 |
Name:
Title of your project:
- The Ida Stein Sisterhood of With-It Women!
Abstract of your project:
- The Ida Stein Sisterhood of With-It Women is a group of widows over the age of 75 who consider themselves to be still very much, "with-it." This program is a reaction to stereotypes that marginalize older women, particularly those living alone. A class I took in the fall semester of my junior year, "Social Gerontology," confirmed points that I had learned through my grandmother's experience as an elderly widow. My intention was for this group to serve as a network for these women to alleviate loneliness and promote friendships.
Once a week I met with these women and discussed a wide range of topics including volunteerism, sacrifices, women's issues, famous "Sheroes," and aging. As my program continued, the women grew comfortable introducing their own ideas and the conversation grew increasingly rich and introspective. Over time, I realized that the group shared a common interest in literature, and in the end I was able to provide those women with books of their interest, starting "The Ida Stein Sisterhood of With-It Women" Book Club.
What did you learn as a Stern Scholar?
- The Stern Scholarship has allowed me to realize my potential for applying what I study in the classroom to the world-at-large. This opportunity has taught me a lot about the process of implementing an effective service program. The effort behind this group was more than I expected, but in retrospect, I would not want it to have been any different. I have ultimately grown from this experience as a student, as a leader, and as a woman.
What advice would you give Stern Scholarship Applicants?
- Create a project around an issue that you are passionate about.
- Don't be afraid to serve a "less-conventional" population of need.
- Look into possibilities of carrying out your program in a community you are not familiar with. Because I worked in a place I had never been before, I learned a lot more about navigating social agencies and public services without depending on "connections" I already had. Furthermore, I gained a greater sense of independence and was able to use the Stern Scholarship to fund my airfare, rent and living expenses.
How would you describe the Stern Summer Service Scholarship?
- The Stern Summer Service Scholarship is an opportunity for a Washington University Undergraduate to take an issue that he/she feels passionate about and to apply what he/she has learned in the classroom to an outside community.
What are you doing now - and how did the Stern Scholarship influence your current pursuits?
- 2004: I am currently working on a thesis that evaluates existing efforts and essentially develops a plan for what I would consider an effective structure for international community service programs (whereby both the server and the served mutually benefit). My experience as a recipient of the Stern Scholarship gave me the confidence and practical knowledge necessary for designing a constructive program. While I am not necessarily involved with the same population as my Stern Scholarship group, I continue to apply lessons of program development and how to make contacts in a community in the work I am pursuing today. As for the future, I hope that I will be able to continue my involvement with the design and implementation of community service on a global scale.
- 2006: I am now living in New York City working for an agency called DOROT, the hebrew word meaning "generations." I am pleasantly surprised to realize just how much my Stern experience carried over and encouraged me to remain passionate about working with older people! I am an administrative assistant in the Kosher Meals for the Homebound department, where I am able to stay involved with the greater cause of respecting older generations in helping our clients to maintain their independence. I am also applying to law schools and looking to pursue public interest law.
Other thoughts/comments
- The Stern Scholarship provides an invaluable opportunity to have an impact. A Stern Summer experience results in a recipient's developing a sense of purpose and a realization of higher potential for the future. I would strongly encourage anyone with a significant cause to create a program and apply for this opportunity.
| |
|
| |
|
|
