Honors Forum II: November 26, 2012
Dr. Barry Morris was a great speaker to finish out the Fall 2012 semester of the Honors Forum. He taught at UNA for 35 years! That's almost twice the amount of time I've been in the world. So yeah, a pretty long time. Aside from that, he is now a City Council member.
I feel like Dr. Morris was quite possibly the most realistic speaker we've had in the Honors Forum. He was very down to Earth, and even showed us his budget plan that he shared with his own sons. He called it "How To Become A Millionaire Without Winning the Lottery." Pretty cool, if you ask me!
Another thing that I enjoyed about Dr. Morris was his passion for UNA. If you watch my Fall 2012 Recap video you will see that I considered transferring to UAH because it is a more research based institute, which is what I want to pursue with my career. However, I'm so glad that I decided to stay at UNA because I really do love it here. And Dr. Morris's love for UNA made me even happier about it. He told us that being from a small school like UNA is a great thing, because people will underestimate us, and then we can show them what we really can accomplish.
The Fall 2012 semester truly ended on a positive note for me. I've loved my experience at UNA thus far, and I can't wait to see what these next few semesters have in store!
Always, Kalee
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
Dr. Tom Osborne
Honors Forum II: November 19, 2012
This guy has some really long titles: Professor of History Emeritus, and Deacon, Episcopal Church
Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend forum because I had a weird combination of the flu and strep throat, or something like that. So consider yourselves lucky that I didn't force my germs upon you!
However, I do wish that I could have attended. Dr. Osborne sounds like a pretty interesting guy.
Since I don't have a speaker to write about, I suppose I will take this time to share the interesting turn of events that took place during my volunteer hours. I mention in a few previous posts that I planned to volunteer at the Healing Place and a few other potential places. While I did attend volunteer orientation for the Healing Place, unfortunately they are currently only holding sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the time that I'm in the Honors Forum. I also have volunteered a few times at Feeding the Pride, the on-campus food pantry. I was worried about not having enough volunteer hours, but I was more worried about volunteering at a place that I enjoyed. I never expected that there would be so many opportunities for me to volunteer that were very close to home.
Ever since I can remember, I've been around nursing homes. My mom is a social worker who has a passion for working with the elderly, so I've had my fair share of experience. I never considered volunteering at Windsor House, the nursing home where my mom currently works, because that didn't really feel like volunteering to me since I visit there on a regular basis. To give a little bit of background, Windsor House is located in Huntsville and is the site of the old Crestwood Hospital. It is on the lower end of nursing homes in the Huntsville area, and I have often wondered why my mom devotes so much of her time to that place. When I started volunteering, I found out. If you have ever visited a nursing home, you know that they are often very sad places. Most residents don't receive any visitors, so they only social interaction they have is with nurses, social workers, and other residents. When I volunteered, all I really did was sit down and have a conversation with the residents, or read to them. I didn't feel like I was doing very much at all, but my mom told me that just by doing those simple things, I was making a huge difference in the residents' lives. I never expected it to be that simple.
I guess this just goes to show that there are people all around you that need help, even if you don't notice them right away. I can't think of a better way that I could have spent my time over the past few weekends. Volunteering at Windsor House has been such a blessing in my own life.
Always, Kalee
This guy has some really long titles: Professor of History Emeritus, and Deacon, Episcopal Church
Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend forum because I had a weird combination of the flu and strep throat, or something like that. So consider yourselves lucky that I didn't force my germs upon you!
However, I do wish that I could have attended. Dr. Osborne sounds like a pretty interesting guy.
Since I don't have a speaker to write about, I suppose I will take this time to share the interesting turn of events that took place during my volunteer hours. I mention in a few previous posts that I planned to volunteer at the Healing Place and a few other potential places. While I did attend volunteer orientation for the Healing Place, unfortunately they are currently only holding sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the time that I'm in the Honors Forum. I also have volunteered a few times at Feeding the Pride, the on-campus food pantry. I was worried about not having enough volunteer hours, but I was more worried about volunteering at a place that I enjoyed. I never expected that there would be so many opportunities for me to volunteer that were very close to home.
