Why do we not have equal access to education? Although schools were desegregated by law back in the 50's, we still see inequalities today. Why? Perhaps that question will forever be un- answered. Today we got a glimpse of a part of San Diego that is "invisible" to much of the community. An area that is pre-dominantly lower class and under- privileged.
The major middle school in South East San Diego was Gompers. This school was plagued by violence, race riots, poor education, inconsistent teachers and impoverished students. But don't worry this story has a happy ending. :) You see, although this area was neglected by many, there were still an impassioned few. Amongst these activists for better education were Mrs. Evans and Mr. Riveroll. Hired as director and assistant this dynamic duo went door to door in the rain petitioning to transition the school to a charter. They knew that once they received the charter, they would be granted the freedom to make the changes so vital to the school's success.
After a long, arduous and politically heated struggle, they finally received this lucrative charter. They made improvements immediately. They removed ply wooded hallways to bring in natural light, pushed the city attorney to enforce strict legislation against gang members, brought down surrounding gates to connote a positive image of the school, formed college UC teams to facilitate greater attendance rates, and required students to wear uniforms to uplift self- esteem and pride in their school.
These changes proved to be highly affective. GCMS now boasts higher attendance, g.p.a., test scores and completion rate.
The purpose of our visit was two- fold: Observe the positive changes made at Gompers, and form a partnership between GCMS and HTMMA to strengthen education in the future. At GCMS we were greeted by the ASB who led us into the library. Here we watched news clips from the past documenting the change of GCMS to a charter. Everyone in the room was moved. After the video, the facilitator of ASB, Mr. Pete Chodzco led a question/ answer session. Students asked a plethora of questions. Why did GCMS have to change? Why did they change to a charter?
Immediately after the question/ answer session we ventured off to a 6th grade classroom to observe a lesson. Mrs. Drumm was leading a discussion centered around Freak the Mighty. Students had very specific prompts in which to write a response. We sat in the back and were impressed to see such an organized, high functioning, respectful atmosphere. When she finished her lesson, each student from HTMMA presented a folder to a student from GCMS. The front of these folders were decorated with logos centered around alliance in education. The GCMS students were thrilled!
Lunch time! In the cafeteria we divided the two schools so that a GCMS student had a HTMMA student to their right and left. We took on this similar structure when dividing the teams for our soccer game. By the end of the day, each student had made a new friend.
The last activity of the day consisted of designing posters for our partner school. On the posters students included their names and brief messages of hope regarding our newfound alliance. The whole event was EXTREMELY MOVING!!
After the trip to Gompers Charter School, we delivered donated diapers to the St. Vincent de Paul Warehouse in Downtown San Diego.
Lastly, we bought slushies on the way home from Am Pm. It was super fun!
Today, we saw that inequalities do exist in the community, but there is ALWAYS something we can do to remedy that!!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Diaper Drive
Imagine being a mother without diapers for your newborn. Even worse, imagine you are homeless, hungry and cold. While people know homelessness is a problem in our county, most people are unaware that homelessness affects mothers and children indiscriminately. This Mother's Day Father Joe's villages wants to be able to provide homeless mothers with basic necessities. Diapers, baby food, formula, etc. Our job was to hold a series of fund raisers in front of large supermarkets to rally around this cause.
Our group was stationed at Vons. In my group was Nilo, Adam, Tierra, Myrna and Samantha. We quickly set up our table with pamphlets detailing the problem. After that, it was time to work! The students were bold and courageous in asking for help. I was so proud and impressed! Adam and Nilo even worked out a little song and dance. While Tierra explained the issue, Nilo and Adam snapped in rhythm in the background.
The drive started out slow with a lot of negative responses. However, as we got going the responses became more positive...we got on a roll!! Yes, we can help! Sure, count me in! Take this baby food!
One guy though explained that he didn't need any diapers. Apparently he thought the diaper drive was for middle aged men. Then he explained that I should be teaching kids about the poor... and how we should stop sending money to Iraq. I was like....WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE WE ARE DOING!!
I guess I understand where he is coming from however. Oftentimes because we feel so overwhelmed by how the world should be it actually prevents us from taking action. Where do we start? I am strengthened and re- invigorated when I see young students being the change they wish to see in the world.
Overall, the diaper drive was a success. If anything we raised awareness for a cause greater than ourselves. We put forth a new energy into the world, and the hopefully we will see the affects stretching beyond our immediate surroundings.
