My Alternative Spring Break Journey: Exploring History

Saturday was our last day in the Outer Banks, and we spent the day exploring the cultural history of the area. We started the day by climbing Currituck Beach Lighthouse, one of the five main lighthouses in the state. It took us 220 stairs to get to the top, and the view from above was breathtaking. Although we felt as though we could be blown away by the wind, the view of the area was unforgettable.

The Currituck Beach Lighthouse

We made it to the top of the lighthouse after climbing 220 stairs.

Our second half of the day began by our visit to the Wright Brothers National Museum in Kitty Hawk. Here, we learned about Orville and Wilbur Wright and the birthplace of aviation in the early 1900s. We listened to a speaker explain the history of the Wright Brothers' invention of aviation and explored the meaning behind an iconic moment in history.

It was interesting to hear about the geographic symbolism of Kitty Hawk in relation to the birth of aviation. The first successful power-driven flight in world history took place on a sand dune in Kitty Hawk, NC by the Wright Brothers.

Wilbur and Orville Wright contributed greatly to the birth of aviation.

The iconic photograph to depict this moment in history is one of the most reproduced photos in history. It describes December 17, 1903 as the birth of aviation and the death of impossibility.

This iconic photograph is one of the most reproduced in history. The birthplace of aviation
was the death of impossibility.

Although the Wright Brothers significantly advanced the world of aviation, they also inspired others to believe in the impossible. They brought to light the idea that impossibility is not about failure, but rather, about something that hasn't been done yet. This idea stuck with me throughout the rest of the weekend and even back here at Ithaca College.

I think the idea that the Wright Brothers killed impossibility is one that is important to remember because it motivates us to better ourselves and our daily lives. The legacy of the Wright Brothers highlights the quote that 'nothing is impossible.' Hearing about how the Wright Brothers failed numerous times before they successfully tested a flight reinforced the everyday motto that everyone fails in life. Failure is not an option, but a key to success.

All photos are my own.

IC Spreads Awareness to Hunger Action Month

September is Hunger Action Month and there are several ways to bring attention to both hunger and poverty. Many may decide to host month-long fundraisers in collection of donations to local food banks while others may choose to volunteer at a community soup kitchen. Whatever actions you decide to pursue in working to fight poverty and hunger, every donation (whether it's time, money, or campaigns) makes a difference. By teaching others the art of volunteering and giving back to those who are in need, we can work to combat the social issues rooted within our communities.

Below is an excerpt from an article I wrote for The Ithacan about a local radio host who decided to walk 100 miles around Tompkins County in New York in order to raise money for a food bank that works to stop childhood hunger.

Check out the full story at http://theithacan.org.

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In recognition of September as Hunger Action Month, Ithaca College supported Q103.7 radio host Chris Allinger as he stopped by the college Sept. 12 for the last leg of his 100-mile walk around Tompkins County.

Allinger’s walk, called “Walkin’ the Country,” is an annual event he began in order to raise money for the Food Bank of the Southern Tier’s BackPack Program, which puts food into the backpacks of kids, Allinger said.

“They don’t give kids backpacks; they put food into the backpacks while other kids are at lunch so that nobody knows who gets it,” Allinger said. “And this could be the only food they have in that home for the whole weekend or [during school] holidays.”

For the third year in a row, Allinger said, he walked the county asking for donations from the people he encountered along the way. This year, he said he hopes to have raised more money than last year’s estimated $30,000 total.

“Each year is a little bit different, but it’s been great,” Allinger said. “I asked for $3 from every person I meet, and when we tally up all the money at night, we have fewer dollar bills than we have larger bills. People are generous.”

The college's dining services presented Allinger with a $2,300 check to donate to the BackPack program.

To Teach Is To Learn

With all these summer job applications and fall leadership programs, one of the common positions of interest lie in the field of peer mentoring, or tutoring, of some sort. Whether it is in academics, social adjustment, or emotional instability, anyone can provide support to the community and act as a role model for others. 

During freshman year of high school, I grew a strong interest in wanting to mold myself into a leader for not only my family and peers, but also for my community. I hoped I could teach others and allow myself to learn from others in the process. Now, I'd always wanted to become a teacher growing up, so when my high school offered positions as a volunteer peer tutor, I couldn't resist the opportunity. I applied to be a mathematics peer tutor, specifically in Algebra (I find that ironic being that math isn't exactly my forte, but hey, why not?). 

Within a few weeks the head coordinator contacted me with the name of my first tutee --- a seventh grader who struggled with Pre-Algebra. We met up three times a week for 45 minutes to review homework problems, study for tests and quizzes, and understand the concepts being taught in class. To my surprise, being a teacher was hard, but fun.

After the student saw an improvement in his grade, I was assigned a different tutee. Again, we reviewed and studied various material. The pattern continued until the end of the school year, with me being assigned students from grades seven, eight, and nine. I had hoped to grow as not only a tutor, but also a mentor during my time as a high school student. 