Ever since I can remember, I've been around nursing homes. My mom is a social worker who has a passion for working with the elderly, so I've had my fair share of experience. I never considered volunteering at Windsor House, the nursing home where my mom currently works, because that didn't really feel like volunteering to me since I visit there on a regular basis. To give a little bit of background, Windsor House is located in Huntsville and is the site of the old Crestwood Hospital. It is on the lower end of nursing homes in the Huntsville area, and I have often wondered why my mom devotes so much of her time to that place. When I started volunteering, I found out. If you have ever visited a nursing home, you know that they are often very sad places. Most residents don't receive any visitors, so they only social interaction they have is with nurses, social workers, and other residents. When I volunteered, all I really did was sit down and have a conversation with the residents, or read to them. I didn't feel like I was doing very much at all, but my mom told me that just by doing those simple things, I was making a huge difference in the residents' lives. I never expected it to be that simple.
I guess this just goes to show that there are people all around you that need help, even if you don't notice them right away. I can't think of a better way that I could have spent my time over the past few weekends. Volunteering at Windsor House has been such a blessing in my own life.
Always, Kalee
John Rusevlyan - Florence Rotary Club
Honors Forum II: November 12, 2012
I'm beginning to notice a recurring pattern between myself and the speakers in forum. I only remember things they say that are completely unrelated to civic engagement. Oops.
Nevertheless, Mr. Rusevlyan was no exception to this pattern. At some point during forum he said something that was a little unnerving to me. He said, "After you graduate, don't expect to find a job within your major." *GASP* This is where my heart attack commenced. Fortunately, he followed that up with, "..unless you're planning on going to medical school or something." Phew! That was a close one. Guess I'm in the clear!
It's funny to think of how many different majors and careers I have considered since I started college. It's even funnier that I'm only a first semester sophomore. But the one career I always come back to (and have for as long as I can remember) is Medicine. I have always wanted to be a doctor deep down, but the level of difficulty and cost of tuition were planted in the back of my mind. I know that if I choose to pursue another career, I'll always wonder if I could have been a great doctor who changed, or even saved lives. So as of right now, I'm making it a mission to find out.
Always, Kalee
I'm beginning to notice a recurring pattern between myself and the speakers in forum. I only remember things they say that are completely unrelated to civic engagement. Oops.
Nevertheless, Mr. Rusevlyan was no exception to this pattern. At some point during forum he said something that was a little unnerving to me. He said, "After you graduate, don't expect to find a job within your major." *GASP* This is where my heart attack commenced. Fortunately, he followed that up with, "..unless you're planning on going to medical school or something." Phew! That was a close one. Guess I'm in the clear!
It's funny to think of how many different majors and careers I have considered since I started college. It's even funnier that I'm only a first semester sophomore. But the one career I always come back to (and have for as long as I can remember) is Medicine. I have always wanted to be a doctor deep down, but the level of difficulty and cost of tuition were planted in the back of my mind. I know that if I choose to pursue another career, I'll always wonder if I could have been a great doctor who changed, or even saved lives. So as of right now, I'm making it a mission to find out.
Always, Kalee
Lack of a Speaker
Honors Forum II: November 5, 2012
I'll be the first person to admit that I absolutely suck at blogging. I honestly don't know how some people do this for a living.
Our scheduled speaker was Ms. Elizabeth Moore, CEO of the Red Cross of Northwest Alabama; however, Ms. Moore was unable to join us in forum because the Red Cross was busy helping with relief efforts on the East coast after Hurricane Sandy. I believe that's quite a good reason to miss forum, but still, thanks a lot Sandy.
Anyway, I believe the reason Ms. Moore missed forum is a perfect example of what the Red Cross does, but I had no idea that the Red Cross offers service in so many areas aside from disaster relief. A few examples of services provides by the Red Cross are CPR certification classes, babysitting classes, blood donations, and so many more. Talk about multitasking!
I've always had a lot of respect for the Red Cross as a whole, but it's great to see the organization from a totally different perspective.
Always, Kalee
I'll be the first person to admit that I absolutely suck at blogging. I honestly don't know how some people do this for a living.
Our scheduled speaker was Ms. Elizabeth Moore, CEO of the Red Cross of Northwest Alabama; however, Ms. Moore was unable to join us in forum because the Red Cross was busy helping with relief efforts on the East coast after Hurricane Sandy. I believe that's quite a good reason to miss forum, but still, thanks a lot Sandy.
