Project SHINE SJSU Alumni
Get to know Project SHINE San Jose State University graduates! Learn about what each past SHINE team member has learned through their experiences while being a part of the SHINE team, along with their own tips & advice for future coordinators & volunteers.
Soleman Karim
SHINE Program Site Coordinator: Spring 2020 Site Coordinator: LifeSteps Major: Public Health, Concentration in Health Services Administration Email: [email protected] What I like about Project SHINE: Project SHINE is a unique experience. I like that it is an organization that develops relationships between students and the community. It allows for real-world experience that can be tactfully implemented onto a resume.
What I hope to learn from Project SHINE: As a site coordinator. I plan to further improve my organizational and communicative capabilities. This includes navigating between and communicating with hundreds of student volunteers and numerous partner sites. Random Facts About Me: I am fluent in three different languages, travel frequently, and am involved in several community programs. |
Tamanna Medha
SHINE Program Site Coordinator/Intern: Spring 2020 Site Coordinator: John XXIII Multi-Service Center Major: Public Health, Concentration in Health services Administration Email: [email protected] What I like about Project SHINE: Project Shine is a great experience to learn and develop skills to move into the field. I was volunteer under project shine for one of my public health class and i really liked it. Project shine is an opportunity for students to make connections with the community directly and get some experiences.
What I hope to Learn from Project SHINE: As a program coordinator intern, I hope to become more compassionate and empathetic. I want to improve my communication skills and learn how to contribute to the needs of the community. Random Facts About Me: I love traveling. I save money for my study and visit places. Every year i visit at least two different countries/places. |
Jannette Saavedra
SHINE Program Site Manager: Spring 2020 Site Coordinator: Yu Ai Kai Major: Public Health Email: [email protected] What I like about Project SHINE: I love getting to work with different people and being able to get to interact with older adults. They really like to have us there and like to get to know us. There is so much to learn from them, especially with people that come from different backgrounds.
What I hope to learn from Project SHINE: Being able to interact and work with a large group of people is one of the main things I hope to learn as a coordinator. Maintaining effective communication between both the site managers and volunteers is something I will need to become effective at and ensuring that people be able to gain the most out of their experiences working with Shine. Random Facts About Me: I have only one brother that is 13 years younger than me and we spend a lot of time together. I am currently fluent in Spanish and English, but I love learning different languages, so I know a few words in many others. I hope to be able to learn more in the future. Trey Ngo
Fall 2015 graduate: Health Sciences, concentration Public Services Administration LifeSTEPS Site Coordinator: Spring 2015-Fall 2015 Program Coordinator: Fall 2015 “ProjectSHINE is one of my most cherished memories in my undergrad. I have met some of the greatest friends and peers in this organization and I feel that the organization resembles what it takes to go above and beyond for both the college campus and senior communities. Some passing words of advice is to never be afraid of trying new things. I applied for this position, hoping to get more experience in a group setting and I have gained more than that. I’ve gained new lasting friendships, real world group work experiences, and I helped eager college students volunteer in the senior community. These are just some of the many things ProjectSHINE can offer and the second advice I can give is to remember “the best leaders are also the best learners”. This coincides with the first tip of experiencing new things and if used together, I believe are the traits necessary to achieve life goals and thrive. ProjectSHINE has helped me learn how to connect and coordinate in a team, while developing professionalism. I can definitely say that due to my experience in this organization, I was able to land a job at Satellite Healthcare. Even so, I continue to keep ProjectSHINE in my heart.” Jeremy Seisa
Fall 2014 graduate: Health Science, concentration in Health Services Administration On Lok Lifeways Site Coordinator: Fall 2013 - Spring 2014 SHINE Program Coordinator: Fall 2014 I have been a part of Project SHINE for a good part of my SJSU career, and I will tell you right now, it was one of the best decisions of my life. I have gone through almost every facet of SHINE: I started off as a volunteer, became a Site Coordinator for On Lok for two semesters, and became a Program Coordinator by way of internship. By becoming a part of the SHINE team, you learn a wide array of skills from teamwork, to administrative work, all the way down to gaining interpersonal skills. You will continually work on public speaking, and even learn some ways of marketing. Project SHINE is a great place to learn skills for your professional future. My first tip when becoming a part of the Project SHINE team is to make it about others. SHINE is known for helping a part of the community that is widely dismissed. If you keep that in mind, if you put others first and work hard to help others succeed, the work you do is world changing. And secondly, have fun! If you are part of the SHINE team, you will have plenty of time to spend with each other. Make the best of it! Create memories, joke around, get some boba! If you open up and create bonds, I promise that SHINE will be a highlight of your SJSU career as well. Project SHINE is an amazing organization filled with even more amazing people. Time flies so fast, so don’t blink, cause you’ll miss the ride. Maria Chandra
