Leading the Way Through Jumpstart

Jumpstart is a program that provides incoming first-year students with the outlet to transition well into the college life and learn about their community which they will call "home" for the next four years. As a participant, I felt grateful for the opportunity to engage in both community service throughout the city of Ithaca and learn about the Ithaca College experience from my leaders and staff members. Not only that, but for me, Jumpstart resulted in my three best friends today. The Jumpstart program eased the butterflies in my stomach on the first day of college classes and has helped me easily transition to connecting with my peers and making connections with my community and my campus. 

I decided to take upon the role of becoming a Jumpstart leader as an upperclassman because I wanted to provide incoming first-year students with the resources that Jumpstart has given me as a first-year student. For the past two years, I have participated in the same Jumpstart track - Community Plunge - and have bonded with several peers and future colleagues. Being a leader with my best friend whom I had met on Jumpstart one year earlier was a fun and nostalgic part of the experience. As I helped organize the students into groups and sign them in on their first day at Ithaca College, I felt that I had the capability to utilize my leadership skills to grow as a peer mentor and resource for students. 

Me and my co-leader whom I met through
Community Plunge one year ago

On the first day, my group and I volunteered at the Tompkins County Public Library sorting books and celebrating its 50th anniversary. During our time at the library, I was able to speak with individual students one-on-one and learn about their interests, hobbies, and successes. I wanted to implement a one-on-one meeting with each of the students because I feel that it would allow for introverted students to speak up and connect with me. Not only that, but the leadership position I held with the one-on-one mentorship helped me understand the characteristics of my group members so I can figure out the best team bonding activities that would allow them to connect with each other throughout the course of the program. By dinner time, I was able to engage the students in conversation and facilitate relationships that would turn into acquaintances and potential friendships. 

By the end of the second day of volunteering, the group had become one family. Although the second site, Caroline Elementary School, prompted each of us to labor outdoors pulling weed and transferring piles of mulch and gravel, the group was able to bond whenever there was free time. During lunch, we all sat outside and learned about each other and our journeys to get to Ithaca College. The hardest part about being a leader during the second day when we had tedious volunteer work was working to motivate and encourage all of the students. One of the ways I motivated students was through fun music and exciting topics of conversation. During the times we were transferring the mulch and gravel, I turned on different genres of music so everybody could have the strength to continue with their work. 

       

          My Jumpstart group after volunteering at the Tompkins County Public Library on Day One

I am grateful for the opportunity to act as a Jumpstart leader for first-year students over the past year because I have learned much more about myself, the students, the campus community, and the city of Ithaca. I learned that I have the capability to lead a group of younger students and take responsibility over the proper procedures. During the time that I was a Jumpstart leader, I have grown as a community member and a peer mentor; for, the students today still come to me with questions. When we see each other on campus, we make a point to say "hi" and catch up on each other's schedules and college experience. To me, being a mentor and resource is the most rewarding experience of the Jumpstart process. I am happy and proud to have given back to the Jumpstart program, especially knowing that I have made the transition to college a bit easier for the students new to the Ithaca community. 

The team after volunteering at Caroline Elementary School on Day Two

Photo credit: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/d3/23/9b/d3239b7b73e6a38f454961a36b1ad985.jpg

Serving Others...And Yourself

Over the past few Service Saturday weekends, I visited the local Salvation Army and helped prepare and serve food to members of the community.

The Salvation Army of Ithaca is a space for community members to find hope, solace, and faith through religious services and community meals. My most memorable volunteer experiences have resulted from the time I have spent working with the Salvation Army staff. 

Through my time at the Salvation Army, I have not only prepared and served lunch, but have also had the privilege of interacting with the community members, my favorite aspect of working with the organization. I enjoy engaging with members of the community because the experience strengthens my knowledge and bond with Tompkins County and the city of Ithaca. 

I believe it is important to engage with members of the community in order to facilitate communication and discussion about current events and issues. I have learned that through dialogue and interaction with the residents who live in Ithaca, I can shed light to the social and unjust issues currently lingering in the city. 

With my involvement in the Salvation Army, I have seen how the organization is making a difference in the community by providing the necessary resources, such as food, to those in need.

