Aaron Moon
I am an AACPS: Volunteer, Nantucket Elementary School | Substitute Teacher
I am a Sales Associate at Old Navy in Crofton and have been since 2013. I was asked by my manager to volunteer for recess supervision as a reprieve for the teachers at a local elementary school in Crofton called Nantucket Elementary School. Once I completed recess duty, I was asked to come back and meet with the school counselor, Todd Stanzione. He asked if I was interested in mentoring a 5th grader struggling in the classroom. From that point on, I went to the school weekly to play basketball, assist with homework, and talk to the student about his transition to the next grade. We developed a good relationship and a mutual trust developed. It was a very rewarding experience for both of us.
Since then I have continued my commitment to Nantucket and have mentored young men in 2nd, 4th and 5th grade and volunteered on multiple occasions to help the school. I have helped with boxing can foods for the county-wide food drives and buying and wrapping gifts with my Old Navy colleagues during the holiday seasons. As a volunteer, I have been recognized several times and I definitely feel like an integral part of the Crofton community. One of my favorite experiences is when I spoke to the Nantucket families about mentoring at an event called the Hope Talks. Additionally, I was surprised and flattered when I was nominated AACPS volunteer of the month in January 2016. I felt pretty “big time” when me and Mr. Stanzione were interviewed for my work in the school by AACPS TV.
My work continues with Nantucket and every day I learn new things form Mrs. Pickens, Mrs. Edwards, and the rest of the staff. In fact, I am now a substitute teacher for AACPS and studying at Bowie State University to obtain an Elementary Education degree. My dedication, passion, and love for the children I work with give me happiness that is needed in my life. From my experiences at Nantucket, I know that I will love my future career! I want to inspire students to help others so that they can have rewarding experiences like me when they get older.