Our group was stationed at Vons. In my group was Nilo, Adam, Tierra, Myrna and Samantha. We quickly set up our table with pamphlets detailing the problem. After that, it was time to work! The students were bold and courageous in asking for help. I was so proud and impressed! Adam and Nilo even worked out a little song and dance. While Tierra explained the issue, Nilo and Adam snapped in rhythm in the background.
The drive started out slow with a lot of negative responses. However, as we got going the responses became more positive...we got on a roll!! Yes, we can help! Sure, count me in! Take this baby food!
One guy though explained that he didn't need any diapers. Apparently he thought the diaper drive was for middle aged men. Then he explained that I should be teaching kids about the poor... and how we should stop sending money to Iraq. I was like....WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE WE ARE DOING!!
I guess I understand where he is coming from however. Oftentimes because we feel so overwhelmed by how the world should be it actually prevents us from taking action. Where do we start? I am strengthened and re- invigorated when I see young students being the change they wish to see in the world.
Overall, the diaper drive was a success. If anything we raised awareness for a cause greater than ourselves. We put forth a new energy into the world, and the hopefully we will see the affects stretching beyond our immediate surroundings.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Escaping the Flames
After the devastating wildfires of 2003, few people thought it could happen again. Especially on such a grand scale. But it did. This past fall, San Diego experienced some of the worst fires of the century. Today we learned about the issues surrounding the fires. What fueled these fires? How did San Diego respond? What was the extent of damage caused by the fires? How did the fires affect the San Diego Wild Animal Park?
At 9:30 a.m. we left school for the San Diego Wild Animal Park. We arrived at 10 a.m. to find our escort waiting. She led us to the back area of the park to hear lectures regarding the fires. Two people spoke. The first was the bird curator who extrapolated on the affect of the fire on the bird population. He explained how amazingly there were only 2 casualties of the fires. Most birds were saved by the immediate and affective response of the Wild Animal Park staff. The Condors were gathered and delivered to safety at a rate of one every 5 minutes. They did this despite low visibility and fatigue (it was the middle of the night).
The next speaker was from Scripps Research Center. He spoke of the various ecosystems in San Diego and what issues are plaguing them. I learned that San Diego is one of the most bio diverse cities in the world! Although much of San Diego is chaparral, there is an equal amount that is desert, mountainous or coastal. The lecture was long and informative. Apparently it was a little too long for Keion who fell asleep and at one point actually began snoring. :)
After the talks, it was time for our tree planting activity. Our objective was to regenerate the topography of the regions affected by the fires. We boarded the tour truck and headed out to the eastern border of the park. On the way we saw animals I have never seen before in person! Rhinoceroses were the highlight!
When we arrived at our destination we split up into a few digging teams. My group consisted of Myrna, Keion and Joe. We had a ton of fun. :) And in all honesty we got a bit silly. Mortal Combat was a major topic of conversation. We "finished off" at least 3 trees. Joe even managed to finish off an irrigation pipe between the two sprinkler heads. :)
The planting lasted for about 30 minutes. At this point, the whole group (including myself) was hyper. We decided that we would be our own exhibit. :) Our truck travelled back through the park and people looked at us as if we were the animals.
We left the park at 1 pm and arrived back at school at around 2. Pizza was waiting for us. Joe's mom was nice enough to order 5 large pizzas. Those were gone within 5 minutes. Boy were we hungry! We spent the rest of the day updating our blogs. Word!
At 9:30 a.m. we left school for the San Diego Wild Animal Park. We arrived at 10 a.m. to find our escort waiting. She led us to the back area of the park to hear lectures regarding the fires. Two people spoke. The first was the bird curator who extrapolated on the affect of the fire on the bird population. He explained how amazingly there were only 2 casualties of the fires. Most birds were saved by the immediate and affective response of the Wild Animal Park staff. The Condors were gathered and delivered to safety at a rate of one every 5 minutes. They did this despite low visibility and fatigue (it was the middle of the night).
The next speaker was from Scripps Research Center. He spoke of the various ecosystems in San Diego and what issues are plaguing them. I learned that San Diego is one of the most bio diverse cities in the world! Although much of San Diego is chaparral, there is an equal amount that is desert, mountainous or coastal. The lecture was long and informative. Apparently it was a little too long for Keion who fell asleep and at one point actually began snoring. :)
After the talks, it was time for our tree planting activity. Our objective was to regenerate the topography of the regions affected by the fires. We boarded the tour truck and headed out to the eastern border of the park. On the way we saw animals I have never seen before in person! Rhinoceroses were the highlight!