I am preparing lunch with my Service Saturday team to serve to the members of the community

To me, volunteering at the Salvation Army is especially important during the winter season because it allows for me to share the spirit of the holidays with families and residents who do think they have a very joyful holiday. When I volunteered during the month of December, I helped decorate the sanctuary with holiday decorations and then served hot meals. Many of the residents asked for second meals, and with our preparation of an abundance of meals, we served more than one hot meal to each resident. After the experience, I felt proud and relieved to know that I contributed to the holiday celebration for several families. 

The Salvation Army has taught me the need to address the issue of poverty in Ithaca. Not only that, but the organization has provided me with the space to interact and engage with other populations outside of the college campus, which allowed me to grow as an individual learning to venture in the real world. Fortunately, the organization has brought to my attention its goal in becoming a source of strength to various residents of the community. 

I also learned the importance of religion during my time with the organization, as the community members would engage in a short prayer and worship before being served their meals. Observing and participating in the prayer and worship circle, I was able to reflect on my own religious views. 

Faith, I saw, is an important aspect of many lives. Faith provides people, including myself, with a sense of hope during the low points of life. With the Salvation Army's prayers and worship circles prior to serving meals, I was able to sense the importance of faith for everyone in the room, no matter what his/her religious views were. 

I hope to work closer with the Salvation Army in the future; for, the organization teaches me the importance of engaging with community members and helping serve hot meals to those in need of a little extra resources. Through the experience, I have grown to understand another part of the Ithaca and Tompkins County community outside of the college atmosphere.

Group picture after a day's work of giving back

"The more generous we are, the more joyous we become. The more cooperative we are, the more valuable we become. The more enthusiastic we are, the more productive we become. The more serving we are, the more prosperous we become" ~ William Arthur Ward

Goodbye 2014, Hello 2015

Wishing everyone a healthy, safe, and charitable New Year! What are your plans and resolutions for 2015?

Photo credit: http://123greetingsquotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Happy-new-year-greetings-2015-wishes-images-wallpapers-pics-pictures-messages.png

The Secret Santa

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving and is looking to kick-off the holiday season! With winter approaching and the holidays nearing, there is no doubt that people will shop and travel to various places around the country. However, there is a lot more to the holidays than just shopping and traveling. 

For me, the holiday season is my favorite time of year. Not only do I get to relax with my family and friends and enjoy the seasonal traditions, including tree lighting ceremonies and ice skating, but I also get to spend time giving back to those in need of holiday cheer. 

There are countless ways to volunteer and help others during the holiday season. Whether you want to spend one hour of your day or three days of the week helping others to have a merry holiday, here are three easy ways to lend a helping hand in your community.

1) Food banks - Volunteering at food banks or community kitchens is one of the most fun and rewarding experiences you can have during the holidays. Many soup kitchens have volunteers prepare and serve warm meals to those in the community who are in need. I have learned that volunteering at food banks and soup kitchens allows you to learn about the needs of a community and how the community is working to combat those needs.

2) Toy drives - If you enjoy shopping, buy toys that you are able to donate to a community toy drive. For instance, toy drives such as Toys for Tots, provide toys for less-fortunate children in the community. The program collects unused and unwrapped toys to bring the holiday spirit to children. I truly enjoy donating to toy drives because I believe that each child should be able to receive a gift during the holiday season. I hope that more people can donate to toy drives and help make the holidays enjoyable and memorable for every child in need. 

3) Clothes donations - Winter can also serve as a time when people clean out their closets in preparation for Spring. If you are thinking about cleaning out your closet and throwing away old clothes, why not take those clothes and donate them to a local charity or thrift shop? Often, local schools and community organizations will host clothing drives that allow people to donate gently used clothes ranging from shoes to coats to accessories. There are also thrift stores located within communities that re-sell donated and used clothes. Every article of clothing - whether you believe the item is useable or not - should be donated because the charities eventually sort the donations and still receive money for clothing they recycle. My incredible opportunity with The Rescue Mission last fall allowed me to learn about the donation process and how organizations handle donated items that are unable to be sold or used. 