Anyway, I believe the reason Ms. Moore missed forum is a perfect example of what the Red Cross does, but I had no idea that the Red Cross offers service in so many areas aside from disaster relief. A few examples of services provides by the Red Cross are CPR certification classes, babysitting classes, blood donations, and so many more. Talk about multitasking!
I've always had a lot of respect for the Red Cross as a whole, but it's great to see the organization from a totally different perspective.
Always, Kalee
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Bradley Dean - Creative Director, Billy Reid Inc.
Honors Forum II: October 29, 2012
My last few blog posts have been fairly cynical. Needless to say, I was expecting to have the same reaction to this week's speaker, but in walks Bradley Cooper.. I mean, Bradley Dean. I don't remember exactly what he talked about, but he sure was nice to look at. Not that looks have anything to do with civic engagement. I can see past looks if there is initially something about the person that strikes me as weird.
First of all, the guy started off by saying that he graduated from UNA with a degree in art and a minor in entrepreneurship but that his degree didn't help him very much with his job. Way to promote UNA, Mr. Dean. Keep in mind you are speaking to a group of honors students that are currently attending the university to which you so lovingly referred.
Aside from that, he told us that he got involved with the Florence Historical Board only because he wanted a plaque that stated his house was a historical city landmark. It seems as if this guy doesn't know what it truly means to volunteer. Civic engagement is not defined as getting involved in an organization for your own selfish reasons. And whoever said that burning a small forest just so a model can stand in front of it for a photo shoot was a good idea?!
Though I have much more to say, I'll stop there.
Always, Kalee
My last few blog posts have been fairly cynical. Needless to say, I was expecting to have the same reaction to this week's speaker, but in walks Bradley Cooper.. I mean, Bradley Dean. I don't remember exactly what he talked about, but he sure was nice to look at. Not that looks have anything to do with civic engagement. I can see past looks if there is initially something about the person that strikes me as weird.
First of all, the guy started off by saying that he graduated from UNA with a degree in art and a minor in entrepreneurship but that his degree didn't help him very much with his job. Way to promote UNA, Mr. Dean. Keep in mind you are speaking to a group of honors students that are currently attending the university to which you so lovingly referred.
Aside from that, he told us that he got involved with the Florence Historical Board only because he wanted a plaque that stated his house was a historical city landmark. It seems as if this guy doesn't know what it truly means to volunteer. Civic engagement is not defined as getting involved in an organization for your own selfish reasons. And whoever said that burning a small forest just so a model can stand in front of it for a photo shoot was a good idea?!
Though I have much more to say, I'll stop there.
Always, Kalee
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Leslie Tomlinson - Junior League of the Shoals
Honors Forum II: October 23, 2012
I'm sure my last few blog posts are going to make me sound like someone who doesn't like anyone or anything. But I promise that's not true! It must be a coincidence that there were speakers that I didn't agree with two weeks in a row. Or maybe I just have really high standards for our speakers in the Honors Forum.
DISCLAIMER: Before Ms. Tomlinson began to speak to us, I had no idea what a Junior League was. But as she began to explain what it is, and what most people think it is, I came to the conclusion that I fell in line with the "what people think it is." To me, it sounds like a sorority for grown women. Not that there is anything wrong with sororities. I just feel that Junior Leagues should be honest and embrace what they truly are.
Ms. Tomlinson proceeded to tell us that Junior Leagues are based on the principle of volunteering and bettering the community. She also told us that there are three different types of membership based on how many volunteer hours you complete over a number of years. Now this is where my problem comes in. Volunteering is something you should do because you want to make a difference, not something that you feel obligated to do in order to receive a reward or a fancy title within an organization.
Aside from that, none of the people in the Honors Forum are eligible to become members of the Shoals Junior League because we aren't of age. You have to be 24 in order to become a member in most college towns in order to prevent girls from joining the Junior League to gain volunteer hours for another organization. I really don't understand that. They don't want you to gain volunteer hours for another organization through the Junior League, but they require you to complete a certain number of volunteer hours over 6 to 8 years to receive a higher level of membership. That's just crazy.
