Thinking back to the first night before my time as a VISTA I was definitely a nervous wreck. I really had no idea what I had gotten myself into. When people asked me what I'd be doing I told them I honestly didn't know but that I would in some way be working to improve education or helping students out. I never would have thought that I would be working on such a huge project that will hopefully be bringing together so many of our students to help improve literacy rates in South Carolina.
I've definitely learned a ton, on so many levels. For one, I always knew South Carolina didn't have the greatest schools in the nation but I was completely unaware that almost 3/4 of the fourth graders in this state read at a below proficient level. During the year I had a meeting with a representative from Teach for America who told me that when citys are determining how many prisons to build the one statistic that they use to determine this is third grade reading scores. If this is the case South Carolina is about to get a ton of prisons. To me this is appalling and unacceptable. I really hope that my work as a VISTA will make an impact on those numbers and help bring South Carolina's reading scores back up. I also hope that this will directly correlate to reducing the number of high school dropouts which, currently, South Carolina has the most of any other state. I believe wholeheartdly that education and literacy are what we need to improve so many of the problems in our state, particularly poverty. I can't wait to see the impact this program can make.
Beyond all this I've also learned so many other things that will help me in my professional life. I've had numerous meetings with representatives from various agencies which have taught me how to carry myself and how to behave in a business setting. Through tutoring at St. Lawrence Place I have learned the importance of setting goals and motivating students to help them achieve all that they can.
I feel like this post has been very rambly and all over the place but I just wanted to say how grateful I am for my time as a VISTA. I have learned so much about myself, literacy, and making a difference in my community. I will continue to fight for the improvement of public schools and I encourage everyone to actively seek out ways in which you too can make a difference for the issues that you care about.
Madison
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Friday, July 20, 2012
Hello everyone.
It's been a crazy few weeks for me here at SLP, and in general.
I missed a few days of work in the past two weeks, which I wasn't too happy about. Unfortunately I missed some of the events that I helped sign the kids up for, including Cocky's Reading Express, and Pigskin Poets. Even though I wasn't able to attend, the kids had a great time.
Something new and fun I was able to do was make the thank you card and deliver it with the kids to Wal-Mart. We brought some of the kids who live here at SLP to deliver it and they had a good time. It was nice of them to be able to get out and do something like that. We also got to go tour Williams-Brice Stadium, which was awesome. We got to go into all of the special suites and locker rooms, and even play on the field for a little bit. The kids absolutely loved that. Today we took them to Pitas, the Mediterranean restaurant. They got to try gyros and lamb, which most of them ended up really enjoying. We brought them to try and encourage them to try new things, and even though some of them were hesitant, I was proud of them for giving it a shot.
They're going swimming in about an hour, which will be good since it's so hot. They're finishing with art now, so I guess I should get back to them.
See you all this afternoon. :)
It's been a crazy few weeks for me here at SLP, and in general.
I missed a few days of work in the past two weeks, which I wasn't too happy about. Unfortunately I missed some of the events that I helped sign the kids up for, including Cocky's Reading Express, and Pigskin Poets. Even though I wasn't able to attend, the kids had a great time.
Something new and fun I was able to do was make the thank you card and deliver it with the kids to Wal-Mart. We brought some of the kids who live here at SLP to deliver it and they had a good time. It was nice of them to be able to get out and do something like that. We also got to go tour Williams-Brice Stadium, which was awesome. We got to go into all of the special suites and locker rooms, and even play on the field for a little bit. The kids absolutely loved that. Today we took them to Pitas, the Mediterranean restaurant. They got to try gyros and lamb, which most of them ended up really enjoying. We brought them to try and encourage them to try new things, and even though some of them were hesitant, I was proud of them for giving it a shot.
They're going swimming in about an hour, which will be good since it's so hot. They're finishing with art now, so I guess I should get back to them.
See you all this afternoon. :)
Well it's been a while since I've been here huh? Wow so much has been going on these past few weeks and I am very excited to be able to be at the forefront of the great initiatives which will be taking place soon. Working at Big Brothers, Big Sisters has been such an eye opening experience for me. I have always been volunteering and have always had a passion for giving back to the communities in which I am a productive member of. But I haven't really paid much attention to the work it takes to run these organizations and to get partners and people involved. I work with Heidi Johnson, CEO of BBBS in Columbia, and I know from experience when I would want to volunteer or do something, it was always easy, say so and do it. But here at an actual agency, there is so much more time and energy you have to put into it. It's not as easy as just saying we want to do this and then go forth and be successful.
With that being said, I am pleased to announce that Big Brothers, Big Sisters will potentially become partners with USC either this year or next year with my help. This is something that I am very pleased to be a part of, and definitely something I hope to continue to be able to see through. I have been meeting and talking with so many different people in the nearby areas including the president of Student United Way, other BBBS agencies, and other universities who have partnerships with non-profits. That's where my awe comes into play, the amount of work it takes to build these relationships and make connections can be a very big job....I just hope that I can handle doing it!