Amidst shopping for loved ones and traveling to visit family, make a difference this holiday season and spread love, warmth, and the gift of giving to those in need. 

Photo credit: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fbGoltD6oPj_uxBHZjRXQ1rD_HEAXpq2k1Xu6mq4wp86uxvuIZuFBBRseKVDPU-vwo_70xXCnmUPc9-4KWgVbebSaF2IL5blEDV3DSkk-pM8EGRFIMUWRf_L8586QiKOrQ1J0hVemcDF/s1600/holiday+giving1.bmp

"Stand By You"

As move-in day creeps in for many college first-year students, it is no surprise that everyone is nervous, anxious, and shy --- it's a big step into the "real world". In honor of my role as Jumpstart leader and a fun weekend ahead, I chose to share with you guys a song by Carrie Underwood called "Stand By You," which was originally performed by The Pretenders. I am beyond excited to act as a peer mentor and a role model for those looking to start off their college experience with a whole lot of memories. 

This weekend is dedicated to upperclassmen helping first-year students move-in, get settled, and make friends. I believe this song expresses the true meaning of giving back; for, we don't only have to give back to the community at select times for a set number of days per year, but we can count on each other through community service and through the everyday connections we make with those around us.

Here are the lyrics, enjoy! 

"I'll Stand By You"

[Originally performed by The Pretenders]

Oh why you look so sad
The tears are in your eyes
Come on and come to me now
Don’t be ashamed to cry
Let me see you through
Cause I’ve seen the dark side too

When the night falls on you
You don't know what to do
Nothing you confess
Could make me love you less

I’ll stand by you
I’ll stand by you
Won’t let nobody hurt you
I’ll stand by you

So if you're mad get mad
Don’t hold it all inside
Come on and talk to me now
Hey, what you got to hide
I get angry too
Well I’m a lot like you

When you're standing at the crossroads 
And don't know which path to choose
Let me come along
Cause even if you're wrong

I’ll stand by you
I’ll stand by you
Won’t let nobody hurt you
I’ll stand by you
Take me in into you darkest hour
And I’ll never desert you
I’ll stand by you

And when, when the night falls on you, baby
You feeling all alone
You won't be on your own

I’ll stand by you
I’ll stand by you
Won’t let nobody hurt you
I’ll stand by you
Take me in into you darkest hour
And I’ll never desert you
I’ll stand by you

Oh I’ll stand by you
I’ll stand by you

Lyrics credit: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/carrieunderwood/illstandbyyou.html

JUMPSTARTing My Way to College

One of my most memorable moments of freshman year at Ithaca College was being a participant of the Jumpstart program that is offered through the Office of Student Engagement and Multicultural Affairs.

The program, offered for incoming freshmen, allows for students to arrive a week early to campus, settle into their housing assignments, and participate in one of four activity tracks over the course of three days. These tracks, which are designed to help freshmen transition to life at college, provide participants with various activities and exercises revolving around their selected theme. The tracks are Lead-In, ECHO, The GREEN Tour, and Community Plunge.

I decided to join the Community Plunge program because it combines my love for helping others, meeting new people, and exploring a new community.

The girls of my Community Plunge group

One of the many activities through Community Plunge included helping with the local State Theater renovations. Here, my group and I organized the box office, re-painted the stage area, and cleaned up the basement. We then proceeded outside and weeded the alleyways and even managed to work together to paint a large fire escape. That was hard work! 

Here I am sweeping the basement of the State Theater

While standing outside under the blazing hot sun and then bending over to pull out the weeds, I learned that even the smallest and most mundane tasks are a big help to the community. Not only that, but I came to realize that uneventful tasks, such as cleaning and sweeping, can be a whole lot of fun with a group of friends. Tasks undertaken at the State Theater allowed me to appreciate the need to clean, reorganize, and paint because those actions become the stepping stone to a productive and hard-working day.

Another location my group served is the Finger Lakes ReUse Center. The ReUse Center takes used, donated items and refurbishes them to resell to the community. It acts as a thrift store for many pieces of unwanted furniture, hardware, and appliances for many residents of the community. Here, our duty as a team was to sort the store's heaping pile of donated items and then organize them by category so we can help the employees price the items for sale. 

