It is 9:34 pm on October 11 and I just finished watching the movie "October Sky" for the second time. The movie was so inspirational that I decided it would make a good reflection for CAS hours.
Targeted Learning outcomes:
1. Increased awareness of own strengths and areas for growth
2. Engaged with issues of global importance
Now, I'll be honest and say that this is the ultimate nerd's drama, but the story behind the success of this story is truly amazing. Four young men from the city of Coalwood in West Virginia found themselves intruiged by the limitlessness of outer space. So, they decided to learn how to build rockets. Their inspiration was partly derived from the launch of Sputnick in the 1950's. Their perseverance despite constant doubt from the town people really helped to increase the awareness of my own potential. It helped me to truly realize the amount of support I have behind me. Being it that Sputnick was not launched from the United States proves that this movie also had a global element to it.
Overall I feel truly inspired by this movie to achieve success. In the story, the men actually go on to win the national science fair that no one believes they can win until the last minute, and all four of them recieve scholarships to go on to college. Should they have not won those scholarships their lives would have become focused in mining within the community which is something that eventually lead to the near death of the community. Eventually the mine ran dry and people moved elsewhere to find work. However, the story of the four men being brought to literature and the big screen has offered new hope for the community.
Date: 10/11/2009
Hours: 2
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
RFKC: Teen Volunteer
Hardwork, dedication, a great sense of humor, and a wole lot of patience went into making the 2009 session of RFKC camp a tremendous success. Never have I been to camp myself, but even though this camp was not geared toward my enjoyment but for very deserving young children, and the work certainly wasn't always easy, I had the time of my life! Even the training session before hand on June 6th was informative but definately enjoyable. I can say that it was certainly more rewarding than the soothing, full-body massage I missed to attend, and man was that a hard choice!
Grandparents, singers, camp councelors and teen helpers including myself, along with a few others there to help, all arrived at the camp grounds on Sunday, June 28th. That was our day to prepare the camp for the next day arrival of the most deserving kids I now know. We teen helpers got our schedules and found out that our main tasks would be in providing assistance during meals. As we later found out, camp activities that were hosted for the campers, but fun for all, were a good part of our responsibilites as well. Three guys and myself ran one of the water rides at the carnival and had an absolute blast taking turns sliding down it and watching the kids to make sure they were safe too. Night-time relief for the councelors was also something we had to fill in for as the church who normally steps in to cover it decided not to this year. That simply included getting the kids in bed while the councelors got a 2 hour break from their long days with the children.
As a character in the sheepfold, a play that we put on to help the kids with moral growth, I found myself often allowed to skip dish duty in order to attend dress rehearsals. We completed one scene of the play each day that we had rehearsed for the day before. Needless to say, if we were doing dishes or hanging out with the kids and councelors, we were busy doing somehing else constructive. Teen helpers made up the entire cast.
Throughout the week teen helpers, including myself, assisted with many things. We sang carols for the kids when Santa came to town, we dressed up with the girls and passed around tea and crumpettes during the tea party, we helped the young boys with archery lessons and even entertained the kids by dancing around and getting in conga lines while the adults were planning the next activity. There was never a dull moment. One teen helper even volunteered to dress up in the heavy easter bunny outfit during the easter egg hunt. We banned together to set-up and dismantle the shaving cream fight, and I even found myself in the swimming pool after being begged by one of the girl campers to swim with them.
Despite the long hours, and my less connected role with the children, I grew very fond of their energetic presense over the week. I made a critical effort to sport the widest smile possible everyday and treat them like kings and queens as well as I could. These children, most having come out of foster care, were most deserving and I was sure to make them realize how important their lives were. Their tender ages of innocent childhood pushed me even more so to be a good role model. And, even though there were times when one child just would not go to bed or do as I ask, I can proudly say that I never waivered, although I came very close.
Through this activity I hoped to become a more humble person, and to grow a fonder sense of blessing and spirit. But, I shall say that my gains have proved much larger. Faces still linger in my head of the children , and even camp workers who tried so hard to conceal tears on the day of departure. I can still hear their joyful laughs as they splashed and slid down the rides at the carnival. I can still feel the pitchers of cool punch that I walked around with to make sure the kids and councelors had all they wanted to drink, way before I would sit down and accept my own meal.