One of the challenges that I am seeing before actually setting up this partnership with USC are immediate problems I foresee as a result of starting a partnership. For example, BBBS is a non-profit, they don't have a lot of access funds laying about to support this organization, I see student participation also being a problem, as well as gaining community partners to tag with this organization. These are all concerns that I have, and I don't want to make the wrong decision in doing so, but I do wish to see more students becoming involved with BBBS.
The need for volunteers is always something that is going to be consistent, and unfortunately BBBS can't control how many people want to get involved, all we can do is recruit and hope for the best. As a summer intern, I have made it my challenge to recruit at least 10 volunteers and have them go through with the entire process and becoming Bigs with our organization. There is nothing we can't do if we all pull together, work as one, and start something BIG!
In the weeks and months to come, I look forward to seeing how everything I have worked so hard on plays out. I guess that is one of the most rewarding parts...seeing your hard work pay off.
Until next time,
Davontae
With that being said, I am pleased to announce that Big Brothers, Big Sisters will potentially become partners with USC either this year or next year with my help. This is something that I am very pleased to be a part of, and definitely something I hope to continue to be able to see through. I have been meeting and talking with so many different people in the nearby areas including the president of Student United Way, other BBBS agencies, and other universities who have partnerships with non-profits. That's where my awe comes into play, the amount of work it takes to build these relationships and make connections can be a very big job....I just hope that I can handle doing it!
One of the challenges that I am seeing before actually setting up this partnership with USC are immediate problems I foresee as a result of starting a partnership. For example, BBBS is a non-profit, they don't have a lot of access funds laying about to support this organization, I see student participation also being a problem, as well as gaining community partners to tag with this organization. These are all concerns that I have, and I don't want to make the wrong decision in doing so, but I do wish to see more students becoming involved with BBBS.
The need for volunteers is always something that is going to be consistent, and unfortunately BBBS can't control how many people want to get involved, all we can do is recruit and hope for the best. As a summer intern, I have made it my challenge to recruit at least 10 volunteers and have them go through with the entire process and becoming Bigs with our organization. There is nothing we can't do if we all pull together, work as one, and start something BIG!
In the weeks and months to come, I look forward to seeing how everything I have worked so hard on plays out. I guess that is one of the most rewarding parts...seeing your hard work pay off.
Until next time,
Davontae
Corridor of Shame and more ...
Hello! I'll try to keep this post shorter than the last but I just wanted to talk about a meeting that Theresa and I had yesterday. We got to meet with Bud Ferrillo who was the director and producer of the Corridor of Shame documentary. It was such an informative and eye-opening meeting. As someone who is paasionate about education reform and improving schools for under privileged children I love being able to talk about issues as I was able to yesterday.
Bud told Theresa and I all about the current legislation and legal issues that have led to today's problems in rural South Carolina schools. The case that was mentioned in the movie was the longest case in SC history and, unfortunately, ruled in favor of the state. However, Bud told us that the case is being retried this September with the SC Supreme Court. The hope is that SC schools will benefit in a change in the constitution from education being 'minimally adequate' to high quality.
I think that this is so important because every child deserves the opportunity to live life to the fullest and take advantage of every opportunity available. It shouldn't be dependent on their zip codes or the schools they go to. Bud made a point that I whole-heartdly agree with and that is that most of the problems facing low-income communities (teen pregnancy, health, etc.) can be reversed through high quality education. Right now Bud has a petition that will be shown to legislatures about changing the education standards in South Carolina and I encourage everyone to take the time to add their name to that list and give every child a fighting chance. I'll place a link below.
I hope everyone has a great weekend and rest of the day!!
Madison
http://www.goodbyeminimallyadequate.com
Bud told Theresa and I all about the current legislation and legal issues that have led to today's problems in rural South Carolina schools. The case that was mentioned in the movie was the longest case in SC history and, unfortunately, ruled in favor of the state. However, Bud told us that the case is being retried this September with the SC Supreme Court. The hope is that SC schools will benefit in a change in the constitution from education being 'minimally adequate' to high quality.
I think that this is so important because every child deserves the opportunity to live life to the fullest and take advantage of every opportunity available. It shouldn't be dependent on their zip codes or the schools they go to. Bud made a point that I whole-heartdly agree with and that is that most of the problems facing low-income communities (teen pregnancy, health, etc.) can be reversed through high quality education. Right now Bud has a petition that will be shown to legislatures about changing the education standards in South Carolina and I encourage everyone to take the time to add their name to that list and give every child a fighting chance. I'll place a link below.
I hope everyone has a great weekend and rest of the day!!
Madison
http://www.goodbyeminimallyadequate.com
Friday, July 13, 2012
Hello!
I hope everyone is having a great Friday! This Wednesday I got to go on a Cocky's Reading Express trip which was so fun. I reccomend everyone go on one during their time at Carolina, you won't regret it.