My group working hard at painting the fire escape

Although the tasks of the ReUse Center required us to be tedious, organized, and patient, I learned the true meaning of team work. Since we had to work together to sort items and price them, we got to learn about each others' preferences, interests, and background. Needless to say, it was here that I truly felt we connected and started to adapt to the Ithaca community. We discussed our previous experiences, high school memories, and the excitement of starting our journey as class of 2017 at IC. 

During our time in-between activities and group lunches with the other Community Plunge teams, we got to meet other people and connect with them as well. I would often talk to those around me when many of the teams waited together for the bus that would transport us back to campus. As a result, I was surprised to learn that the Community Plunge program sent so many students to a plethora of locations around town, including local elementary schools and public sites like the library. 

I am happy to have participated in the Jumpstart program because it has allowed me to connect with a diverse group of people and has given me the ability to explore the Ithaca community. Today, I still keep in close contact with those whom I have met through Jumpstart, whether they were a part of my team or not. Community Plunge has helped me meet the people I call my best friends, all of them who were on a different team than I. 

My Community Plunge group after a day's work at the State Theater 

Photo credits: All of the photos are my own and the quote is through http://messages.365greetings.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/teamwork-quotes-image.jpg

"Lean on Me"

The beginning of summer marks a time where we can be stress-free and have fun! But summer is also the time to get outdoors and engage in new experiences, including being more involved in your community. Summer is perfect for meeting new people, whether they will become acquaintances, friends, or family. Here's a song that relates to helping others and building strong relationships with those you meet --- check out the song lyrics to Bill Withers' "Lean on Me" and adventure out to meet new people!

"Lean on Me"

Sometimes in our lives

We all have pain, we all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on

Please, swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you won't let show

You just call on me, brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'll understand
We all need somebody to lean on

Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on

You just call on me, brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'll understand
We all need somebody to lean on

If there is a load
You have to bear that you can't carry
I'm right up the road, I'll share your load
If you just call me

Call me (If you need a friend)
Call me (Call me uh-huh)
Call me (When you need a friend)
Call me (If you ever need a friend)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (If you need a friend)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me (Call me)
Call me

Lyrics credit: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/billwithers/leanonme.html

Making Connections

Being a journalism and communications student, I have a love for movies and entertainment. The best movies, in my opinion, are like books. They depict a certain message or moral to the viewers, providing lessons and inspiration to others. Whether it's a lesson about the true meaning of love, acceptance, or happiness, movies share with us the ups and downs of life. Some of the best quotes, and some of my particular favorites, include:

• "Life's a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get" ~ Forrest Gump, 1994
• "Oh yes, the past can hurt. But from the way I see it, you can either run from it, or...learn from it" ~ The Lion King, 1994
• "Don't ever let somebody tell you...You can't do something. You got a dream...You gotta protect it...If you want something, go get it. Period" ~ The Pursuit of Happyness, 2006
• "The world is not a wish-granting factory" ~ The Fault in Our Stars, 2014

My love for movies have led me to become a volunteer at the first-annual All-American High School Film Festival (AAHSFF). The festival, held in Times Square, New York City, allowed me to showcase my passion for film and entertainment while exploring NYC. 

Volunteering at the festival has provided me to network and build connections with industry-executives and other professionals. For instance, my work with assisting at the local college fair has allowed me to network with different universities and schools, a potential for the future if I decide to pursue higher education post-undergraduate. In addition, I have met professionals of the film industry, or potential future employers. Also, I have built relationships with students and volunteers of other similar interests, all while exploring the city of New York and Theater District of Times Square. 

Although the film festival was only held for one weekend from Friday to Sunday, my experience with the festival allowed me to create relationships and make connections with students, professionals, and the city. My connections and networking paid off. 

In February, I landed an internship with the AAHSFF team. As an intern, I am learning many skills that will help me in my future career. For example, I have learned valuable time management skills as a result of the tedious tasks completed. Moreover, I am learning how to further connect and keep in contact with my networks. As an intern, I have utilized my journalism and public relations skills to spread the word about the event, hoping to gather more volunteers and attendees for the festival. The internship has allowed me to learn and grow into both an individual and an employee. 

