Non-Sibi Solum: not for oneself alone. For years, this Latin proverb was plastered all around Pike School; a small, private, day school nestled in the woods of Andover, Massachusetts. When I first entered the colossal glass doors of Pike at the age of four, I was young and immature. I walked by the same three words every day and never acknowledged their presence or meaning. As the years progressed, I grew into a young adult with a new sense of maturity, and curiosity. At the end of the eighth grade most students graduate, and venture into the unknown world of high school. I however, elected to remain for the ninth grade. Although difficult at times, the small class size of 10 students posed unique, life changing opportunities. Little did I know as I walked through those familiar glass doors entering my freshman year, I would learn the true meaning of Non-Sibi Solum. …show more content…
As we sat and observed the class the teacher asked if we wanted to participate. From that day on we attended the class every week and eventually began to teach the class on our own. As the weeks passed we grew increasingly closer to the students. Playing with the kids at first seemed rather insignificant, but overtime it became very rewarding. I realized I was not only teaching the students, but also learning a lot myself. Those afternoons playing with the kids taught me the meaning of Non-Sibi Solum, that giving back to others can be both fun and rewarding. This notion has stuck with me through my high school years as I volunteered at a pre-school as a teacher’s assistant . The ability to work with others as both a teacher and leader were life-changing skills I learned my freshman year and continue to apply