We met early Wednesday morning and took the new Cocky's Reading Express bus down to Bamburg, South Carolina. We went into the library where we had an audience of close to 100 people! There were 5 volunteers and Cocky. All 5 of us read a story and talked to the kids about why reading is important in our lives. During the 3rd story Cocky comes out and surprises the audience and helps act out some of the books. He gets the kids involved and pulls them up on stage and protests anything purple and orange. All the kids were so excited to see Cocky and found him hilarious. After all the books were read the kids got to have their pictures made with Cocky and they all got to pick out a free book to take home with them as long as they promised Cocky that they would read every single day. It was such a great experience to be a part of and I think that the kids really liked hearing the stories with Cocky.
After Bamburg we drove a few miles to Blackville which was a super tiny city. We had lunch at an amazing restaraunt called Miller's Bread Basket. Everything was home cooked and delicious and we got to hear some interesting stories from Uncle Ray, who has worked at the restaraunt for a very long time. It doesn't usually happen but Cocky made a surprise visit at this restaraunt and got himself a free meal!
After lunch we did our final presentation at the Blackville Library. It was a much smaller audience but they were very appreciative and you could tell it really meant a lot to the families and kids that we came to them. They were excited to receive their books and take pictures with Cocky.
We lieft Blackville and played Who Wants to be a Millionaire the whole way home. This was such a fun and rewarding experience and I will definitely be going on another trip. I wish I had taken some pictures to show everyone but if you like Cocky's Reading Express on Facebook I'm sure they'll be uploading some very soon.
Outside of Cocky's Reading Express I'm really trying to focus a lot of my energy on the little girl that I am tutroing at St. Lawrence Place. She is 5 and doesn't yet know her alphabet. We only get 30 minutes together twice a week and I'm really struggling to get her to sit down and focus so yesterday I made a trip to the dollar store for some supplies. I've made her a laminated chart with every letter on it. Once she proves to me that she can identify a letter she gets to put a sticker over it. Once she gets five stickers I'm going to let her have a prize that I got at the Dollar Store. I also promised her that if she can complete that whole chart and learn all her letters by the end of July that I will throw a celebratory ice cream party at SLP for her and all of the other children there. To keep her on track I bought a dry erase board and I'm letting her show me which letters she wants to learn and we're taking turns drawing them on the board. Yesterday was the first day that I tried this and she stayed focused the entire 30 minutes! We only got through 4 letters but I was so glad to have her attention the entire time. I'm going to try and come up with fun ways for her to do letters each time such as sensory bags, playdough, etc. I really, really want to get her to know these letters.
Whew, sorry I know that was a crazy long post but I just wanted to give an update on some good little things that have been happening! Can't wait to hear more about everyone elses experiences (:
Madison
I hope everyone is having a great Friday! This Wednesday I got to go on a Cocky's Reading Express trip which was so fun. I reccomend everyone go on one during their time at Carolina, you won't regret it.
We met early Wednesday morning and took the new Cocky's Reading Express bus down to Bamburg, South Carolina. We went into the library where we had an audience of close to 100 people! There were 5 volunteers and Cocky. All 5 of us read a story and talked to the kids about why reading is important in our lives. During the 3rd story Cocky comes out and surprises the audience and helps act out some of the books. He gets the kids involved and pulls them up on stage and protests anything purple and orange. All the kids were so excited to see Cocky and found him hilarious. After all the books were read the kids got to have their pictures made with Cocky and they all got to pick out a free book to take home with them as long as they promised Cocky that they would read every single day. It was such a great experience to be a part of and I think that the kids really liked hearing the stories with Cocky.
After Bamburg we drove a few miles to Blackville which was a super tiny city. We had lunch at an amazing restaraunt called Miller's Bread Basket. Everything was home cooked and delicious and we got to hear some interesting stories from Uncle Ray, who has worked at the restaraunt for a very long time. It doesn't usually happen but Cocky made a surprise visit at this restaraunt and got himself a free meal!
After lunch we did our final presentation at the Blackville Library. It was a much smaller audience but they were very appreciative and you could tell it really meant a lot to the families and kids that we came to them. They were excited to receive their books and take pictures with Cocky.
We lieft Blackville and played Who Wants to be a Millionaire the whole way home. This was such a fun and rewarding experience and I will definitely be going on another trip. I wish I had taken some pictures to show everyone but if you like Cocky's Reading Express on Facebook I'm sure they'll be uploading some very soon.
Outside of Cocky's Reading Express I'm really trying to focus a lot of my energy on the little girl that I am tutroing at St. Lawrence Place. She is 5 and doesn't yet know her alphabet. We only get 30 minutes together twice a week and I'm really struggling to get her to sit down and focus so yesterday I made a trip to the dollar store for some supplies. I've made her a laminated chart with every letter on it. Once she proves to me that she can identify a letter she gets to put a sticker over it. Once she gets five stickers I'm going to let her have a prize that I got at the Dollar Store. I also promised her that if she can complete that whole chart and learn all her letters by the end of July that I will throw a celebratory ice cream party at SLP for her and all of the other children there. To keep her on track I bought a dry erase board and I'm letting her show me which letters she wants to learn and we're taking turns drawing them on the board. Yesterday was the first day that I tried this and she stayed focused the entire 30 minutes! We only got through 4 letters but I was so glad to have her attention the entire time. I'm going to try and come up with fun ways for her to do letters each time such as sensory bags, playdough, etc. I really, really want to get her to know these letters.