**To learn more about the All-American Film Festival, future volunteer opportunities, and event/ticketing information, check out the website!

**Click here for the link to the AAHSFF facebook page

**And be sure to follow AAHSFF on twitter

Photo credit: http://geniusquotes.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/David-Brinkley-quote.jpg

Moving Out

What a busy past few weeks! As I finish up my last semester of freshman year at college, I first wanted to give a shout out to all of the wonderful people I have met throughout the year. From orientation to the end of freshman year, I have been blessed to meet amazing friends who I know I can always count on. I thank IC for giving me some awesome opportunities over the past two semesters, and for helping me find a passion and happiness in giving back to the community! 

As college students prepare to move-out of dorms and return home for the summer, I have decided to compile a list of ways to help out fellow peers and families pack up for the trip home. 

• Visit your friends and offer a helping hand - It is always best to ask if they need help packing, even if they turn you down. By offering your time and lending a hand, it will make the move-out process go way faster.
• Load items into their car - No matter what, everything in the dorm needs to go, so why not help pack up a car? This will allow friends to pack more efficiently and effectively.
• Provide refreshments and snacks - Packing always makes you hungry and tired! Bring your peers a snack or offer some refreshments. 
• Be conversational - With so many families coming in and out of the dorm, the room can become crowded and awkward. To suppress some of the awkwardness, provide conversation with your friends' families -- chances are, you've met them a couple of times, so it won't be too awkward.
• Give thanks to faculty - As we prepare to say goodbye to friends for the summer, be sure to also give thanks to those who have been your leaders and mentors throughout the year. Whether it is a custodian, residential assistant, or professor, everyone has taken care of you in some way. Be sure to thank them before officially moving out.

Moving out is always bittersweet, especially when you've grown accustomed to calling your dorm "home." Best of luck to the graduating class of 2014 and I hope everyone has a safe and happy summer! 

Photo credit: followpics.co

Spread the Love

Valentine's Day is almost here! A celebration of love and appreciation for those around you have translated into showering each other with gifts, flowers, and an endless amount of chocolates, but why not spread the love with more than just gifts? Why not go out and celebrate Valentine's Day with meaning? In celebration of the holiday, here are 5 ways to spread the love this weekend:

1) Spend a little extra on tips! Whether you're out with friends for dinner or are out on a date with that special someone, try tipping the waiter or waitress a little extra cash. Rather than tipping the usual 10-15%, try leaving 20% (after all, they could have their own plans for Valentine's Day, but are spending their time serving you). Your waiter or waitress will appreciate the extra cash and it will put a smile on their faces!

2) Send out special Valentines! Be it a family member, best friend, or significant other, send your loved ones a hand-made Valentine to let them know you care. Valentines can be crafted and designed for each unique individual thanking them for being them. While you're at it, why not send Valentines to random people you don't know? It might make someone's day and let them know that they are loved, too. 

3) Volunteer in the community! The best way to spread the love this weekend is to sign up for a local volunteer opportunity. Grab a couple friends, travel to a local organization or charity, and get ready to lend a helping hand. You not only show the community you care, but also get to have fun and meet new people in the process!

4) Reconcile your differences! Valentine's Day is all about letting someone know you care, so call up an old friend or family member and reconcile your differences. If there have been hostile relations between you, talk it out. Let them know what's on your mind and make up for the lost time. The best relationships can come from those with the biggest regrets.

5) And finally, love yourself! After taking the time to appreciate others, spread the love, volunteer, and amend broken relationships, why not take time for yourself? You deserve to be pampered and loved, too. So take some time to indulge in your passions. Who knows? Maybe you will discover something new about yourself or find a new favorite hobby. 

"If you have only one smile in you give it to the people you love" ~ Maya Angelou

Photo Credit: http://www.michalesjoy.com/wallpaper/1024x768/giving-my-heart-valentines-day-love-wallpapers.html; http://www.polyvore.com/valentines_day_clip_art_red/thing?id=10619244