The week I spent at RFKC has to have been the most rewarding volunteer experience I have completed so far. Positively certain am I that I shall return next year to put more smiles on more faces and lend a helping hand to this great camp. I really do believe that it takes a village to raise a child and I'm so fortunate that I could be a part of this village.
Unfortunately, due to the nature of the camp and it's purpose in reaching out to abused children, I have had to exclude names of the people and children I encountered. Anyone wishing to recieve additional information about the camp may ask Mr. Tony Geasley. He has been a participant of the camp for many years now and recruited me.
Total Number of Hours : 93 (yes 93)
6/ 6/ 2009
6/ 28/ 2009- 7/3/ 2009
Grandparents, singers, camp councelors and teen helpers including myself, along with a few others there to help, all arrived at the camp grounds on Sunday, June 28th. That was our day to prepare the camp for the next day arrival of the most deserving kids I now know. We teen helpers got our schedules and found out that our main tasks would be in providing assistance during meals. As we later found out, camp activities that were hosted for the campers, but fun for all, were a good part of our responsibilites as well. Three guys and myself ran one of the water rides at the carnival and had an absolute blast taking turns sliding down it and watching the kids to make sure they were safe too. Night-time relief for the councelors was also something we had to fill in for as the church who normally steps in to cover it decided not to this year. That simply included getting the kids in bed while the councelors got a 2 hour break from their long days with the children.
As a character in the sheepfold, a play that we put on to help the kids with moral growth, I found myself often allowed to skip dish duty in order to attend dress rehearsals. We completed one scene of the play each day that we had rehearsed for the day before. Needless to say, if we were doing dishes or hanging out with the kids and councelors, we were busy doing somehing else constructive. Teen helpers made up the entire cast.
Throughout the week teen helpers, including myself, assisted with many things. We sang carols for the kids when Santa came to town, we dressed up with the girls and passed around tea and crumpettes during the tea party, we helped the young boys with archery lessons and even entertained the kids by dancing around and getting in conga lines while the adults were planning the next activity. There was never a dull moment. One teen helper even volunteered to dress up in the heavy easter bunny outfit during the easter egg hunt. We banned together to set-up and dismantle the shaving cream fight, and I even found myself in the swimming pool after being begged by one of the girl campers to swim with them.
Despite the long hours, and my less connected role with the children, I grew very fond of their energetic presense over the week. I made a critical effort to sport the widest smile possible everyday and treat them like kings and queens as well as I could. These children, most having come out of foster care, were most deserving and I was sure to make them realize how important their lives were. Their tender ages of innocent childhood pushed me even more so to be a good role model. And, even though there were times when one child just would not go to bed or do as I ask, I can proudly say that I never waivered, although I came very close.
Through this activity I hoped to become a more humble person, and to grow a fonder sense of blessing and spirit. But, I shall say that my gains have proved much larger. Faces still linger in my head of the children , and even camp workers who tried so hard to conceal tears on the day of departure. I can still hear their joyful laughs as they splashed and slid down the rides at the carnival. I can still feel the pitchers of cool punch that I walked around with to make sure the kids and councelors had all they wanted to drink, way before I would sit down and accept my own meal.
The week I spent at RFKC has to have been the most rewarding volunteer experience I have completed so far. Positively certain am I that I shall return next year to put more smiles on more faces and lend a helping hand to this great camp. I really do believe that it takes a village to raise a child and I'm so fortunate that I could be a part of this village.
Unfortunately, due to the nature of the camp and it's purpose in reaching out to abused children, I have had to exclude names of the people and children I encountered. Anyone wishing to recieve additional information about the camp may ask Mr. Tony Geasley. He has been a participant of the camp for many years now and recruited me.
Total Number of Hours : 93 (yes 93)
6/ 6/ 2009
6/ 28/ 2009- 7/3/ 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Back At the Govenor's Mansion
Once again Lovejoy's chamber orchestra found itself within the confines of the Govenor's Mansion. This time, however, it was by very, ver personal invitation from the Govenor himself for a more secluded affair than the annual Christmas celebration. We were not informed of what the actual event was held for or, for whom, but we were asked to play greeting music!