Whew, sorry I know that was a crazy long post but I just wanted to give an update on some good little things that have been happening! Can't wait to hear more about everyone elses experiences (:
Madison
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Monday, July 9, 2012
Hey guys!
Just wanted to show you what I've been busy with today. We recently got a grant from Wal-Mart for our program, so I decided to make a thank you card for them. I'm writing, "Thank You for Caring About Us", and then having the kids do their hand prints with paint and sign their names under them. Ashley, one of the case workers, and I are taking the card and a few kids on Wednesday to present the card to Wal-Mart. I'll post a picture of the finished product once we get finsihed making it beautiful. :)
Thursday, July 5, 2012
And the fun continues...
Hello everyone!
I hope everyone had a great holiday yesterday! It was such a tease being off for one day and I'm already wishing it was the weekend.
I've been really busy here at St. Lawrence Place. We've been going on trips daily like usual, but I've been trying to keep myself busy doing more research and office work as well. I've been trying to find fun things to take the kids to and have them participate in, and it's been pretty successful so far. One of the things I've been working on is getting us registered with the organization called First Book that Madison hooked me up with. It's an organization that gives free and very reduced priced books to organizations that have at least 70% of the population they serve in poverty. Pretty much how it works is you have to apply everytime they have new books available and then they contact you if you are awarded the books. All you have to pay is the shipping, so it's an awesome deal. You can request up to 3 books in each age group at a time, but as many copies as you would like. I think this will be great for the kids here at SLP. I'm thinking abour having them read the book, and then do some sort of creative activity about their interpretation of the book. I hope we are awarded the books because I'm super excited about it!
Another thing I've been doing is looking at things for the kids to do with the Richland County Public Library. I've been using the material that Madison gave me to find cool stuff that I think the kids would like. I've been focusing on cultural stuff that's different that they might not get to experience elsewhere. I've signed us up for PigSkin Poets, which is where members of the USC football team come and read to the kids and then sign autographs. This one isn't super cultural or anything, but I know they'll love it. The older kids went and toured Williams-Brice today and loved it, so I know they'll be excited to meet the players. One that I'm really excited about is called In Your Dreams. Members of different Native American tribes are speaking and sharing about their cultures, and then the kids get to make their own dream catchers. I think that this is going to be really good for them and hopefully they'll take something away from it. A few others that I'm looking into are an Origami class, some basic Spanish classes, and an interactive presentation from the SC Aquarium. It's difficult trying to schedule these because a lot of the schedule is already set in stone, but I'm doing what I can to make sure that the kids have a lot of good memories here at camp!
I can't believe we're over half way done with the summer already. It's really a bittersweet feeling at this point. I'm glad to be starting school again soon and getting into my Upper Division Nursing classes, but I know I'm going to miss the kids like crazy. I hope these next few weeks go by quickly enough not to drag on, but not so quick that they're gone before I know it.
I hope everyone had a great holiday yesterday! It was such a tease being off for one day and I'm already wishing it was the weekend.
I've been really busy here at St. Lawrence Place. We've been going on trips daily like usual, but I've been trying to keep myself busy doing more research and office work as well. I've been trying to find fun things to take the kids to and have them participate in, and it's been pretty successful so far. One of the things I've been working on is getting us registered with the organization called First Book that Madison hooked me up with. It's an organization that gives free and very reduced priced books to organizations that have at least 70% of the population they serve in poverty. Pretty much how it works is you have to apply everytime they have new books available and then they contact you if you are awarded the books. All you have to pay is the shipping, so it's an awesome deal. You can request up to 3 books in each age group at a time, but as many copies as you would like. I think this will be great for the kids here at SLP. I'm thinking abour having them read the book, and then do some sort of creative activity about their interpretation of the book. I hope we are awarded the books because I'm super excited about it!
Another thing I've been doing is looking at things for the kids to do with the Richland County Public Library. I've been using the material that Madison gave me to find cool stuff that I think the kids would like. I've been focusing on cultural stuff that's different that they might not get to experience elsewhere. I've signed us up for PigSkin Poets, which is where members of the USC football team come and read to the kids and then sign autographs. This one isn't super cultural or anything, but I know they'll love it. The older kids went and toured Williams-Brice today and loved it, so I know they'll be excited to meet the players. One that I'm really excited about is called In Your Dreams. Members of different Native American tribes are speaking and sharing about their cultures, and then the kids get to make their own dream catchers. I think that this is going to be really good for them and hopefully they'll take something away from it. A few others that I'm looking into are an Origami class, some basic Spanish classes, and an interactive presentation from the SC Aquarium. It's difficult trying to schedule these because a lot of the schedule is already set in stone, but I'm doing what I can to make sure that the kids have a lot of good memories here at camp!