If nothing else, listening to speakers that I disagree with helps shape my own view of Civic Engagement and how it applies to me.
Always try to find something positive in a negative situation.
Always, Kalee
I'm sure my last few blog posts are going to make me sound like someone who doesn't like anyone or anything. But I promise that's not true! It must be a coincidence that there were speakers that I didn't agree with two weeks in a row. Or maybe I just have really high standards for our speakers in the Honors Forum.
DISCLAIMER: Before Ms. Tomlinson began to speak to us, I had no idea what a Junior League was. But as she began to explain what it is, and what most people think it is, I came to the conclusion that I fell in line with the "what people think it is." To me, it sounds like a sorority for grown women. Not that there is anything wrong with sororities. I just feel that Junior Leagues should be honest and embrace what they truly are.
Ms. Tomlinson proceeded to tell us that Junior Leagues are based on the principle of volunteering and bettering the community. She also told us that there are three different types of membership based on how many volunteer hours you complete over a number of years. Now this is where my problem comes in. Volunteering is something you should do because you want to make a difference, not something that you feel obligated to do in order to receive a reward or a fancy title within an organization.
Aside from that, none of the people in the Honors Forum are eligible to become members of the Shoals Junior League because we aren't of age. You have to be 24 in order to become a member in most college towns in order to prevent girls from joining the Junior League to gain volunteer hours for another organization. I really don't understand that. They don't want you to gain volunteer hours for another organization through the Junior League, but they require you to complete a certain number of volunteer hours over 6 to 8 years to receive a higher level of membership. That's just crazy.
If nothing else, listening to speakers that I disagree with helps shape my own view of Civic Engagement and how it applies to me.
Always try to find something positive in a negative situation.
Always, Kalee
Jackie Hendrix - Shoals Chamber of Commerce
Honors Forum II: October 15, 2012
Remember how I said in my last blog that I have a hard time taking self-righteous speakers seriously? Well, not to be rude, but Mr. Jackie Hendrix definitely wasn't my favorite speaker. After all, we are all entitled to our own opinions.
Mr. Hendrix is the President of the Shoals Chamber of Commerce and the owner of Party Pros Inc. While I didn't retain much of what he said (I'm not sure if it was the way he presented himself, or the fact that it was a Monday evening and I felt sleep deprived) I realized that one of his main points was networking. I have a problem with that, considering that the Honors Forum is about volunteerism, i.e., helping others with no expectation of personal gain. It seems to me that networking is a method of forming relationships with people simply for your own personal benefit. Like I said, I have a problem with that.
I understand that in most occupations, networking is vital. In order to get where you want to go, you have to say the right things and know the right people. However, I didn't feel that Mr. Hendrix's lecture was appropriate for our Civic Engagement forum.
Although I didn't agree with most of the things he said, I did like his tip for remembering people's names. If you say someone's name three times right after you meet them, you are pretty much guaranteed to remember it. I don't usually have a problem with remembering people's names, but I guess if I ever do this tip will come in handy. At least I got SOMETHING out of his speech.
Always, Kalee
Remember how I said in my last blog that I have a hard time taking self-righteous speakers seriously? Well, not to be rude, but Mr. Jackie Hendrix definitely wasn't my favorite speaker. After all, we are all entitled to our own opinions.
Mr. Hendrix is the President of the Shoals Chamber of Commerce and the owner of Party Pros Inc. While I didn't retain much of what he said (I'm not sure if it was the way he presented himself, or the fact that it was a Monday evening and I felt sleep deprived) I realized that one of his main points was networking. I have a problem with that, considering that the Honors Forum is about volunteerism, i.e., helping others with no expectation of personal gain. It seems to me that networking is a method of forming relationships with people simply for your own personal benefit. Like I said, I have a problem with that.
I understand that in most occupations, networking is vital. In order to get where you want to go, you have to say the right things and know the right people. However, I didn't feel that Mr. Hendrix's lecture was appropriate for our Civic Engagement forum.
Although I didn't agree with most of the things he said, I did like his tip for remembering people's names. If you say someone's name three times right after you meet them, you are pretty much guaranteed to remember it. I don't usually have a problem with remembering people's names, but I guess if I ever do this tip will come in handy. At least I got SOMETHING out of his speech.
