|
 Teachers are transformed
through their service-learning in Mexico"
by Denise Blum
Nine Fresno State students, led by Dr. Denise Blum, spent two weeks this past July in Playa del Carmen, in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, teaching English classes to more than 250 students from ages 7-16 who are children of service industry families and normally do not receive English instruction in their public schools.
Once the Fresno State students and their teacher arrived at their modest lodging quarters, a convent on the school premises, and met the students the first day, many felt that they had made the wrong decision. One wrote in her journal, “What did you get yourself into?” They found difficulty engaging students with the curriculum they were given. Most of them did not know sufficient Spanish to communicate to the students and the class sizes were about double the orignally planned 15-20.
“The most amazing aspect for me,” said Blum, “was to see the growth of everyone, including myself. There were complaints and blaming for what should have been, but by the end, there was an unspoken understanding of our struggles.”
Fresno State student Maryanne Duttarer summed up her growth in her reflection essay saying, “I learned the most about myself and my dealing with others in a group. I got to watch myself grow through a process of something that was difficult at the beginning and turn it into a magical experience for me and also my students. I had the experience of meeting a group of teachers whom I highly respect and got to learn so much from. I got to spend two weeks working with a group of students so different from myself and who have made marks on my heart that will last a lifetime. Last, but not least, this trip reminded me that spontaneity is the spice of life, and to jump on every opportunity when you get a chance.”
For the complete story, click here.
Campus begins student voter campaign
The campus is launching "Why 1509?" — a comprehensive student voter campaign with three aspects: voter registration, voter education, and "Get out the Vote" for Fresno State students. The campaign promotes student participation in the voting process.
The campaign offers information through forums, educated volunteers, Easy Voter Guides, and political figures on campus. The campaign will go to the students in classrooms, through the media and at social networking sites, spreading the word of "Why 1509?" and the message behind it. The goal is to get inspired, educated and excited Bulldog voters into the voting booth.
Volunteers are needed to help with all aspects of this program, which began Sept. 15 and continues until election day, Nov. 4. For more information, click here or contact Craig Parks at cjparks@csufresno.edu, or Mackee M. Mason at Mack3m21@gmail.com, or visit the ASI Office in USU Room 316/317.
Faculty and staff can make a difference
Faculty and staff are invited to join in "Make a Difference Day." Fresno State, the Volunteer Center of Fresno County, the City of Fresno council members and other City of Fresno entities are participating. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 25, from 8 a.m. to noon.
The national event is a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. In Fresno, the day will include landscape clean up at parks, on street medians and trails. Fresno State volunteers will participate in the clean-up of the Highway 168 and Shaw Avenue freeway on and off ramps.
Kick-off events will be hosted in each city council district at the respective project site. Following the kick-off volunteers will begin clean up efforts. The day will wrap up at noon with a free “celebration lunch” for all volunteers. The lunch will take place at McLane High School.
For more information and to register to volunteer, call Renee Delport in the Civic Engagement and Service Learning office at 278-7063, or e-mail her at rdelport@csufresno.edu. The deadline for registration is Wednesday, Oct. 22. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old.
For more information on national "Make a Difference Day," click here.
|
Vol. 12 