Fall 2014 graduate: Health Science, minor in Nutrition Casa/LifeSTEPS Site Coordinator: Fall 2014 Being a Site Coordinator for Project SHINE was a really great experience for me. I learned a lot about myself as an individual and as a professional. It gave me the opportunity to improve my communication and leadership skills, learn how to work in a group effectively, and recognize my strengths and weaknesses. I also acquired some new skills such as, facilitating a small group discussion, and planning, coordinating, and organizing a large group. Some tips to the future Site Coordinators is first, to always communicate with your partner. Communication is very crucial between partners because your partner is the one who will work with you. It was not easy to coordinate almost fifteen students who volunteered at three different sites. But, I got a hold of it because I always remembered that I had a partner who will always help me in every situation. The second tip is to be patient. Some volunteers can be easy and some can be very difficult. There were times when they did not respond to the emails, did not come to the office when they have to, and when it was just hard to reach them. What I would suggest to do is to call them or send the email again. Sometimes it is required to take the extra mile. Lastly, enjoy the ride while you are on it. You might not realize in the beginning but being a Site Coordinator for Project SHINE will help you in the future. Just always remember that you are not alone. Have fun! Camille Prado
Spring 2014 graduate: Health Science, concentration in Health Services Administration John XXIII Site Coordinator: Spring 2014 Becoming a Site Coordinator for Project SHINE and John XXIII Multi-Services Center was definitely a different experience from being a volunteer. Being a volunteer before, I did not realize how much work went into planning, organizing, and coordinating for a large group of volunteers. Once I realized how busy I would be that semester, I also anticipated the new skills I would learn. Being a Site Coordinator, you will have to learn how to work with other people. Being a team player is crucial for this position because you will be working closely with your Program Coordinators, managers, fellow Site Coordinators and Volunteer Coordinators at your site. When it comes to working with your fellow Site Coordinators, you will come to realize that some of you do certain things well and learning this will help your team work efficiently and effectively. Most of all, your patience and adaptability will be challenged as a Site Coordinator. My tip to future Site Coordinators is to always keep in mind that not everyone works the same and you should always expect the unexpected. Staying alert and proactive while also maintaining professionalism will get you far in this position. Lastly, enjoy it! I guarantee that you will build relationships as a Site Coordinator. Make time to take it all in and soak in your success and achievements when they come! Kim Le
Fall 2014 graduate: Health Science, concentration in Health Services Administration John XXIII Site Coordinator: Fall 2013 - Spring 2014 Before becoming a Site Coordinator for Project SHINE and John XXIII Multi-Services Center, I was a student volunteer at On Lok Lifeways. After three semesters working with Project SHINE, I have gained valuable skills and knowledge for my career in the health care field. During this time, I was able to explore my interest and collaborate with colleagues and the management team to ensure all goals and objectives have been met. Therefore, it was especially important that the team has mutual understandings and goals. Like any healthy team experience, there were up and down times. However, we would always maintain a respectful and positive attitude. There are some tips that future volunteers and interns should keep in mind. Firstly, patience will get you through tough times. You can not come in to Project SHINE expecting everything would change or happen overnight. You have to be patient whether it is be tutoring or managing your volunteers. Secondly, forgive and forget is a must. Conflict might emerge between team members or volunteers, but it must not affect your attitude. Lastly, just have fun and be yourself! In the end, you are with the most passionate and caring group of people. Just enjoy the journey and open your arms to new experiences. I wish you the best of luck! Cheers! Sherrale Rhines