When we arrived at our destination we split up into a few digging teams. My group consisted of Myrna, Keion and Joe. We had a ton of fun. :) And in all honesty we got a bit silly. Mortal Combat was a major topic of conversation. We "finished off" at least 3 trees. Joe even managed to finish off an irrigation pipe between the two sprinkler heads. :)
The planting lasted for about 30 minutes. At this point, the whole group (including myself) was hyper. We decided that we would be our own exhibit. :) Our truck travelled back through the park and people looked at us as if we were the animals.
We left the park at 1 pm and arrived back at school at around 2. Pizza was waiting for us. Joe's mom was nice enough to order 5 large pizzas. Those were gone within 5 minutes. Boy were we hungry! We spent the rest of the day updating our blogs. Word!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Acceptance, Tolearnce and Safety
"Tolerance" has become a catch phrase in our society. We ask people to "tolerate" each other despite their differences. However, is it enough to merely tolerate our fellow brothers and sisters. Or should we challenge ourselves to move beyond such superficial relationships. I cannot understand and get to know someone merely by tolerating them. No, I must do more. I must "accept" them. There, that is a word I like. So maybe they have made a decision different than my own...I must accept and respect their decision. That is the least I owe them. They deserve not to be judged.
I am only saying this because oftentimes people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans gender feel judged. Not only are they judged, but sadly many times they are also harassed.
We had the amazing privilege of attending the Center in Hillcrest today. This center started with the vision of creating a place where GLBT youth felt comfortable. So often they are made to feel like outsiders. They are outliers in a homophobic society, community and sadly- sometimes family. The Center creates a place of belonging. Instead of being the exception, the GLBT youth become the rule.
At the Center we learned about issues facing GLBT youth. Issues like rejection, harassment, abandonment, and even violence. Adolesence is an especially tough time for them.
The greatest part of the talk came when Connor, a transgendered man spoke about switching genders. He seemed so content with his decision. You would never know by looking at him that he was once a female.
After the talk at the Center we ate lunch at Balboa Park. The kids had a rolling contest down the hill. :) Keion was the champion!
In the afternoon we visited the "Special Delivery" program in western Hillcrest. Here they prepare meals for victims of disease living in the community. A hot meal is delivered every day by volunteer drivers. Today, each group of students volunteered to take one of these routes. In addition, they prepared bags of toiletries with individualized letters for each victim.
Our route included 12 people! We only had 35 minutes. It was kind of like a Chinese fire drill. We pulled up to each place, jumped out and literally RAN to the door.
We completed the whole route with time to spare! The "clients" (as they call them) were so touched by the generosity of the students.
Although today was a lot of hard work, it was one of the most fulfilling days of my life. Seeing 11, 12 and 13 year olds rally around causes greater than themselves is truly amazing! I am lucky to have the opportunity to be surrounded by such generosity and greatness!
I am only saying this because oftentimes people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans gender feel judged. Not only are they judged, but sadly many times they are also harassed.
We had the amazing privilege of attending the Center in Hillcrest today. This center started with the vision of creating a place where GLBT youth felt comfortable. So often they are made to feel like outsiders. They are outliers in a homophobic society, community and sadly- sometimes family. The Center creates a place of belonging. Instead of being the exception, the GLBT youth become the rule.
At the Center we learned about issues facing GLBT youth. Issues like rejection, harassment, abandonment, and even violence. Adolesence is an especially tough time for them.
The greatest part of the talk came when Connor, a transgendered man spoke about switching genders. He seemed so content with his decision. You would never know by looking at him that he was once a female.
After the talk at the Center we ate lunch at Balboa Park. The kids had a rolling contest down the hill. :) Keion was the champion!
In the afternoon we visited the "Special Delivery" program in western Hillcrest. Here they prepare meals for victims of disease living in the community. A hot meal is delivered every day by volunteer drivers. Today, each group of students volunteered to take one of these routes. In addition, they prepared bags of toiletries with individualized letters for each victim.
Our route included 12 people! We only had 35 minutes. It was kind of like a Chinese fire drill. We pulled up to each place, jumped out and literally RAN to the door.
We completed the whole route with time to spare! The "clients" (as they call them) were so touched by the generosity of the students.
Although today was a lot of hard work, it was one of the most fulfilling days of my life. Seeing 11, 12 and 13 year olds rally around causes greater than themselves is truly amazing! I am lucky to have the opportunity to be surrounded by such generosity and greatness!