On this particular occasion we were put in a room right off of the main door and were to play as respectable men and women walked through the front of the house and greeted each other. Unfortunately, one of the highlights of the night, before our performance, including realizing that my stand partner had grabbed the wrong folder before we left the school. Luckily, because Lovejoy is constantly called to play for events and has a general music program for such, we happened to have a few of the pieces that we were going to play in the folder we had grabbed, but not all. Apart from a few seating changes, according to the music, and a piece that the second violinists played straight from memory for everyone else's sakes, the night went spactacularly well.
After our performance, Govenor Perdue himself strode in to acknowledge our musical presense and joyfully posed to take pictures with us. Performing with the most talented kids at Lovejoy High is something I will sure not forget.
4/8/09
Total Number of Hours: 6
On this particular occasion we were put in a room right off of the main door and were to play as respectable men and women walked through the front of the house and greeted each other. Unfortunately, one of the highlights of the night, before our performance, including realizing that my stand partner had grabbed the wrong folder before we left the school. Luckily, because Lovejoy is constantly called to play for events and has a general music program for such, we happened to have a few of the pieces that we were going to play in the folder we had grabbed, but not all. Apart from a few seating changes, according to the music, and a piece that the second violinists played straight from memory for everyone else's sakes, the night went spactacularly well.
After our performance, Govenor Perdue himself strode in to acknowledge our musical presense and joyfully posed to take pictures with us. Performing with the most talented kids at Lovejoy High is something I will sure not forget.
4/8/09
Total Number of Hours: 6
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Annie, The Musical: Pit Orchestra Violinist
Annie was a musical performed soley, and completely by students. Many rehearsals were conducted in the anticipation of the three show weekend, but all of the dedication and time put into preparing for the final product definately paid off.
Our first performance was on January 15, 2009. Children from within the county were allowed to attend and recieve a bried glimpse of the the entire play. All of the performances were held at the Clayton County Performing Arts Center. The pit Orchestra was required to play the music for only the specific scenes given at this particular performance, as compared to running the entire program from begining to end. We played for two seperate audiences from 8:30am until 11:30 am.
The actual debue of the musical occured on January 16th, from 7:00pm until 9:00pm, but I was unfortunately not able to perform that night. I am able to testify that Annie was succesfully executed from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm on Saturday, January 17th and from 2:30 pm until 4:30 pm on Sunday January 18th.
As a violinist I was able to significantly broaden my musical knowlege and experience. The music from the score for Annie was so much harder and more challenging than anything I had ever played, that I find myself chuckling now when something that would have appeared difficult before is placed in front of me. When originally presented with the challenge of playing in the pit orchestra for Annie, I was very quick to deny the opportunity for many reasons, including that it required me to take much time away from my studies and school itself at times, and the music was just so challenging to prepare in a few short months. However, I am happy to say that I have learned a great deal about playing with other musicians in a new atmosphere and I would eagerly play in another pit orchestra if given the chance. I must say that it was most rewarding also to look up to the eager faces of audience members after the show as they looked down at us with awe and admiration when they realized that the music was live. If only they know how hard it was!
1/15, 17, 18/ 2009
Total Number of Hours : 7
Our first performance was on January 15, 2009. Children from within the county were allowed to attend and recieve a bried glimpse of the the entire play. All of the performances were held at the Clayton County Performing Arts Center. The pit Orchestra was required to play the music for only the specific scenes given at this particular performance, as compared to running the entire program from begining to end. We played for two seperate audiences from 8:30am until 11:30 am.
The actual debue of the musical occured on January 16th, from 7:00pm until 9:00pm, but I was unfortunately not able to perform that night. I am able to testify that Annie was succesfully executed from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm on Saturday, January 17th and from 2:30 pm until 4:30 pm on Sunday January 18th.
As a violinist I was able to significantly broaden my musical knowlege and experience. The music from the score for Annie was so much harder and more challenging than anything I had ever played, that I find myself chuckling now when something that would have appeared difficult before is placed in front of me. When originally presented with the challenge of playing in the pit orchestra for Annie, I was very quick to deny the opportunity for many reasons, including that it required me to take much time away from my studies and school itself at times, and the music was just so challenging to prepare in a few short months. However, I am happy to say that I have learned a great deal about playing with other musicians in a new atmosphere and I would eagerly play in another pit orchestra if given the chance. I must say that it was most rewarding also to look up to the eager faces of audience members after the show as they looked down at us with awe and admiration when they realized that the music was live. If only they know how hard it was!
