I did many RAC’s this week but the one that stuck out to me and helped someone else was talking to someone who was new to the school and inviting them to sit at lunch time with my friends and myself. I was talking to my cousin who goes to a different school in the district and she was telling me about her friend who just switched schools during semester break to Riverside. I thought I should meet them and get to know them and help them out a little with the new school. I met them and we sat together at lunch time with some of my friends and they got to meet everyone.

What did you notice about the person who benefited from the RAC?

They seemed a little shy and nervous the first day when I met them but by the second day they already seemed to be more comfortable and talking to more of my friends so I think I helped them make friends and stretch outside their comfort zone. They also had some friends now and I hope they felt less lonely when at school.

What did you notice about yourself?

I noticed and learned that just saying “hi” to someone and starting a conversation can make a big difference on yourself and someone else. Another thing is that now I just had a new friend who I am now able to grow my friendship with.

How did preforming a RAC contribute to your personal awareness and responsibility?

I had seen them the day before I talked to them by themselves and since then I have noticed a lot of people who sit alone at school and it made me realize how fortunate I am to have lots of great friends and in the future, I could talk to someone new just like I did with this person.

Did you enjoy this RAC? Would you do it again? Would you change it, if so, how?

I did enjoy this RAC. I would do it again to make more friends and welcome them into my friend group. I was sort of introduced to this person by my cousin but next time if I seen someone alone I think I would go and talk to them myself without having to have to be asked or have any pre-existing information about them.

How did it contribute to your leadership skills?

This act contributed to my leadership skills because it put me out of my comfort zone to try something new. It also showed communication skills and confidence because I was able to meet them and become their friend.

Did you notice it “catching on” with others?

This only happened this week and all my friends have meet them. it has not “caught on” too much yet but I think it will either with me or my friends or both together.