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Name:
Title of your project:
Abstract of your project:
- To promote education in the Cobden Migrant Community through family unity and resource development.
- The two-part project was done with Mexican migrant families in Southern Illinois- Cobden, IL.
- One element was to develop a library of bilingual books on tape for 1 st and 2 nd graders in order to provide opportunities for youth to take literacy home.
- The second strand was a "Family Night" (Noche Para la Familia). This event offered families an evening of rest and relaxation with carnival-style educational games and exercises that were designed to promote cooperation between parents and children. In addition, a complimentary dinner was provided as well as a raffle sponsored by more than 30 local businesses.
What did you learn as a Stern Scholar?
- My most valuable lesson was that I can accomplish anything I believe in. Often we feel overwhelmed as one person in such a large world. However, after taking on Proyecto Adelante! I realized that I have so much potential to offer, and that as long as I try I can make a huge difference. The key is to believe in your possibilities. As long as you have the vision and the passion, the rest will fall into place.
What advice would you give Stern Scholarship Applicants?
- Work with what you know.
- Keep it simple, but worthwhile
- Invite participation from member of the community. Don't impose your ideas on the people you are working with.
- Keep learning, that means reading and talking to people about your subject. Listening to everyone and everything helps make your project stronger.
- Maintain perspective. Don't forget that the things work in steps. Don't be overwhelmed with the responsibility; break it down into realistic and satisfying accomplishments. Also, remember that you will not solve an entire world problem with one summer project, but that you will make a difference in the lives of some people, and that is a step in the right direction.
- And of course, the main ingredient: HAVE FUN!
How would you describe the Stern Summer Service Scholarship?
- The Stern Summer Scholarship exists to allow a student to design a community service program of his/her interest.
- Idea is to see students acting upon visions and help them realize their personal potential to change the world.
What are you doing now - and how did the Stern Scholarship influence your current pursuits?
- Since the Stern Scholarship I have attempted to continue Proyecto Adelante! in different ways. Last summer, for example, I created Part II: the Health Fair. I worked with area organizations to create a Health Fair for families in the migrant community where we had a speaker on Diabetes as well as information on all sorts of Health Issues.
- This year I am working to see Part III of Proyecto Adelante! go through. I am currently applying for grant funding in order to see fresh project ideas regarding education and migrant youth materialize in the summer of 2004. Furthermore, I am working towards making Proyecto Adelante! an official non-for-profit organization.
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