I can't believe we're over half way done with the summer already. It's really a bittersweet feeling at this point. I'm glad to be starting school again soon and getting into my Upper Division Nursing classes, but I know I'm going to miss the kids like crazy. I hope these next few weeks go by quickly enough not to drag on, but not so quick that they're gone before I know it.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
(Madison)
We're oveer halfway done, its crazy!
Today I'm spending some more time talking to people who are interested in our Carolina READS program by emailing and calling them. I'm really excited that we already have so many people signed up who are going to help make a difference in improving SC's literacy.
Last week I finished up all of my meetings. Basically these meetings were with various agencies and programs throughout the Midlands that promote literacy. Some of the ones I met with were the Department of Juvenile Justice, Challenging Howizons Program, and Cocky's Reading Express. During these meetings I was able to learn a lot more about the organizations and found out different ways that our students can help them through volunteering and work study.
Next week Theresa and I will be meeting with the Financial Aid Office to get the ball rolling on our work study partners. This is really important because half of the people who have signed up are work study students and they're trying to find their job placements now for next year. In the meeting we'll be discussing the new program, Carolina READS, and taking care of all the paperwork for our agencies who want to host work study students.
In addition, I'm also trying to brainstorm some ways to market our new program in the fall to volunteers. We're really hoping that this will be a big success and several students will get on board.
Ok, well I've got to go to the library now where I'm helping to sign people up for the summer reading challenge but I'll be sure to update again soon.
I hope everyone has a great Fourth of July!!
Today I'm spending some more time talking to people who are interested in our Carolina READS program by emailing and calling them. I'm really excited that we already have so many people signed up who are going to help make a difference in improving SC's literacy.
Last week I finished up all of my meetings. Basically these meetings were with various agencies and programs throughout the Midlands that promote literacy. Some of the ones I met with were the Department of Juvenile Justice, Challenging Howizons Program, and Cocky's Reading Express. During these meetings I was able to learn a lot more about the organizations and found out different ways that our students can help them through volunteering and work study.
Next week Theresa and I will be meeting with the Financial Aid Office to get the ball rolling on our work study partners. This is really important because half of the people who have signed up are work study students and they're trying to find their job placements now for next year. In the meeting we'll be discussing the new program, Carolina READS, and taking care of all the paperwork for our agencies who want to host work study students.
In addition, I'm also trying to brainstorm some ways to market our new program in the fall to volunteers. We're really hoping that this will be a big success and several students will get on board.
Ok, well I've got to go to the library now where I'm helping to sign people up for the summer reading challenge but I'll be sure to update again soon.
I hope everyone has a great Fourth of July!!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
(Madison) Almost Halfway Done!
Hey guys!
I can't believe we're already almost halfway done with out time as VISTAs! It's crazy how quickly its gone by. There's been a lot happening on my end the past few days. I'm so, so excited about our website. Its launched and it looks great! We're still waiting on some graphics and we'll keep updating it with more service opportunities as they come in throughout the next month. If you wanna see it (and maybe sign up for a program ... (; ) here's the link:
http://www.sa.sc.edu/communityservice/carolinareads/
Thats been the majority of what I have been working on here in the office but I've also participated in some direct service. Last week I wsa able to go to Kelley's site, St. Lawrence Place, and help a little girl with her reading and letters. I LOVED it, she was such a cutie and I think she enjoyed getting the one on one time. She's not so into the learning her letters but we're working on it haha. I've also been doing a lot of volunteering at the library. Last week I inputted data into a spreadsheet for a few hours which sounds super boring but for some reason it was kind of addicting. Haha, I'm weird. I've also been signing up people for their Summer Reading Challenge and I even got to see Miss SC on Sunday!
I'm really enjoying everything I've been doing and I'm looking forward to seeing some of the finished products of this experience. I'm also really looking forward to out service trip to Bamberg, SC! I think thats going to be an awesome experience, especially for me as an education major who plans on working in low income schools like we'll be helping to fix up. Well, thats about all I have for now. I hope everyone has a great week (:
Madison
I can't believe we're already almost halfway done with out time as VISTAs! It's crazy how quickly its gone by. There's been a lot happening on my end the past few days. I'm so, so excited about our website. Its launched and it looks great! We're still waiting on some graphics and we'll keep updating it with more service opportunities as they come in throughout the next month. If you wanna see it (and maybe sign up for a program ... (; ) here's the link:
http://www.sa.sc.edu/communityservice/carolinareads/
Thats been the majority of what I have been working on here in the office but I've also participated in some direct service. Last week I wsa able to go to Kelley's site, St. Lawrence Place, and help a little girl with her reading and letters. I LOVED it, she was such a cutie and I think she enjoyed getting the one on one time. She's not so into the learning her letters but we're working on it haha. I've also been doing a lot of volunteering at the library. Last week I inputted data into a spreadsheet for a few hours which sounds super boring but for some reason it was kind of addicting. Haha, I'm weird. I've also been signing up people for their Summer Reading Challenge and I even got to see Miss SC on Sunday!
