Lauren Mishkin, Congregation Shaare Emeth

Lauren Mishkin loves working with kids and wanted to volunteer in a classroom for her mitzvah project. For six months, she spent every Tuesday afternoon at the University City Children’s Center, a diverse early learning center for children 6 weeks to 6 years old. 

Daughter of Joanne and Jeff Mishkin of University City, Lauren worked with the 4- and 5-year-olds, better known as the Big Dippers. She helped the teachers with creative activities, played with the children on the playground and, of course, read books to them.

Lauren, a student at Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School, said the kids were really great to work with. 

“They were all really nice and very welcoming,” she said. “I learned that some children are much more accepting than others and for some it takes longer. In the end, I felt very comfortable teaching them. I had a great time at UCCC and hope to go back soon.”