Always, Kalee
Dr. John Lane
Honors Forum II: October 8, 2012
I must say, so far Dr. John Lane has been my favorite speaker by far in the Honors Forum. I loved his genuine personality, and the fact that he chose to be so open about his personal life with our class. That's hard to find in a speaker, and I feel that from now on I will hold all speakers to this standard.
For starters, Dr. Lane is a Periodontist, which is a dentist that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. Now I must admit, I was skeptical when I heard that our speaker was a dentist. From previous experience in the Honors Forum, I have found that some speakers in the medical field tend to be extremely self-righteous. But when it came to Dr. Lane, I realized that I was completely wrong.
Dr. Lane is not your run of the mill, owns his own practice kind of dentist. He helps run a dental clinic that provides people without insurance with proper dental care for only $10.00. Instead of taking the easy way out, Dr. Lane chooses to help people in need. Talk about civic engagement! This guy is truly impressive.
Despite all of his personal accomplishments, Dr. Lane has also had his fair share of struggles. He shared with us that he had a son that was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and that he had sadly passed away. Ouch. That hit home, hard. However, while Dr. Lane's son was still alive, his family was very involved with the United Cerebral Palsy organization. When his son passed, Dr. Lane and his family also visited The Healing Place (sound familiar?) to figure out how to come to terms with their grief.
To sum it all up, I have so much respect for Dr. Lane it's unreal. He is truly an inspiration for anyone who wants to help out in their community by volunteering their time and talents. I hope that in the future, I can have the same impact on my community as Dr. Lane has had on his.
Always, Kalee
I must say, so far Dr. John Lane has been my favorite speaker by far in the Honors Forum. I loved his genuine personality, and the fact that he chose to be so open about his personal life with our class. That's hard to find in a speaker, and I feel that from now on I will hold all speakers to this standard.
For starters, Dr. Lane is a Periodontist, which is a dentist that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. Now I must admit, I was skeptical when I heard that our speaker was a dentist. From previous experience in the Honors Forum, I have found that some speakers in the medical field tend to be extremely self-righteous. But when it came to Dr. Lane, I realized that I was completely wrong.
Dr. Lane is not your run of the mill, owns his own practice kind of dentist. He helps run a dental clinic that provides people without insurance with proper dental care for only $10.00. Instead of taking the easy way out, Dr. Lane chooses to help people in need. Talk about civic engagement! This guy is truly impressive.
Despite all of his personal accomplishments, Dr. Lane has also had his fair share of struggles. He shared with us that he had a son that was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and that he had sadly passed away. Ouch. That hit home, hard. However, while Dr. Lane's son was still alive, his family was very involved with the United Cerebral Palsy organization. When his son passed, Dr. Lane and his family also visited The Healing Place (sound familiar?) to figure out how to come to terms with their grief.
To sum it all up, I have so much respect for Dr. Lane it's unreal. He is truly an inspiration for anyone who wants to help out in their community by volunteering their time and talents. I hope that in the future, I can have the same impact on my community as Dr. Lane has had on his.
Always, Kalee
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Gina Mashburn - Big Brothers, Big Sisters
Honors Forum II: October 1, 2012
Gina Mashburn came to the Honors Forum to speak to us about the mentoring program she directs, Big Brothers, Big Sisters. BBBS is a program that provides a positive adult influence for at-risk children.
Now I'll admit, I was a little disappointed to find out that there is a waiting list of 30 females who have signed up to be paired with a little sister. But my disappointment turned to disbelief when Ms. Mashburn said that she is desperately in need of male volunteers to be big brothers. I cannot wrap my mind around why so few males choose to volunteer.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed hearing about Big Brothers, Big Sisters and how they are making such a great impact in the community. Even though I won't be volunteering with Big Brothers, Big Sisters, it is my sincere hope that more males will choose to volunteer and mentor a boy in need of a positive male figure. Until next time!
Always, Kalee
Gina Mashburn came to the Honors Forum to speak to us about the mentoring program she directs, Big Brothers, Big Sisters. BBBS is a program that provides a positive adult influence for at-risk children.
