What I learned from this internship experience was beyond what I had expected coming in. Not only did I get the opportunity of helping out the senior community, I was also able to enhance my communication and administration skills, which are both needed to advance in my chosen career. For instance, for one of my papers, I was required to interview a person whose career path was similar to what I have in mind. Through this internship, I was able to meet and interview the Center Director at John XXIII. This enabled me to challenge my interviewing skills, and also allowed me to get a glimpse of what my life could be like given that I will be choosing the same career path. Overall, being a Site Coordinator has contributed to my growth not only as a student but also as an individual whose responsibility lies in the community too.
- Arjay San Andres, John XXIII Site Coordinator Intern, Fall 2013 During my experience as a Site Coordinator, I did not realize that I can also be a peer adviser for my volunteers. One day, one of my volunteers came into my office hours and asked if I can help map out their class schedule for next semester, along with the following semesters. I felt extremely touched that a fellow student woul ask me for help and took my advice to consideration and as guidance. Thank you, Volunteers for giving me this opportunity to guide and assist you!
- Trinh Nguyen, John XXIII Site Coordinator Intern, Fall 2013 Although I am the Program Coordinator for Project SHINE right now, like everyone else on the SHINE team, I started off as a volunteer. I began volunteering at On Lok Lifeways during the Spring 2012 semester. My most memorable moment was definitely my first day.
My first day as a volunteer started with all of the senior participants playing a game of Bingo, but my most memorable experience as a volunteer started later that afternoon. I was designated to play a game of Jenga with a group of Spanish-speaking senior participants. The obvious problem is that I do not speak one word of Spanish. I took French in high school, and I barely remember anything from then. Starting with this moment, I began realizing that I learn best when I'm literally thrown into situations that are completely out of my comfort zone. Although I don't speak Spanish, I tried my best to communicate with the group, and eventually learned that they wanted to play dominoes instead. Even then, I was mostly just watching them play their game together. This was during the afternoon, so the senior participants were going home one-by-one, until it was only me and another participant. Using various hand motions and the limited English that she knew, she invited me to play with her. Being invited to play dominoes with this participant, and watching as she enjoyed my company was the perfect conclusion to my first day. - Andrew Roselo, Program Coordinator, Fall 2013 – Present For once a week, I am given the opportunity to provide a helping hand and act as a citizenship tutor at John XXIII. This is not my first time tutoring; I was also a tutor for Project SHINE last semester but I was working for a different site. Both sites have the same main purpose--to be able to lend a helping hand to the elderly in any way possible. However, being able to assist the elderly pass their citizenship exam has given me such an accomplishing feeling. Most importantly, it gives me a fuel of energy witnessing how eager they are to learn everyday, and how thankful they are that there are people willing to be there for them.
- Arjay San Andres, John XXIII Site Coordinator Intern, Fall 2013 About a few weeks ago in October, my site needed volunteers to help the seniors to prepare for their Citizenship Exam. I was fortunate to be able to take part in instructing and explaining the topics that the seniors were still unsure about. I really enjoy seeing the smiles that I put on their faces when they understand what we were discussing. Overall, being able to help tutor people who need it the most can really help their daily life and that they can fit in with their community.
- Trinh Nguyen, John XXIII Site Coordinator Intern, Fall 2013 Hello! Yes, this is the first official Project SHINE blog post! We've been meaning to post more often this Fall 2013 semester, but we will be honest..."senioritis" has affected 3 members of the Project SHINE SJSU team. With 3 team members graduating in December, time seems to be flying by these past few months. But no worries! Everyone in the SHINE team for this semester will all be submitting at least one blog post before the end of this semester.
:) - Andrew Roselo, Program Coordinator, Fall 2013 - Present |
AuthorThe author of each blog entry varies. SHINE team members will be the primary authors, but SHINE volunteers are welcome (and encouraged) to email their own entries. Archives
February 2014
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