Today we participated in some more amazing service in Birmingham, AL!
In the morning, we spent time preparing high school students for interviews by practicing questions with them. Additionally, we spent more time at Hudson K-8 working with the children there. We all had a fantastic time.
In the afternoon, we got to serve at Carver High School, running one more classroom session. Then we finished off the day with some service at the Boys and Girls Club, where everyone enjoyed playing with the kids at the Teen Center.
We are excited for our final day of service, ready to leave our last mark on Birmingham for the week!
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Day Three
Sometimes, the largest impact comes from the place you least expect. Today, our service group was split into two different sites. One site took place at an elementary school. The service involved teaching 2nd and 1st graders about conflict resolution and emotions and body language, respectively. The exercise seemed to leave a very lasting impression on these children. They were opening up, sharing about the conflict in their lives, and sharing about emotions they were experiencing on a regular basis. Although it was only a few short hours at the school, I can say with confidence that those children had a change in attitude after the program. One team member described the children as being eager to learn about emotions in conflict resolution, in a way that seemed to give them a deeper understanding of the topics being presented.
Group 1 went to a high school to help with 9th graders to plan their future. From many of our group member standpoints, the idea of attending college was never really in question. However, many and most of these high school students faces obstacles in their student and family life that make even the idea of attending college a difficult one to keep. It was saddening to see that these factors that were out of control of the students affecting their present mood and their attitudes toward the future. What we tried to do in our 1 on 1 conversations were to use our experiences and understanding to plant the idea of college even deeper in their minds. I, Frank, think that we did today impacted the students in some way. At first, they weren't really engaged. But after some digging we found that they all had drive and passion for something that was just hidden under all the negative emotions and actions surrounding them. This is the first time the program is having volunteers come in, and we are hopeful that we are giving them hope.
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Day 2
Today we split into two groups to do two separate projects. Both service sites gave us meaningful work that was both fun, exciting, and eye opening. Group one went to Hudson K-8 and worked in a variety of classes. Some worked in a fifth grade classroom where we facilitated the designing and constructing of paper and cardboard wallets. The students produced functioning and well-designed wallets with pockets and fake money, so the project showcased the children's creativity and inventive skills. We also worked with a group of third grade boys who were practicing for a math competition, and we helped them practice their multiplication and division accuracy. Some of us went into a second grade class and taught a short lesson about conflict resolution. The children in that class talked with others in their class about things they could say to make someone stop bothering them. The second of the group started the day in a fifth day classroom teaching reading comprehension and multiplication. The enthusiasm the kids had for learning was inspiring. They were also very eager to help their classmates with their work so that no student felt left out or left behind in the lesson. The group further split with one group going to a first grade classroom to help with math and addition tables. We sat down in small groups and helped the students through their worksheets at different stations. The students all expressed how much they loved school and how it was the favorite part of their day. They were really determined to get their work done right and worked diligently until their tables were perfect. It was really cool to see so many young students dedicated not only to doing work but good work and work they could be proud of.
The other group served at George W. Carver High School. We worked with 9th graders in planning for their futures after high school graduation. We gave a presentation informing the students of the Student Directed Learning Plan which guides them in setting and writing down goals they have for themselves. This plan focused on creating a personal short-term and long-term plan for themselves that incorporated the importance of strengthening relationships and improving their leadership. This gave us the opportunity to discuss the importance of college which also gave the 9th graders a different perspective that could inspire them to actually attend a university. Throughout the presentation, we were able to help the students work through their learning plan individually which was very beneficial for them. When they were unable to write a down a specific goal, we were able to sit down with them and ask questions about their interests to spark an idea and goal they could set for themselves. It was very inspiring to see how one conversation could make an impact on their lives. We realized how important it is to have idols to look up to and it was humbling to be a group of college students they could look up to today.