Now I'll admit, I was a little disappointed to find out that there is a waiting list of 30 females who have signed up to be paired with a little sister. But my disappointment turned to disbelief when Ms. Mashburn said that she is desperately in need of male volunteers to be big brothers. I cannot wrap my mind around why so few males choose to volunteer.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed hearing about Big Brothers, Big Sisters and how they are making such a great impact in the community. Even though I won't be volunteering with Big Brothers, Big Sisters, it is my sincere hope that more males will choose to volunteer and mentor a boy in need of a positive male figure. Until next time!
Always, Kalee
Monday, October 1, 2012
Emily Baker - Success By 6
Honors Forum II: September 10, 2012
For starters, let me just say that I was completely blown away when I found out that Emily Baker, Director of Success By 6, is only twenty-three years old! Obviously, this lady is pretty impressive. As I listened to Ms. Baker speak about Success By 6, she impressed me even more.
Success By 6 is an early childhood initiative program of United Way that strives to provide appropriate early childhood education. Now to some, this may not seem like a very big deal. I mean, how much do children actually learn in the earliest years of life? Well, let me enlighten you with a few mind-blowing statistics:
- The early years of life, before age 6, offer a crucial window of opportunity to establish a foundation for success in school and life.
- 90% percent of our brain development occurs by age 6. This is true for all children, no matter where they grow up. But children growing up in poverty often have very different early learning experiences than their peers.
- Research shows that by age 3, a child from a professional family has had 30 million more words spoken to him or her than a child from a family living in poverty. This lack of early learning experiences negatively impacts brain development. As a result, disadvantaged children come to school almost two years behind their peers in pre-reading skills, and most never catch up.
Now, from a student who attended a rural elementary, middle, and high school, I definitely understand how big of an impact that reading skills have on a student's ability to succeed. Many of the people I went to elementary school with were not very strong readers. Unfortunately, my school never really took the initiative to help these students catch up and strengthen their reading skills. So as they barely progressed on to middle school, and eventually high school, school was always just a little bit harder for them. Most of these students did not walk across the football field with me at my high school graduation. That, is absolutely heartbreaking.
I believe that what Success By 6 is striving to accomplish is outstanding; however, I was disappointed to find out that only one person has signed up to volunteer with Success By 6. That is all the more reason for me to volunteer!
I'm so excited about my upcoming volunteer opportunities, and I can't wait to see just where they will lead me.
Always, Kalee
Monday, September 24, 2012
Finding Out Who I Am, One Day At A Time.
This is kind of a revised plan of service/tell-all about myself. My first post was so rushed, and I feel like I didn't put very much thought into it. So, here goes.
When I first heard that we had to develop a service platform for the Honors Program, so many different ideas flooded my mind. Maybe that's because there are so many things that I am truly passionate about - most of which have affected me personally. I am already indecisive enough as it is, but adding numerous thoughts and ideas to the mix makes developing a single service platform practically impossible for me. Unfortunately, I am only one person, and I can't possibly fix every problem I encounter, or volunteer with every organization that piques my interest. A tough realization, but one that is oh so true.
I guess this is just one more instance where I have to step back and realize that I can only take things one day at a time. I don't have to have everything planned out right now. I'm still struggling with that one, to be honest. I want to do so much in this lifetime, so I find myself keeping my head in the future and missing out on what is occurring right now.
Maybe I'm trying to accomplish all of these things in order to figure out who I am. As if those things are going to help me figure it out any faster. Instant gratification, if you will.
I have decided that I am going to volunteer where I can, and see where this semester leads me.
To make a long story short (and to keep myself from rambling), I am making a pledge to myself:
-I will try my hardest to live in the present, and not worry about what the future brings.
"Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come." -Proverbs 31:25
-I will not base my own self-worth on what others think of me.
"You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you." -Song of Solomon 4:7
-I will help others at every opportunity.
"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." -John 15:12
-I will not doubt my God's love for me.
"Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you." -Psalm 73:25
-I will glorify God in all that I do.
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." -Isaiah 41:10
I will find out who I am, one day at a time.
Always, Kalee
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Kay Parker - The Healing Place
Honors Forum II: September 10, 2012
Well it seems as if the stars aligned in my favor this time! Our first speaker in the Honors Forum was none other than Ms. Kay Parker, Director of The Healing Place. Sound familiar?
