My Alternative Spring Break Journey: Protecting Water Quality

Monday was the first day of volunteering with the North Carolina Coastal Federation. The organization works to protect wildlife and provide clean water quality.

The North Carolina Coastal Federation

We started the day refreshing our minds with the water cycle and learning about the causes of water pollution. A fact that stood out to me was when we discussed how stormwater runoff is the number one source of pollution in the United States and in North Carolina. Not only that, but other factors, such as oil, fertilizer, pet waste, and litter, al contribute to water pollution.

A new lesson for me included our discussion of ways to prevent these runoffs and pollution for entering bodies of water. 

One item that helps prevent stormwater runoff and water pollution is a rain garden. 

Rain gardens intercept stormwater runoff from the roof and other nearby surfaces. Rain gutters are connected to a drain buried underground that lead to these gardens, where plants capture the stormwater runoff deep in the ground. Rain gardens prevent the spread of pollution into nearby bodies of water. 

One of the rain gardens at the North Carolina Coastal Federation 

Another interesting item to help intercept runoff are pervious, or permeable, surfaces. While impervious pavements, like common druveways and roads, push runoff and debris into nearby bodies of water, perviois pavement allows for the layer of compacted soil to trap pollutants and reducd stormwater runoff. This type of pavement includes a base and a sub-base with compacted gravel or soil in between so runoff gets soaked and intercepted. 

Pervious pavement

After learning about these items to protect water quality in the area, we got to work weeding the rain gardens, picking up litter, and raking leaves.

I felt satisfied after seeing the difference we made at the NC Coastal Federation through weeding and cleaning the rain gardens and area. The day provided me with a new insight into how a simple rain garden or a certain type of pavement could contribute to providing clean water quality. 

River behind the NCCF where runoff and pollutants end up

After hearing that stormwater runoff, pet waste, fetilizer, oil, and other everyday items contribute to pollution and poor water quality, I realized that everyone can play a role in reducing the amont of stormwater runoff to maintain a clean water quality and to protect wildlife. We can pick up pet waste, compost food, build rain gardens, implement green roofs or pervious payments, and reduce the amount of fertilizer and oil spills. If we can be mindful of how our everyday actions effect clean water and wildlife, then we can help protect bodies of water from being polluted. 

All photos are my own

The Top 10 Lessons Learned from Harper Lee's "To Kill A Mockingbird"

It has been a few weeks now since the death of Harper Lee, a literary icon who passed away Feb. 19 at the age of 89. I have finally finished processing the legacy she has left behind in the world of classic American literature.

Sure, at first, I only thought about how her novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, was just one of "those" books we were assigned to read in the ninth grade. I never fully realized the impact Lee had on classic literature until now.

Her novel raises awareness to racial inequality, gender roles, innocence and rape. The protagonist and main character of the novel is Atticus Finch, a character many readers would consider to be the symbol of society's moral values and a hero. I am now more appreciative of To Kill A Mockingbird and see how the novel leaves readers with inspiration, integrity, and moral values.

Here are my top 10 quotes - and lessons - I learned in Lee's literary work of art.

1) "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view...Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it."

2) "But before I can live with other folks, I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience."

3) "Real courage is when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what."

4) "It's not time to worry yet."

5) "Try fighting with your head for a change...it's a good one, even if it does resist learning."

6) "Atticus had said it was the polite thing to talk to people about what they were interested in, not about what you were interested in."

7) "I do my best to love everybody...It's never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name. It just shows you how poor that person is; it doesn't hurt you."

8) "Equal rights for all, special privileges for none."

9) "But you see, they could never, never understand that I live like I do because that's the way I want to live."

10) "Atticus says you can choose your friends but you can't choose your family, and they're still kin to you no matter whether you acknowledge them or not."

For more quotes, check out Goodreads! 

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

Your Legacy Continues, Dr. King

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a civil rights activist fighting for the equality and justice for all people. His famous speech, "I Have A Dream," has been widely read and his message continues to unite us all for racial and social justice. 

On Martin Luther King Day, I had the privilege to celebrate Dr. King's message through various presentations and events conglomerated under the theme, "Whose Dream Is It Anyway?" As I attended the sessions, I learned that although Dr. King rose to prominence during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, his message and mission have yet to progress towards success by the people of the United States of America. 