Upon entering sophomore, junior, and senior years of high school, I continued my role as a peer tutor. However, I expanded my subject area from math to science to world language. As a high school student, I tutored Algebra, Biology, and Spanish levels 2, 3, and 4. I enjoyed tutoring Spanish the most because it allowed me to practice the language, as well as learn new vocabulary words and grammar. Through teaching, I was able to understand the concepts better since I was explaining them to someone else. As I was helping the student understand the grammar concepts, I, in turn, was reinforcing what I had already learned. I learned that to be a peer tutor means to not only be an active teacher, but to also be an active listener; thus, I was learning while teaching. 

Despite teaching and helping students as a peer tutor, I also got to learn about myself in the process. Before tutoring, I was a shy and quiet student who only knew how to interact with students of similar interests; however, peer tutoring brought me out of my shell. Because I was forced to communicate and interact with students of other grades, as well as interact with head coordinators and adults, I would say that I became more outgoing. I slowly grew more comfortable speaking with others and interacting with adults. Tutoring helped me express my opinions and actively put me in the spotlight as a teacher. When I tutor, I am both a mentor and role model for the student. I feel that I grew as an individual who has strengthened her listening and communication skills. 

Peer tutoring pushed me past my comfort zone and gave me the opportunity to fulfill the role of my teachers. Through my abilities to act as a mentor, I also learned the definition of being a true role model. As I built connections with my tutees, I understood that to be a peer tutor means to also be a mentor in which one can count on. The tutoring experience helped me understand why teachers are often looked to for inspiration and guidance. Many times, teachers will be cited as role models or leaders of the community who provide encouragement, support, and sincerity. No teacher expects one to think within the box, but encourages one to think outside the box in order to express his/her creativity and individuality. I hope that my role as a peer tutor has influenced my tutees to learn with an open mind and accept their struggles while finding their strengths. 

"In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn" ~ Phil Collins

The Rescue Mission

One of the most eye-opening, incredible experiences I have had during my freshman year at college took place in October 2013, where instead of heading home for Fall Break, I participated in an Alternative Fall Break mission trip through the Office of Student Engagement and Multicultural Affairs. Although I could have lounged around my house for four days doing nothing but watch TV, I decided to travel to Syracuse, New York.

With a small group, I got to volunteer at a local homeless shelter called The Rescue Mission. A program and shelter that works to combat hunger and homelessness, The Rescue Mission hopes to strengthen communities. By providing each individual with food, shelter, and clothing, The Rescue Mission is the impetus to getting people back on their feet.

Me and the volunteer crew

On the drive up to the shelter, we stopped at a local thrift shop, the Thrifty Shopper. Consumers (yes, people like you!) can donate gently used merchandise to the store, which will sell the goods to those in the community. As a volunteer at the Thrifty Shopper, we helped organize clothing and sort used merchandise. Volunteering at Thrifty Shopper, I learned that thrift stores are not all that bad. You know, there are numerous preconceived notions about thrift shops, such as they are stores for the poor and the quality is lacking. But that is not the case; for, customers who come to thrift stores are just like you. I can say that through my volunteer experiences at the Thrifty Shopper, I have met some of the friendliest customers. Everyone who came into the store was not afraid to say "hello" to us --- they were so approachable and conversational. 

Afterwards, we continued our drive to the shelter. Once there, I immediately saw the stereotypes of homeless shelters come to life. The people lacked smiles on their faces, the streets were bare as if they were dark alleyways, and the various areas of the shelter were gated and closed off. One of the first tasks we were assigned to do was sort bags and bags (and bags) of donated clothing, some of which would be used as Christmas gifts during the holidays. Then, we took the sorted clothing and carried them down to a nearby Thrifty Shopper. We worked as sales associates on the third day, helping to organize, sell, and interact with customers.

On the last day, we were offered the opportunity to serve breakfast to the members. Serving food turned out to be a lot of fun. The meals we served disregarded society's preconceived notions of homeless shelters; for, the food was enjoyable. We served foods such as bread, fresh fruit, coffee, and juice. After we finished serving, we got to enjoy the meals for ourselves (yep, the same exact meal we had just served!).

Spending four days at a homeless shelter gave me a new perspective on life. I realized that the members of the shelter were, in fact, hard-working citizens who took a wrong turn on their path to success. The people had incredible stories to tell. Rather than ignoring us and pushing us away during our meal, many allowed us to sit with them and converse with them. One guy told us to "stay in school" and "make our parents proud." That statement got to me. He shared with us the ways he is working to turn his life around, informing us that it is shelters like The Rescue Mission that give people hope. Before leaving, he shot us a smile and thanked us for our efforts. 

I felt touched. All of my stereotypes about homeless shelters, and its members, diminished. The fact that the shelter acts as a stepping stone for its members and the community is absolutely amazing. While serving, the people were incredibly grateful and I am glad that I got the opportunity to enjoy a meal with them. Hearing some of their stories allowed me to reflect on my own life. After living in a homeless shelter, I am extremely blessed with my life. Each day, I think about this mission trip and see the world in more perspectives than one. The clothes that I wear daily, the food that I am blessed to eat, the family and friends that I have beside me, and the daily activities I perform, all allow me to live a cherished life. 

The advice of that man will always stick with me; for, I will continue to work hard to make my parents proud, striving towards my own success, as well as that of those in the community. 

Photo credit: http://donatinsstatic.ebay.com/extend/logos/MF10858.jpg; the last two photos are my own (c)SaraKim