I'm really enjoying everything I've been doing and I'm looking forward to seeing some of the finished products of this experience. I'm also really looking forward to out service trip to Bamberg, SC! I think thats going to be an awesome experience, especially for me as an education major who plans on working in low income schools like we'll be helping to fix up. Well, thats about all I have for now. I hope everyone has a great week (:
Madison
Monday, June 25, 2012
(Klarke) Merry Monday!
Hi guys it's Klarke again!
Alot has occured in this last week, sheesh! I've moved over to the Office of Student Engagement and I'm having a great time! I think this is going to be a productive and successful move for me. In hindsight I feel motivated and ready to take on some new projects.
Today I helped out at orientation by presenting at the OSE & Undergraduate Research table. I gained a greater knowledge of the university's USC connect program as well as our domestic exchange program. OSE offers the opportunity for students to pay tuition to USC but actually attend school at any of 201 colleges & universities in the U.S., including U.S. territories such as Guam! How awesome is that!? The only extra expenses the student would be responsible for is of course travel and living expenses such as food and shopping! I was super excited to learn and share this with the orientation goers today, you guys know how I love to put my hands in everything so you never know, I may do this next year some time!
In other news, right now I'm working on surprise for everyone going with us on our service trip to Bamberg. Keep your eyes peeled!
Alot has occured in this last week, sheesh! I've moved over to the Office of Student Engagement and I'm having a great time! I think this is going to be a productive and successful move for me. In hindsight I feel motivated and ready to take on some new projects.
Today I helped out at orientation by presenting at the OSE & Undergraduate Research table. I gained a greater knowledge of the university's USC connect program as well as our domestic exchange program. OSE offers the opportunity for students to pay tuition to USC but actually attend school at any of 201 colleges & universities in the U.S., including U.S. territories such as Guam! How awesome is that!? The only extra expenses the student would be responsible for is of course travel and living expenses such as food and shopping! I was super excited to learn and share this with the orientation goers today, you guys know how I love to put my hands in everything so you never know, I may do this next year some time!
In other news, right now I'm working on surprise for everyone going with us on our service trip to Bamberg. Keep your eyes peeled!
Monday, June 18, 2012
(Madison) Checking In ...
Hello,
It's been a very busy few weeks here for me, lots and lots of meetings. I've been working hard trying to find programs and agencies throughout Columbia that promote literacy and that we can get USC students involved in.
I've had several meetings with these programs and I'm so excited about some of the opportunities that are going to be available to our students next year! I personally want to be involved with the Midlands Reading Consortium which allows volunteers to tutor a K-2 student in reading once a week for a year!
In addition to all of my meetings and reasearch I was able to volunteer with Cocky's Reading Express last Thursday. We were at Edventure (first time there, sooo awesome!) and we did two programs. It was great seeing the kids get so excited about the books we were reading them and, of course, to see Cocky. I can't wait until I'm able to volunteer with them again (:
Tomorrow I start my first say of volunteering at the Richland County Public Library and I'm very excited for that as well. This Sunday I'll be helping at an event that Miss South Carolina will be speaking at!
So far I've had a great time as an AmeriCorps VISTA. Its definitely been a different experience for me as I have never done so much behind the scenes work. I'm used to doing direct service but I really hope that the work that I do this summer will make a big difference in childrens' lives.
Can't wait to let everyone know what happens next!!
Madison
It's been a very busy few weeks here for me, lots and lots of meetings. I've been working hard trying to find programs and agencies throughout Columbia that promote literacy and that we can get USC students involved in.
I've had several meetings with these programs and I'm so excited about some of the opportunities that are going to be available to our students next year! I personally want to be involved with the Midlands Reading Consortium which allows volunteers to tutor a K-2 student in reading once a week for a year!
In addition to all of my meetings and reasearch I was able to volunteer with Cocky's Reading Express last Thursday. We were at Edventure (first time there, sooo awesome!) and we did two programs. It was great seeing the kids get so excited about the books we were reading them and, of course, to see Cocky. I can't wait until I'm able to volunteer with them again (:
Tomorrow I start my first say of volunteering at the Richland County Public Library and I'm very excited for that as well. This Sunday I'll be helping at an event that Miss South Carolina will be speaking at!
So far I've had a great time as an AmeriCorps VISTA. Its definitely been a different experience for me as I have never done so much behind the scenes work. I'm used to doing direct service but I really hope that the work that I do this summer will make a big difference in childrens' lives.
Can't wait to let everyone know what happens next!!
Madison
Friday, June 15, 2012
What a busy day!
Hey guys!