Spring 2014 graduate: Health Science, concentration in Gerontology Casa del Pueblo Site Coordinator: Spring 2014 During my time as a SHINE Site Coordinator, I learned that I love working with the elder population and this internship confirmed that advocating and working with this population is what I would like to do in the future. I learned time management, Excel, copy machines, and the importance of a team and how each person's role in the team can affect the group. Recruiting was fun, and keeping up with volunteers was a challenge at times, but overall, my SHINE experience was amazing and I met wonderful individuals that I will never forget! Tips for future coordinators are to make the best out of the experience, attend as many outside events as possible, spend time at your sites, work efficiently with your partner, and be able to promote SHINE in a positive way. I have two favorite memories of SHINE: the first is when a couple of us went to the On Lok banquet and everyone at the table won a prize and they had great food. The second, is the last official meeting we had with each other. We laughed, ate good food, and reminisced on the experiences we had during SHINE. |
Andrew Roselo
Fall 2013 graduate: Health Science, concentration in Community Health Education On Lok Lifeways Site Coordinator: Fall 2012 - Spring 2013 SHINE Program Coordinator: Fall 2013 - Spring 2014 SHINE Program Manager: Fall 2014 - Spring 2015 Long story short: A part of me will always love SHINE, and I owe everything to this program. In retrospect, my college life would not have meant as much without Project SHINE in my life. I devoted 2 years as an SJSU student to SHINE (including volunteering), and nearly 2 more after graduating. I learned so much about myself and other people during my time in SHINE, that no matter how much I write, it will never be enough to describe my overall experience. Being in SHINE, I learned every single absolute facet of teamwork, leadership, conflict resolution, management, communication, and staying true to yourself in the face of adversity. I started in SHINE as a guy who didn't care much for things other than what was going on in my small circle of life. Slowly, that circle grew into something I never would have expected as it encompassed an entirely new world around me. I met the greatest human beings through being part of this organization, and I would not have changed absolutely anything about my experience. Although SHINE is an organization dedicated to an overall message that I have grown to embody in my own life, it would not have meant as much without what I have learned through being part of SHINE itself. My number one moment I will remember from SHINE is when we won for Most Outstanding Special Interest Organization during the Student Leadership Gala of spring 2015. I will always see that award as the absolute culmination of my time in SHINE before leaving. I left a piece of myself when I decided to leave SHINE, but I will always happily bring along my SHINE-y memories wherever I go. Never forget the SHINE mantra (originated Fall 2014 semester): No SHINE'er Left Behind. Jay Cocadiz
Fall 2014 graduate: Health Science, concentration in Health Services Administration John XXIII Site Coordinator: Fall 2014 Being a Site Coordinator at John XXIII Multi-Services Center was definitely one of the best experiences during my undergraduate career. During my time as a Site Coordinator, I learned how to work effectively as a team member in a professional setting. There were several times throughout the semester that allowed us as Site Coordinators to improve our interpersonal communication skills, computer skills, and public speaking skills. My suggestion to future coordinators and volunteers is to come into Project SHINE with a open heart and open mind. By doing so, you are ensuring yourself a positive experience in Project SHINE. Plan ahead and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. By stepping out of your comfort zone, you allow yourself an opportunity to learn more about yourself. Lastly, I would urge you all to stay in close contact with your Co-Coordinators. Enjoy the experience and create lasting bonds with other Project SHINE members! It may not seem like it to you all, but the semester goes by really fast. Make the most of it and create memories that you can carry with you throughout your lifetime. Vivian Luong
Spring 2014 graduate: Health Science, concentration in Community Health Education On Lok Lifeways Site Coordinator: Spring 2014 Being a Site Coordinator for Project SHINE with our partners at On Lok was such an amazing experience. I learned so much about myself and what I am capable of as a professional. I acquired skills that showed me how to effectively work as a team, coordinate a large group of volunteers, communication, and mentoring. Some words of wisdom for future coordinators is that your work as a Site Coordinator is so important to the volunteers. There are times when it gets frustrating and you want to pull out your hair. But remember: You have a team of really great people that you can lean on! You are NOT alone, so don’t give up! Patience, communication, and trust are the three main components that will help things go smoothly! Be patient with your volunteers, communicate with your team (via email, text, phone call), and gain trust by keeping to your word! This really is a meaningful experience not only for the volunteers, but also for yourself, your team, and the community partners. Everything that I learned being a Site Coordinator has definitely helped me with finding a job and have a better understanding of what it means to be a leader in a community. It does not matter what major you are, there are a ton of things that you can learn as a Site Coordinator. Absorb it and make the best of the time you have as a Site Coordinator at Project SHINE, because the fruits of your labor are definitely appreciated. “Be the Change You Wish to See in the World” ~Ghandi Vivian Huang
