My Alternative Spring Break Journey: Rain Gardens

On Tuesday, the group headed out to two local elementary schools and helped clean up their rain gardens that are a part of the Schoolyard Rain Garden Project. 

Tuesday consisted of working at two local elementary schools

These rain gardens intercept stormwater runoff from entering nearby bodies of water by trapping litter and other various pollutants. 

First, we traveled to Kitty Hawk Elementary School. Here, there was a small rain garden filled with trash and weeds. 

We picked up all the litter, raked dead leaves, weeded the entire area, and put down a fresh bed of mulch. 

We worked on the rain garden
at Kitty Hawk Elementary School

Our work at Kitty Hawk Elementary School prepared us for our next stop, the First Flight Elementary School. Here, we tackled a larger rain garden by raking away dead leaves, picking up trash, picking out weeds, and using about 15 bags of mulch to make the rain garden look fresh. 

The end result of our work at First Flight Elementary School

Although we were tied down by monotonous work, I realized how beautiful nature can be. For me, the past year has been one filled with experiences of exploring nature and getting to know the environment around me. The best part of Tuesday was seeing the end product and realizing the impact of our hard work. So far, through Altetnative Spring Break, I have been able to appreciate the beauty if nature and become more aware of how to preserve and protect our environment. As we continue to explore different aspects of nature, I hope I can create new goals to maintain my role is protecting nature. 

All photos are my own.

Do You Choose to Be Kind or to Do What Is Right?

We often must decide if we should choose to be kind or if we should choose to do what is right. Sometimes, community service feels like a chore to others because they believe it is the right thing to do. Sometimes, people volunteer because they want the admiration and respect of others. In all reality, it is not about getting attention or gaining the respect of others. Volunteering should allow yourself to feel good and can always be the journey to self-discovery. I know for me, volunteering has given me the opportunity to find a piece of myself. I always leave the volunteering site with the intent to return and to continue giving back. Serving my community has now become one of my passions. 

The next time you volunteer, I encourage you to think about why you volunteer. Do you volunteer out of kindness or because it is right? What have you learned through your community service?

Photo credit: http://lessonslearnedinlife.com/because-kindness-is-a-sign-of-strength-2/

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

How do you show how YOU care?

Photo credit: https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t31.0-8/10662153_914810398590667_7361399180433284593_o.jpg

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

Spring Cleaning

Amidst the muggy (and sometimes rainy) summer weather, we often find ourselves sitting inside the house with nothing productive to do. We struggle to find activities that are fun and will keep us cool without spending the extra cash. One of the ways that I started off the hot days in Ithaca is through volunteering at the local YMCA. 

The YMCA is a recreational center for the local citizens of the community. Many cities will have one because the center is fun for all ages and provides an abundance of activities that one can learn from and participate in. A place of learning and for exercise, the YMCA should not be hastily cared for; in fact, a community center such as this ought to be well-maintained so that patrons of the community can have a place to rely on if they want to exercise at a whole new level.

I worked with employees at the Ithaca YMCA during the last Service Saturday of the year. Just in time for the hot weather and for its summer attendees, the center was in the midst of renovating the swimming area. To help, a group of us started off by taking towels and drying off the entire concrete around the swimming pool -- that is, taking towels and drying each and every crack/spot so that painting would be easier. Drying the concrete around the entire pool area was not easy; it took us about an hour or so to finish this first step.

Next, after the concrete was dried, each of us claimed a different section of the pool area and began painting. I paired up with a friend and began painting the base of the side wall. This was a task that was much harder than I thought. As we painted, we had to make sure the we did not splatter paint on the already-painted white area of the wall. To avoid this as much as possible, we took a piece of cardboard paper and held it behind the area we were painting so that the paint would splash on the cardboard rather than the white areas. It required coordination and meticulousness. 

After we finished the base, we moved on to the other side of the pool area and began painting the concrete floor with a roller. As we took turns painting, we found the task to be more strenuous than we imagined; for, it was hot and muggy inside the renovating area and some parts of the floor were difficult to paint without drawing footprints as we moved along. 

Once it was time to head back on the bus, the employees expressed their gratitude towards us and thanked us for our help. I learned a lot about the YMCA and about the importance of lending a helping hand, even for such small tasks at a local center. 

I learned that even though the task of painting and helping to clean up a small community center was tedious, the center benefitted greatly from our help. When I returned to the bus, I realized that my clothes and shoes were splattered with paint stains. However, I was okay with the fact because I knew that the paint marks meant that I had made a difference in Ithaca before returning back home for the summer. Before leaving the YMCA, the employees told us that they could not imagine the time it would have taken to renovate the pool area without our help. A worker told us that Service Saturday was a great opportunity to give back to the community and praised Ithaca College, and its students, for continually helping out in the community. I couldn't agree more. 

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much" ~ Helen Keller

Actions > Words

What do your actions say about you? How do you define yourself to others?

"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

How do you give?

Everyone has the ability to change the lives of others in one way or another. What's your way of giving?