I'm at St. Lawrence Place right now and the kids are outside playing, so I figured I'd take advantage of the little quiet time I have to update you on what's been going on with me. :)
This week has been a crazy one. Monday and Tuesday I took the younger kids to the Columbia Musum of Arts for art camp, which was a blast. They're a handfull, but they're great. Wednesday I was in bed sick all day, which was a bummer because I was supposed to be taking the little kids to the State Museum. They had a good time though, so it was alright. Yesterday I took the older kids for their turn at the art museum, which was very hectic. They're older so you'd think they behave better than the younger kids, but that's not the case. The worst part is that they know better, but they act out anyway. They say the worst things to eachother! But I'm working on trying to get them to show a little more respect to eachother, and themselves. Today is shaping up to be a good day. In about half an hour I'll be taking the little kids to EdVenture, which I am so pumped about! I've always wanted to go, but I figured it would be weird for an adult to go with no child, so here's my chance. After that we'll be taking the whole group to the community pool, which was a lot of fun last week so I'm excited about that. Then I'll be leaving to come meet with you guys about what we've been doing, which I'm also excited about. I know we'll all have tons to say and I can't wait to hear about what everyone else has been up to!
As far as what we're supposed to be responding to this week, I have a lot to say on the topics, but I'll try and keep it short since I'm sure the kids are all outside in a storm of mass chaos.
This experience is definitely one of a kind. While I've worked with different organizations and diverse populations before, this opportunity stands out. Working at St. Lawrence Place is similar to other things I've experienced in that I am working with children. It's different though because I'm with them all day long, from 8:00am-5:00pm, daily. The only kids I've spent that much time with are my younger siblings, and being with these kids is very different than being with them. I have also worked with impoverished and homeless communities before, but not to this extent. Serving a meal at a homeless shelter is very different than working with homeless children and their families all day long.
There are many more differences, but I'm being summoned now, so maybe we'll talk about it at the meeting today!
I'm at St. Lawrence Place right now and the kids are outside playing, so I figured I'd take advantage of the little quiet time I have to update you on what's been going on with me. :)
This week has been a crazy one. Monday and Tuesday I took the younger kids to the Columbia Musum of Arts for art camp, which was a blast. They're a handfull, but they're great. Wednesday I was in bed sick all day, which was a bummer because I was supposed to be taking the little kids to the State Museum. They had a good time though, so it was alright. Yesterday I took the older kids for their turn at the art museum, which was very hectic. They're older so you'd think they behave better than the younger kids, but that's not the case. The worst part is that they know better, but they act out anyway. They say the worst things to eachother! But I'm working on trying to get them to show a little more respect to eachother, and themselves. Today is shaping up to be a good day. In about half an hour I'll be taking the little kids to EdVenture, which I am so pumped about! I've always wanted to go, but I figured it would be weird for an adult to go with no child, so here's my chance. After that we'll be taking the whole group to the community pool, which was a lot of fun last week so I'm excited about that. Then I'll be leaving to come meet with you guys about what we've been doing, which I'm also excited about. I know we'll all have tons to say and I can't wait to hear about what everyone else has been up to!
As far as what we're supposed to be responding to this week, I have a lot to say on the topics, but I'll try and keep it short since I'm sure the kids are all outside in a storm of mass chaos.
This experience is definitely one of a kind. While I've worked with different organizations and diverse populations before, this opportunity stands out. Working at St. Lawrence Place is similar to other things I've experienced in that I am working with children. It's different though because I'm with them all day long, from 8:00am-5:00pm, daily. The only kids I've spent that much time with are my younger siblings, and being with these kids is very different than being with them. I have also worked with impoverished and homeless communities before, but not to this extent. Serving a meal at a homeless shelter is very different than working with homeless children and their families all day long.
There are many more differences, but I'm being summoned now, so maybe we'll talk about it at the meeting today!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Greetings from the Front Office of Sexual Trauma!
This morning I'm working on community connections! I'm calling up local agencies and making sure they know who we are and that we are definitely an active non profit agency as well as updating their contact information! So far I'm having a ball! Take a peek at my busy desk!
Wish it was some kiddies in my play area so I could play :-(
Wish it was some kiddies in my play area so I could play :-(
(Klarke) Diversity : Where do you fit in?
We all have our likenesses & differences but yet we all yearn for acceptance and to just "fit in" somewhere. But why? What is this yearning within us all to be liked? Why can't we accept each other's differences and celebrate individuality.
Diversity was just on my mind today so I'm posting this video just to see how you guys feel about the topics discuss and where do you stand. Feel free to comment!It is about an Iowa schoolteacher who, the day after Martin Luther King Jr. was murdered in 1968, gave her third-grade students a first-hand experience in the meaning of discrimination. This is the story of what she taught the children, and the impact that lesson had on their lives.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/divided/etc/view.html
“Dominator culture has tried to keep us all afraid, to make us choose safety instead of risk, sameness instead of diversity. Moving through that fear, finding out what connects us, revelling in our differences; this is the process that brings us closer, that gives us a world of shared values, of meaningful community.”