Spread the love
It's hard to experience life without opening your eyes. Yet oftentimes that's exactly what we do. We see what we want to see; hear what we want to hear; experience what we want to experience. Sometimes we are too scared to see what life is really about. Of course there is the pleasure, but there is also the pain. San Diego has suffered from homelessness since its inception. Homeless people flock here nation wide because of its mild annual climate. In fact, sometimes they are driven here cross country by medical providers who refused them care.
There are several myths surrounding homelessness.
Myth #1: Homeless people are uneducated
Fact: Most homeless people understand math at a 12 grade level
Myth #2: The government is the largest contributor to non- profits that service the homeless
Fact: Most funding for homelessness comes either from grants or individual donations
Myth #3: It is the homeless people's fault that they are homeless
Fact #3: Many homeless people are victims of verbal, domestic abuse or child abuse; or are mentally ill
Myth #4: All homeless people are mentally ill
Fact #4: Lots of homeless people used to be high functioning employees with well paid jobs
I truly think Tuesday changed my life. While I have seen homelessness, I have never seen it on such a large scale. There are over 10,000 people without homes in San Diego! If homelessness is so wide spread here, just imagine how problematic it is elsewhere.
Father Joe's runs one of the largest, most successful homeless programs in the country. Father Joe started St. Vincent's (where we went) with only $50 in his pocket. A New York businessman, he new how to make lots from very little. During seminary, a priest saw promise in Father Joe and encouraged him to use his business expertise to expand homeless services in San Diego.
Currently, the shelter serves 1,000 homeless people, and is still expanding today.
After visiting Father Joe's Villages, we had the opportunity to pass out meals to the homeless. We split into different groups and found willing benefactors. We had SUCH a positive reaction. One person even cried explaining that they just became homeless at age 55.
All in all, today was a day of mixed emotions. At one moment I was crying tears of joy, and at another tears of heart ache.
I now feel compelled to do more. The world suffers not from a lack of good people, for you can find such people in abundance. Martin Luther King Jr. put it best when he said, "the world suffers from good people who do nothing. " I no longer want to be one of those people.
There are several myths surrounding homelessness.
Myth #1: Homeless people are uneducated
Fact: Most homeless people understand math at a 12 grade level
Myth #2: The government is the largest contributor to non- profits that service the homeless
Fact: Most funding for homelessness comes either from grants or individual donations
Myth #3: It is the homeless people's fault that they are homeless
Fact #3: Many homeless people are victims of verbal, domestic abuse or child abuse; or are mentally ill
Myth #4: All homeless people are mentally ill
Fact #4: Lots of homeless people used to be high functioning employees with well paid jobs
I truly think Tuesday changed my life. While I have seen homelessness, I have never seen it on such a large scale. There are over 10,000 people without homes in San Diego! If homelessness is so wide spread here, just imagine how problematic it is elsewhere.
Father Joe's runs one of the largest, most successful homeless programs in the country. Father Joe started St. Vincent's (where we went) with only $50 in his pocket. A New York businessman, he new how to make lots from very little. During seminary, a priest saw promise in Father Joe and encouraged him to use his business expertise to expand homeless services in San Diego.
Currently, the shelter serves 1,000 homeless people, and is still expanding today.
After visiting Father Joe's Villages, we had the opportunity to pass out meals to the homeless. We split into different groups and found willing benefactors. We had SUCH a positive reaction. One person even cried explaining that they just became homeless at age 55.
All in all, today was a day of mixed emotions. At one moment I was crying tears of joy, and at another tears of heart ache.
I now feel compelled to do more. The world suffers not from a lack of good people, for you can find such people in abundance. Martin Luther King Jr. put it best when he said, "the world suffers from good people who do nothing. " I no longer want to be one of those people.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Apprehensive
A bit of excitement, apprehension and uncertainty all mixed together. Although I have done volunteer work in the past, never have I led a group of bright eyed, eager students in such an endeavor. I know frustration will be a constant. Activism is no easy task. Already I am haunted by the ghosts of reality. Children nestled under their dispossessed mother's arms, animals weakened by malnutrition and hunger, diseased middle aged men crawling to their medicine cabinet for just one more pill.
These people are part of our community yet oftentimes they are ignored. They are of the same blood, bone structure and soul. They have the same dreams, goals and aspirations. We are all one. We all hurt. We all experience pain. While we cannot end the pain, we can help it subside. If only just a little. That is operation peace, love and harmony!!
These people are part of our community yet oftentimes they are ignored. They are of the same blood, bone structure and soul. They have the same dreams, goals and aspirations. We are all one. We all hurt. We all experience pain. While we cannot end the pain, we can help it subside. If only just a little. That is operation peace, love and harmony!!
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