Volunteers Share Their Experiences on Dr. Seuss Day – Reading in Spanish!

Brandon Woodward
VP – Treasury Solutions Officer
Bank of America Merrill Lynch

On Thursday, March 2^nd, I had the privilege of spending some time with Mr. Almena’s 3^rd grade Spanish Immersion class at Midvale Elementary School, to celebrate Dr. Seuss Day. Knowing volunteers are typically hard to find for any event, I wanted to be a part of this activity because I would have wanted someone to do the same for my two children who were enjoying Dr. Seuss Day at another elementary school in Utah County. Though the gesture was minimal, it felt great to give back to the community in a way that allowed me to meet and interact with children and others that were a part of that same community.

For the event, I read Cat in the Hat or as it is known in the Spanish version, El Gato Ensombrerado. It’s been awhile since I’ve had the chance to speak Spanish and I’m sure the kids were laughing on the inside at my bad accent, but they were great to work with and entertained me as much as I did them. Though I’m sure these 3^rd graders had heard this story over and over, they were attentive and appreciative of the short amount of time that I devoted to them. It was a great opportunity for me and I’d gladly do it again.

Monica Mockaitis-Adams

Officer; Sales Support Associate
Business Banking
Bank of America Merrill Lynch

What a wonderful experience I had at Midvale Elementary School reading to Mr. Segarra’s 4^th grade Spanish immersion class for Dr. Seuss Day on March 2^nd. I was a bit nervous reading in Spanish since I don’t practice my Spanish skills often. However, I thought reading in Spanish was a great cause that helped me reach outside my comfort zone. I first read “Green Eggs and Ham” (Huevos Verde con Jamon) which was an easy read in Spanish. The next book I read was “Cat in the Hat” (El Gato Ensombrerado). I asked the class to help me out with the word “Ensombrerado”, every time we came to it. I thought it was a great way for the class to interact as I was reading.  At the end of reading, I had them all raise their right hand and they repeated after me the Dr. Seuss Oath for reading – which we recited in English.

I enjoyed the whole experience and I plan on being a volunteer again next year!  Thank you to the United Way Team for organizing this event.