Spring 2014 graduate: Health Science, concentration in Interdisciplinary Pathways LifeSTEPS Site Coordinator: Spring 2014 I have gained so much during my time as a Site Coordinator for Project SHINE. Not only did I improve my interpersonal skills, I also touched upon my leadership and managing skills. This experience gave me the opportunity to learn how to work effectively with my peers as well as be a leader to volunteers. l have acquired better time management skills which helped me keep a balance between school, internship, and work. To me, communication is crucial between Site Coordinators. There were times where my partner and I did not know what was done and what needed to be done. Sharing the task of managing volunteers amongst several sites can be difficult, but communication is the key in facilitating things. My main tip is to keep the communication flowing with your peers. What really worked for us was making a to-do list in the office and checking things off each time a task was completed. This really helped clear up the confusion. In conclusion: enjoy your time with Project SHINE! Know that you are contributing to a wonderful organization that helps seniors across America. _ Arjay San Andres
Fall 2013 graduate: Health Science, concentration in Health Services Administration John XXIII Site Coordinator: Fall 2013 Being a Site Coordinator for Project SHINE, I have learned not only to manage my time wisely, learned different management skills, but most importantly, to have the confidence of overcoming my fear of presenting in front of people. Working with an ambitious, driven, hard-working, and intelligent team inspired me to become as passionate as them in accomplishing my responsibilities not only as a Site Coordinator, but also as a student volunteer. Moreover, I was given the opportunity to enhance my communication skills both verbally and non-verbally. Presenting in front of many students and educating them about Project SHINE's objectives, as well as replying to countless emails that student volunteers sent everyday both helped me overcome my own weakness; a weakness that I thought I would not be able to succeed in overcoming. And for that, I could not be more grateful for an opportunity of working with strong-willed individuals. As for my advice for future volunteers, one thing is for sure, love what you are doing. Working with adults, especially when there is no tangent incentive to do so, takes a lot of effort, energy, and patience. Hence, I salute all of the volunteers I have worked with. I know that school is getting the most of us too, however, if you love what you are doing, you will definitely enjoy it. It may be exhausting at the end of the day but there is no greater accomplishment than knowing that what you love doing is something that positively impacts another person's life. Another piece of advice is to be responsible. Volunteering, may it be for fun or for a class, involves committing to certain duties. Just because it is not a job in which you are getting paid for does not mean that it should be treated less than that. Be on time. If you have a question, even if you think it might be a stupid one, ask away. Most importantly, do not be afraid to let your Site Coordinator know when something comes up. The reason why we give our volunteers this opportunity is not merely because we need all the help we can get, but because we believe that you guys are responsible for your actions. Other than that...have fun, be friendly, and don't forget that boss Andrew got your back on whatever! Tiania Chan
Fall 2012 graduate: Health Science, concentration in Health Services Administration Villa de Guadalupe Site Coordinator: Fall 2011 - Spring 2012 As a coordinator in SHINE, I've learned some management techniques that I can apply in future jobs. There is a difference between being a manager and being a leader. Some of the basic concepts I learned as a coordinator at SHINE while the rest I have learned through Business books and classes. As advice for future coordinators, I'd say don't be afraid to ask questions. If you don't understand how to do something, just ask. It is far better to do something correctly than do something wrong and create confusion from the incorrect actions. Also, if you say you're going to be at your office hours, be there. Even if you don't have to answer questions the whole time or do things related to Project SHINE, you project a much more professional attitude. Finally, be ACTIVE as a coordinator. I don't mean send weekly communications to your volunteers, but brainstorm ways to keep your volunteers and adult learners well supplied. As advice for future volunteers, I'd say also don't be afraid to ask questions. If anything is unclear, if you feel unprepared, just ask. Coordinators are there for questions and guidance. However, I'd also add to be proactive in your volunteering. You can put in the hours and do your assignment as needed but it won't nearly be as rewarding as putting in the effort. Think about it, as a student, if a professor is uninterested in teaching, the student will also be uninterested in learning. If a professor suddenly decides to stop and leave in the middle of the semester, a student is left floundering with unfinished learning material. The same applies as a student volunteer to your adult learner. The agreement your adult learner knows is that you will be there all semester. Yes, there will be some days you cannot make it, but if you stop showing up suddenly, your adult learner is going to wonder why and feel left out. Stay the whole semester. |