Over the course of the semester, BCL students work with dozens of adult professionals — business leaders, elected officials, non-profit workers, university professors, scientists, activists, artists, and more. But if you ask students, some of the most memorable conversations they’ve had are with people half their height.

It can be intimidating to walk into an elementary classroom, but teenagers’ discomfort fades quickly, as second graders race to sit next to them, and as Kindergartners climb into their laps. The connection is instantaneous, and the result is magical.

At the Integrated Arts Academy, BCL students interviewed 1st, 2nd, and 5th graders about their own answers to our essential question: What Does it Takes for a Community to Thrive? At the Fletcher Free Library, we spent time with Youth Librarian Megan Butterfield, who introduced us to the values embodied by picture books. Students then shared those books with the Kindergarteners at Sustainability Academy, and smiles and laughter filled the room.

I really liked our time at IAA. Getting them to focus was tedious, but it really was cute to see them when they were locked in. They were “in the zone,” as one might say. There weren’t any crazy hurdles, it was honestly nice to get to chill with them. Kids are really refreshing to be around. I hope we get to do more activities involving them, it really makes me feel like a role model.

• Mahdi

It was great spending time with the kids. Something that was inspiring to see was just how much fun they have, and how close the kids are to each other. And how welcoming they were to us, to high schoolers.

• Dunia

It was great to spend time with people that look up to us when we walked in. It was sweet. They asked a lot of questions, and it was just great to spend time with them.

• Aime

Spending time with these young children was really amazing. I’ve always loved to be with children, and I think they can be so insightful without meaning to. After working with young children, I always feel very inspired. They are completely honest and they are not scared to be themselves.

• Adele

I really enjoyed spending time with the kids. I don’t usually get the chance to hang out with the younger generation. Seeing how curious they were about us was very inspiring and reminded me what it was like to be that age. It was challenging at first to relate to the kids, but once I got over that it was a really fun experience. Seeing how many questions they asked was very cool and was refreshing to see them ask questions without feeling nervous of being judged.

• Frances

I absolutely loved it. I love seeing young minds share their ideas and express what they are doing and seeing. They have such bright minds and it’s really inspiring to see.

• Carter

For me, the experience was humbling. I still had to remember they are still kids and are young. Some of them had some great ideas which were very interesting. It was unique to remember that kids that young still have ideas.

• Michee

I loved spending time with the little ones. Younger kids are my favorite kids. They are always so curious and have such fun questions and attitudes.

• Callee

Our time with the kids was very fun and interesting, I had never really had and experience like this in the past.

• Blu

It was really fun to be in the Kindergarten classroom. I loved hearing their little child thoughts on life and hearing how they responded to our questions.

• Selma

The time with the kids was really fun. It was really inspiring to read books to them and kind of see myself in them. And it was interesting to look back at how we took being young for granted.

• Imraan