When 3:25 hit, so did the masses of 12 to 18 year-olds at the Boys and Girls club, our final volunteer destination of the day. Here they all rushed to get their provided after school meal, which for the majority of these youth was the last meal that they would have for the day. This humbling realization inspired us to really make these kids feel loved and know their worth. The Boys and Girls Club provides these children with a safe and fun environment where they can let loose and relieve their stress. Here these kids have a place to get homework done, play sports, and simply have fun playing games in the rec room. We had the opportunity to interact with the kids in all of these areas. Playing with these kids allowed them to feel comfortable enough with us so that opened up about their school days and home lives. Then we were able to give them advice and truly connect with these inspirational kids; we planted seeds in these beautiful children that will grow into luscious trees that will one day bear fruit for others.
The other group served at George W. Carver High School. We worked with 9th graders in planning for their futures after high school graduation. We gave a presentation informing the students of the Student Directed Learning Plan which guides them in setting and writing down goals they have for themselves. This plan focused on creating a personal short-term and long-term plan for themselves that incorporated the importance of strengthening relationships and improving their leadership. This gave us the opportunity to discuss the importance of college which also gave the 9th graders a different perspective that could inspire them to actually attend a university. Throughout the presentation, we were able to help the students work through their learning plan individually which was very beneficial for them. When they were unable to write a down a specific goal, we were able to sit down with them and ask questions about their interests to spark an idea and goal they could set for themselves. It was very inspiring to see how one conversation could make an impact on their lives. We realized how important it is to have idols to look up to and it was humbling to be a group of college students they could look up to today.
When 3:25 hit, so did the masses of 12 to 18 year-olds at the Boys and Girls club, our final volunteer destination of the day. Here they all rushed to get their provided after school meal, which for the majority of these youth was the last meal that they would have for the day. This humbling realization inspired us to really make these kids feel loved and know their worth. The Boys and Girls Club provides these children with a safe and fun environment where they can let loose and relieve their stress. Here these kids have a place to get homework done, play sports, and simply have fun playing games in the rec room. We had the opportunity to interact with the kids in all of these areas. Playing with these kids allowed them to feel comfortable enough with us so that opened up about their school days and home lives. Then we were able to give them advice and truly connect with these inspirational kids; we planted seeds in these beautiful children that will grow into luscious trees that will one day bear fruit for others.
Monday, March 13, 2017
Day One
In our first day of service, we worked with Better Basics and The YWCA!
During our time at Better Basics, we had the opportunity to impact six of their programs in our two hours of service:
1) Birmingham Read
2) Motivators of Reading Enrichment
3) Reading Intervention
4) Ready 2 Read
5) Better Basics Summer Learning Program
6) The Hope Program
We learned that Birmingham has been working hard to reduce its illiteracy rate, and we were able to help in that effort today. We packaged books to be distributed to thousands of kids across Birmingham for Birmingham Reads Day, an event coming up on April 20th. We labeled over 1000 books that had been donated to the program. We also made awards for the Reading Achievement program to be given out to children. We learned that our service could provide a child's very first book. Every little thing counts. 😺
In the afternoon we transformed the YWCA's My Sister's Closet clothing store into a prom dress boutique for high school students who cannot afford their own prom dress to have the opportunity to get a beautiful dress of their own! We were told that we got a week's worth of work done in just under three hours, and we were happy to take the burden off of the YWCA's staff. Here is what Joe 'John' Pettey had to say about working with the YWCA: "It was great to know that were able to help provide over 1000 gorgeous prom dresses to help boost the confidence of young women all over Birmingham!"
Here's what participant Frank had to say about his experience with the overall experience. "The joy you feel while laying on the beach is different then the joy you feel while giving."
We are so excited to get to know the city of Birmingham more in our remaining days, all while embracing our volunteer spirit #gbo.
