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Name:
Title of your project:
Abstract
- My Art From the Heart project consisted of doing special arts projects with kindergarten to third graders with the goal of using art as a therapeutic tool to help students discuss their feelings and support each other as a group. I used my skills as a psychology student, my experience as a camp counselor, over ten years of babysitting experience, as well as the skills I gained from interning at a therapeutic center last summer to be a teacher/counselor to these students attending day care at the YMCA in Evanston, Illinois
I chose kindergarten to third graders because this is a vulnerable time in these children's lives when they are learning how to navigate through the world on their own and are becoming more independent from their parents. Therefore, I thought they would benefit from this program most. This environment at the child care was a place they were familiar with, and therefore they were more open to express emotions, feelings, thoughts, and ideas through art.
What did you learn as a Stern Grant Recipient?
- The most important thing I learned as a Stern grant recipient was to be a role model, or influential community member, you do not have to touch the lives of thousands of people. Spending a summer and feeling like I have positively influenced the lives of thirty children, makes me feel like I have given something special back to my community. Seeing how much the children grew and opened up to me over the course of the three months was truly remarkable. Designing and implementing this whole program myself also taught me a lot of things about myself and also about how it would feel to be a teacher. I was never aware how much time really goes into planning and getting all of the supplies together and ready. Most importantly, I learned that I have a genuine desire for helping children, and want to continue to do projects like this in the future.
What advice would you give Stern Social Change Grant Applicants?
- Design a project that you are truly passionate about. It doesn't need to be something over the top, just design something that you are truly excited about. I would suggest working in a community you feel tied to.
Find a mentor, or an expert in the field, that you can consult or go to with questions or for suggestions.
How would you describe the Stern Social Change Grant?
- The Stern Social Change Grant is such a wonderful opportunity to use your skills, creativity, and philanthropic passions to design and implement a project of your choice. The flexibility to design your own project and to have the financial means to spend a whole summer concentrating on nothing but this project is amazing unique opportunity that you may never have again in your life.
What are you doing now- and how did the Stern Social Change Grant influence your current pursuits?
- I am currently a senior, finishing up my Psychology major. My experience as the Stern grant recipient was direct field application of my Psychology knowledge and background. Everything I have learned about children, their development, family systems, social influences, and the importance of positive role models in children's lives was applied in Art From the Heart.
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