day has been a privilege working with the staff for the Summer Champions Club . Even though I was completely new to boxing , I immediately felt at home at Corner Team — everyone was warm and supportive from day one , and it was like a second family . The Champions , the middle and high school-aged program participants , had loads of energy , filling the gym with life every morning .
It has been an incredible experience getting to have conversations with the Champions , and I am so thankful to the people at Corner Team for sharing their worlds and perspectives this summer . Even though I was there to teach them , I learned so much about their lives and the Baltimore outside of Hopkins . They gave insight into the issues in Baltimore ' s schools and their interactions with the police , and hearing these firsthand stories was riveting . On the flip side , it was amazing to see their progress over the weeks , not just in their physical strength but also in the way they grew as people and members of the community . The Champions learned how to treat people with respect and do everything with integrity , which showed through their kindness and effort in all aspects of the program .
The days were not all easy , but they were always rewarding . One of the summer ' s core principles , grit , came into play when things went wrong or became challenging . On those days , it was all about taking things one step at a time , one victory at a time . It took showing up and putting in positivity , supporting each other in any way possible . With such a tight-knit team , though , we powered through , and I realized how valuable relationships and community were to success .
This summer changed my life . I found a new love for the city and its people , and I know I will keep coming back to Corner Team even after the summer . I have learned so much from my time working with the Champions and staff , and I am grateful for every moment of it .
Led mindfulness activities at the beginning of each session , including yoga and meditation Co-led boxing training workouts , demonstrating technique and encouraging participants Planned and taught classes discussing the science behind boxing and exercise
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