His message, to combat discrimination against race, ethnicity, origin, religion, sexuality, gender, and exclusion of special persons, continues to live in the back of our minds instead of thriving in the forefront of our minds. 

The various educational sessions and presentations throughout the day spoke to Dr. King's legacy and allowed for the audience to think about inclusivity. I was privileged to attend some of these sessions and learn about ways to progress Dr. King's legacy of equality and racial justice. Before we can implement change, it is important to change the way in which we think, specifically when it comes to making pre-judgements among others and holding prejudice against those who are different. One of the biggest mistakes we make that drive us further away from achieving inclusivity and equality is our inability to be confident when speaking the truth and challenging the issues we face.

For example, Ash Beckham, a TedTalk speaker and keynote presenter of the night, discussed the importance of having the ability to speak the truth and be self-confident. Beckham's presentation was well-worth attending because it presented ways in which we, as citizens, can help inspire others to work towards equality, acceptance, and inclusion. She taught us the importance of knowing one's own identity and encouraged the audience to not be afraid to speak up for what is right. Beckham focused on gender roles, identity, and how society teaches us to conform to the truth from a very young age. I learned that it is important to understand yourself and your actions because it is a step towards understanding others and the world around you. Not until Beckham's lecture did I understand that by being silent, you are taking your stance on an issue and speaking out. Actions, as well as words, affect the way others think about you and see you. 

MLK Day never fails to teach me the most important lesson for turning Dr. King's dreams into a reality; for, it is important to learn and understand the history of racial injustice and exclusivity of certain populations to make sure that history does not repeat. 

Photo credit: My own; presenter Ash Beckham

The Importance of Literacy and Education

Happy November! After a long break away from writing (it's been crazy busy with school work and co-curricular activities), I just have to tell you about my incredible experience at this month's Service Saturday event. 

Over the weekend, I volunteered at the Family Reading Partnership's Kids Book Festival, which works to promote early literacy for young children.

My job for the day was to help out at an activity station in which children could enter into a fake grocery store in order to shop and learn about the importance of fresh vegetables and fruits. Sponsored by the Cornell plantations, the fruits and vegetables that were set-up allowed children to easily scan the aisles for items that matched the colored sticker on each of the five dollar bills they received. Once they finished picking out their five items, they took the fruits and vegetables and checked out at the cash register. 

Although this task seems menial compared to past volunteer activities, it was a rather complicated task that involved good organization of the products, as well as efficient communication with my partner. 

With about six volunteers at the station, it was difficult to hear and communicate with each other, especially with young children running around the market. One of the ways we became organized and performed our roles effectively was through a routine procedure in which two people worked with the children, four people helped out at the cash register, and two people who organized the aisles and filled them with fruits and vegetables. 

As I worked with the children and explained to them and their families the directions to the activity, I learned that I truly have a passion for working with children. I found myself to be engaging and enthusiastic when it comes to taking care of children. 

Through this activity, I have also learned that there are many different ways of classifying fruits. For instance, a member from the Cornell plantations explained that fruits come from seeds; thus, vegetables such as the corn kernels, cucumbers, tomatoes, and squash could also be known as fruits. 

My experience at the book fair allowed me to realize the illiteracy issues that Tompkins County faces. I learned that there Tompkins County has several resources for low-come families, one of them being the Family Reading Partnership. Although people see the city of Ithaca as a small college town, many fail to recognize the social issues that plague the area. Volunteering with organizations that work to address specific issues help me develop an open-mind and become a person who is more aware of her surroundings. 

This Service Saturday was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever participated in. Not only did I discover that I have a true passion in working with kids, but I also learned about an issue that will certainly cross my mind the next time I volunteer in Ithaca --- literacy. I think that tying in reading with other important components to a healthy mind, body, and spirit is a great way to teach young children to become academically, emotionally, and physically healthy from a young age. It is important to promote healthy lifestyles and have children develop a love for reading at an early age because healthy lifestyles allow them to develop critical and analytical skills to become successful students and citizens.

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.

"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

Actions > Words

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

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?

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