― bell hooks, Teaching Community: A Pedagogy of Hope
Diversity was just on my mind today so I'm posting this video just to see how you guys feel about the topics discuss and where do you stand. Feel free to comment!It is about an Iowa schoolteacher who, the day after Martin Luther King Jr. was murdered in 1968, gave her third-grade students a first-hand experience in the meaning of discrimination. This is the story of what she taught the children, and the impact that lesson had on their lives.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/divided/etc/view.html
“Dominator culture has tried to keep us all afraid, to make us choose safety instead of risk, sameness instead of diversity. Moving through that fear, finding out what connects us, revelling in our differences; this is the process that brings us closer, that gives us a world of shared values, of meaningful community.”
― bell hooks, Teaching Community: A Pedagogy of Hope
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
(Klarke) Discovering Your Passion..
I must admit, training with Americorps and being placed at my service sight has been an experience to remember within itself. I'm already learning so much! But before I get ahead of myself, allow me to introduce myself! My name is Klarke McKissick, I'm a rising junior at The University of South Carolina. I'm currently studying Public Relations & Marketing with a particular interest in foreign studies. I requested to be placed at Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands and thus far, I love it! The staff are very knowledgeable and are working hard to help me adjust by answering every single one of my tiresome questions!
I am currently working on updating our community resource directory as well as restocking our emergency lockers at local medical centers. I'm excited to get out into our community and do some presentations for local students.
I am currently working on updating our community resource directory as well as restocking our emergency lockers at local medical centers. I'm excited to get out into our community and do some presentations for local students.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
(Kelley) And it's only the beginning!
I always knew that I had a heart for service, so when I heard about the AmeriCorps VISTA opportunity, I knew that I had to be a part of it. My name is Kelley Barrow and I am a junior in the Nursing program at USC. I am working at St. Lawrence Place this summer, which is a transitional housing development for homeless families. During these next two months, I’ll be working primarily with children ages 5-12 as they attend summer camp at SLP.
My first three days of work have been amazing. I love getting to know the kids and I love that I’m already beginning to form bonds with them. I hope that by the end of my term, they’re able to see me as more than just a volunteer, and know that I truly care about them and their wellbeing.
This upcoming week will be a very busy one at work, but I’m looking forward to it and I can’t wait to see what the next two months have in store!
Friday, June 8, 2012
(Davontae) From the start...
From the start of this experience I know that I had my expectations on what I would be doing. I had a vision of how my first few days woulg go as a VISTA, and then there was reality. Upon my initial meeting with the crew, once I went back and thought of how I pictured things going, I came to the realization that the reality was so much better than my vision. My name is Davontae Singleton and I am a rising sophomore at USC studying English with an emphasis on going into Secondary Education. I must say that my first few days have been a little less stressed as I thought, and I am glad of that....I think anyone would be.
I am serving my VISTA summer term with the Big Brother, Big Sister Program in Columbia, and from the moment I stepped in the door, I knew I was in the right place, with the right people. I usually never get nervous, but I admit once I met my co-workers, it all went away soon after. As far as the program goes, I haven't really done that much, mainy due to the fact that I still have a few more trainging sessions to do with the BBBS program before becoming an active team member, but from what I have been doing (helping interview potential volunteers, visits with families, etc) I can tell I am able to make a difference, which is what my ultimate goal is.
I hope to continue to blog as I get more and more involved with the program here at BBBS, and I am sure that as tie goes on, things will not only get more exciting, but more rewarding too.
I am serving my VISTA summer term with the Big Brother, Big Sister Program in Columbia, and from the moment I stepped in the door, I knew I was in the right place, with the right people. I usually never get nervous, but I admit once I met my co-workers, it all went away soon after. As far as the program goes, I haven't really done that much, mainy due to the fact that I still have a few more trainging sessions to do with the BBBS program before becoming an active team member, but from what I have been doing (helping interview potential volunteers, visits with families, etc) I can tell I am able to make a difference, which is what my ultimate goal is.
I hope to continue to blog as I get more and more involved with the program here at BBBS, and I am sure that as tie goes on, things will not only get more exciting, but more rewarding too.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
(Madison) Day 1
Hi, I'm Madison! I'm an elementary education major here at USC and I am SO excited to be starting my AmeriCorps VISTA position!
I'll be working here at USC working on a reading initiaive. Basically I'll be talking with local agencies and nonprofits about how USC students can get more involved in improving literacy and reading skills for South Carolina's children.
I'm very eager to begin my journey and I can't wait to let everyone know what happens!
Thanks for reading (:
I'll be working here at USC working on a reading initiaive. Basically I'll be talking with local agencies and nonprofits about how USC students can get more involved in improving literacy and reading skills for South Carolina's children.
I'm very eager to begin my journey and I can't wait to let everyone know what happens!
Thanks for reading (:
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
In the beginning...
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