1/15, 17, 18/ 2009
Total Number of Hours : 7
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Journal 9: Govenor's Mansion Performance
December 12, 2008 was yet another of Lovejoy High School's Orchestra volunteer opportunities. This time we were invited by exclusive invitation to perform Christmas tunes for the Governor himself, Sonny Perdue. When we got there we set up quickly in a room a short way from the front door and dove right into our playing. People touring the house walked by and very often stopped to remark on our playing ability, or to ask for a special selection. We were only too happy to oblige. We played from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm and then were forced to resign for another group had also been invited.
Unfortunately, we were not able to speak with the Govenor himself, but after our performance we were allowed to tour the house and get our own bird's eye view of the Mansion's magnificiance for ourselves. We all were complemented highly on our playing abilities.
Above all I learned from this experience that even rich people can be humble enough to reach out to the children, and that is a wonderful thing. Considering the bad publicity that has gone on and on about Clayton County, it made me feel very honored to be able to help in bringing light to our school system, even if it be through a few simple music carols. We can certainly say we made an impression because we were invited back to a special event later! That blog will come later.
From this experience I have gotten more confidence in my playing abilities and better at interacting with others.
12/12/2009
Total number of hours: 6
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Journal 8: Publix Orchestra Holiday Performance
This is the first blog I have been able to post pictures for. On November 18th, the day after the Clayton County Honor Orchestra, I was also called to volunteer for a Christmas time performace at Publix in Lovejoy. We played from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 and actively encouraged the shopping audiences to sing along with the carols we played. It is clearly visible in the second picture that Santa was also a part of the evening celebration, so with spirit we decided to take a quick orchestra picture with him after our performance.
Through this activity I hoped to aid in giving off insiration for a wonderful holiday. I was perfectly delighted when some of the customers and even employees throughout the store came to sing with us and smiled as we played. In completing this activity, I have learned that celebrating the power of the holidays is not to be restricted mainly to sit down dinners and specific holiday parties, but it can be celebrated anywhere, anytime, and anyway. I must say, I was originally a bit disoriented when I found out our holiday performance would be in the produce department of Publix, but it turned out to be a fantastic night.
11/18/2008
Total number of hours: 2
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Journal 7 :Clayton County Honor Orchestra Performance
November 17, 2008 was the day of the Clayton County Honor Orchestra, Band and Chorus concert. The actual performance did not take place until 6:00 pm, but the preparation that was put into it during the day was a life changing experience, to say the least. I found myself confronted by all sorts of talent. Musicians of my age range were brought to the Performing Arts center to rehearse for this motivating event. I found myself intruiged by the different musical learning styles of others, and challenged by not only their own talent, but the talent of many different directors.
The performance was directed by three different directors, and I found myself adjusting to their own styles quickly, yet maybe not without flaw. I hoped to achieve a broader musical knowledge through this experience, and can safely say that I accomplished the feat, but I know now that music is something that truly sets us apart from one another, even though it brings us together all the same. Music is something that everyone has in common, and yet finding two people with the exact, note for note, same tastes is nearly impossible.
Through this experience I found in myself more talent than I expected. My audition into the program allowed me a seat right up at the directors hands, which happened to be a lot closer than I expeced to find myself. And yet, all teh same I found that the competition was strong, and that evenb though there were many people behind me that may not have auditioned as well, every person in the ensemble had something about them that made them shine. The performance with other great musicians furthered my ability to appreciate people for their own hidden talents.
11/17/2008
Total Number of Hours: 10
The performance was directed by three different directors, and I found myself adjusting to their own styles quickly, yet maybe not without flaw. I hoped to achieve a broader musical knowledge through this experience, and can safely say that I accomplished the feat, but I know now that music is something that truly sets us apart from one another, even though it brings us together all the same. Music is something that everyone has in common, and yet finding two people with the exact, note for note, same tastes is nearly impossible.
Through this experience I found in myself more talent than I expected. My audition into the program allowed me a seat right up at the directors hands, which happened to be a lot closer than I expeced to find myself. And yet, all teh same I found that the competition was strong, and that evenb though there were many people behind me that may not have auditioned as well, every person in the ensemble had something about them that made them shine. The performance with other great musicians furthered my ability to appreciate people for their own hidden talents.
11/17/2008
Total Number of Hours: 10
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