During our time at Better Basics, we had the opportunity to impact six of their programs in our two hours of service:
1) Birmingham Read
2) Motivators of Reading Enrichment
3) Reading Intervention
4) Ready 2 Read
5) Better Basics Summer Learning Program
6) The Hope Program
We learned that Birmingham has been working hard to reduce its illiteracy rate, and we were able to help in that effort today. We packaged books to be distributed to thousands of kids across Birmingham for Birmingham Reads Day, an event coming up on April 20th. We labeled over 1000 books that had been donated to the program. We also made awards for the Reading Achievement program to be given out to children. We learned that our service could provide a child's very first book. Every little thing counts. 😺
In the afternoon we transformed the YWCA's My Sister's Closet clothing store into a prom dress boutique for high school students who cannot afford their own prom dress to have the opportunity to get a beautiful dress of their own! We were told that we got a week's worth of work done in just under three hours, and we were happy to take the burden off of the YWCA's staff. Here is what Joe 'John' Pettey had to say about working with the YWCA: "It was great to know that were able to help provide over 1000 gorgeous prom dresses to help boost the confidence of young women all over Birmingham!"
Here's what participant Frank had to say about his experience with the overall experience. "The joy you feel while laying on the beach is different then the joy you feel while giving."
We are so excited to get to know the city of Birmingham more in our remaining days, all while embracing our volunteer spirit #gbo.
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Trip Reveal Meeting Recap!
We had a very exciting meeting on Thursday, the first of several. We revealed our location to be Birmingham, Alabama! After doing some introductions and playing some games, we jumped into a discussion about our trip theme, and our goals for the trip. Everyone shared their different perspectives on the importance of youth development service work. Meghan and I are both looking forward to continuing our discussions in our meetings coming up next week and on the trip.
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Meet Your Trip Leaders!
Hi everybody! We are all so excited to meet tonight and get started on awesome experience! We first wanted to share some information about ourselves so you can get to know us a little better!
About Your Trip Leaders!
Name: Nathan Feaster
Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee
Major: Economics / Finance
About me: I am really excited about the opportunity to serve a community's youth on this alternative break trip! I know we are going to make some great connections and have a blast along the way. We are going to learn a lot and grow a lot together over our break. A little about me: I love the outdoors, especially mountain biking and hiking. I also play a lot of board games and watch a lot of movies. My favorite foods include tacos, donuts, and Oreos. I've lived in Knoxville my whole life and it is one of my favorite places to be, but I'
m also really pumped about seeing a new city this spring break. I'm looking forward to meeting you all this week and can't wait to see the things we accomplish together.
Name: Meghan Byrge
Hometown: Jacksboro,TN
Major: Anthropology/Leadership
About me: Hello! I am so excited to meet everyone and for the great memories we are going to create together. This is my fifth break trip and my fourth time leading a trip. I am so excited to explore this important and relevant topic and learn together. There is nothing more impactful than spending time together engaging in a community and sharing in the growth from the experience. Fun Fact about me, I LOVE Krispy Kreme donuts and I am a manger at a trampoline park so if you every had a urge to eat 1,000 calories then go bounce them off I am your girl!
About Your Trip Leaders!
Name: Nathan Feaster
Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee
Major: Economics / Finance
About me: I am really excited about the opportunity to serve a community's youth on this alternative break trip! I know we are going to make some great connections and have a blast along the way. We are going to learn a lot and grow a lot together over our break. A little about me: I love the outdoors, especially mountain biking and hiking. I also play a lot of board games and watch a lot of movies. My favorite foods include tacos, donuts, and Oreos. I've lived in Knoxville my whole life and it is one of my favorite places to be, but I'
m also really pumped about seeing a new city this spring break. I'm looking forward to meeting you all this week and can't wait to see the things we accomplish together.
Name: Meghan Byrge
Hometown: Jacksboro,TN
Major: Anthropology/Leadership
About me: Hello! I am so excited to meet everyone and for the great memories we are going to create together. This is my fifth break trip and my fourth time leading a trip. I am so excited to explore this important and relevant topic and learn together. There is nothing more impactful than spending time together engaging in a community and sharing in the growth from the experience. Fun Fact about me, I LOVE Krispy Kreme donuts and I am a manger at a trampoline park so if you every had a urge to eat 1,000 calories then go bounce them off I am your girl!
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