If you read my previous post, you'll know that I have decided to volunteer at The Healing Place to fulfill part of my service platform. Needless to say, hearing Kay speak about what she has helped accomplish through The Healing Place truly solidified my decision to volunteer.
The Healing Place is a center that provides grief support for children and teens, as well as some adults. Kay expressed that she has personally seen so many tears turned into smiles. She is truly passionate about what she does, and we are all blessed to have someone like her helping make such a difference in our community. Kay is truly an inspiration. It just goes to show that ordinary people with faith can do extraordinary things.
Not only did Kay inspire me, but she also made me think. At one point during the Honors Forum she posed the question, "What would you do for a living even if you didn't get paid for it?" I immediately had an answer: I would work with animals and children. Before being asked the question, I had never considered the fact that I could turn my passions for animals and helping others into a career path. My career goal is to take in rescue animals and train them to help people through animal-assisted therapy. It may sound, crazy but I WILL make it happen!
After the Honors Forum on Monday, I attended volunteer training at The Healing Place on Tuesday. It is an absolutely wonderful place, and I cannot wait to help out. To say that I'm excited would definitely be an understatement.
Always, Kalee
Well it seems as if the stars aligned in my favor this time! Our first speaker in the Honors Forum was none other than Ms. Kay Parker, Director of The Healing Place. Sound familiar?
If you read my previous post, you'll know that I have decided to volunteer at The Healing Place to fulfill part of my service platform. Needless to say, hearing Kay speak about what she has helped accomplish through The Healing Place truly solidified my decision to volunteer.
The Healing Place is a center that provides grief support for children and teens, as well as some adults. Kay expressed that she has personally seen so many tears turned into smiles. She is truly passionate about what she does, and we are all blessed to have someone like her helping make such a difference in our community. Kay is truly an inspiration. It just goes to show that ordinary people with faith can do extraordinary things.
Not only did Kay inspire me, but she also made me think. At one point during the Honors Forum she posed the question, "What would you do for a living even if you didn't get paid for it?" I immediately had an answer: I would work with animals and children. Before being asked the question, I had never considered the fact that I could turn my passions for animals and helping others into a career path. My career goal is to take in rescue animals and train them to help people through animal-assisted therapy. It may sound, crazy but I WILL make it happen!
After the Honors Forum on Monday, I attended volunteer training at The Healing Place on Tuesday. It is an absolutely wonderful place, and I cannot wait to help out. To say that I'm excited would definitely be an understatement.
Always, Kalee
Civic Engagement
Honors Forum II: August 27, 2012
Well, back to blogging! It's completely unreal that I am now a sophomore in college. Nevertheless, with a new year of college comes another semester of the Honors Forum. This semester, our forum is all about civic engagement; in other words, service. As honor students, we have been asked to develop our own service platform. I didn't have to think very long, or very hard about my own service platform. My two main passions in life are animals, and helping others. My long term goal is to open a shelter for rescue animals, and train them to be used for animal assisted therapy. So.. if people help animals, why can't animals help people in return? Here's the thing.. THEY CAN! In order to fulfill my service platform of helping both animals and people, I have decided to spend my spare time volunteering at both The Healing Place, a center that provide grief counseling for children, teens, and adults, and the Pets Are Worth Saving (P.A.W.S.) animal shelter. Best of both worlds, right?!
I am so excited to see where this semester will lead me! Stay tuned to find out!
Always, Kalee
Well, back to blogging! It's completely unreal that I am now a sophomore in college. Nevertheless, with a new year of college comes another semester of the Honors Forum. This semester, our forum is all about civic engagement; in other words, service. As honor students, we have been asked to develop our own service platform. I didn't have to think very long, or very hard about my own service platform. My two main passions in life are animals, and helping others. My long term goal is to open a shelter for rescue animals, and train them to be used for animal assisted therapy. So.. if people help animals, why can't animals help people in return? Here's the thing.. THEY CAN! In order to fulfill my service platform of helping both animals and people, I have decided to spend my spare time volunteering at both The Healing Place, a center that provide grief counseling for children, teens, and adults, and the Pets Are Worth Saving (P.A.W.S.) animal shelter. Best of both worlds, right?!
I am so excited to see where this semester will lead me! Stay tuned to find out!
Always, Kalee
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