Week 8 FINAL REFLECTION

Chances for Children is aptly titled; it gives children a "chance" to be healthy. Ironically, it also gives us adults a "chance" to do something big by helping others. For me, there is nothing more rewarding then helping people- this is what life's all about! I came into the experience ready to do wwhat I love and and passionate about. It has proven to be all I wanted and more. I made new friends, worked in teams, had a "say", sharpened my marketing skills, became well-versed in the linguistics to the organization, learned about the world of marathons, inspired, recreuited and encouraged others to get involved and much more then I can fully grasp right now. As I reflect back over the past several weeks I feel honored to say that I worked with such generous and optimistic people. It wasn't always easy; being outdoors in this Arizona heat was awful. But it was the principle of what I was doing that kept me pushing harder and harder each day. I really loved how each day was something different. I never did the same thing or see the same people or do the same duties every day. One day I would be in charge or marketing, another day was PR, another day was presentations, the next was composing a media contact list, the next was working to put together PSA's, etc. Everyday had something new. I think I learned the most when I shadowed Susan Loken during her day. She really has an amazing personality and made me feel like I was already employed. She trusted me during her meeting presentation to answer questions and participate on behalf of the organization. I thought that was huge. From her, I learned about the inmportance of patience. She is a firm believer in "doing what you love, and do it well. Then, you will never have to work a day in your life."- this is something I try to emmulate in my every endeavor. It's not always a breeze. Sometimes things can be monotonous and tedious but if my attitude is where it needs to be, I can chose to take something "new" from each experience and in each day. I also learned more about the dynamics and linguistics to marketing and grants. Further solidifed within my internship position is how much I love kids. I found myself to get emotional in times where I had the chance to talk about the kids we are helping and showcasing photos from our events that were really endearing. (Visit our website at chancesforchildrenaz.com to see!) I just have really enjoyed working so hard with so many people for one common goal; helping others. As I said in the beginning and I will say again: NOTHING IS MORE REWARDING TO ME THEN MAKING A IDFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS. And, I sure hate to sound like pageant Patty over here with "world peace" speeches so I will leave you all with a poem I live by. It was also on my web portfolio from week 4 so if you've already seen it, sorry for the repetition but it's really a wonderful poem:
To laugh often and much,
To win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children,
to earn the appreciation of honest critics,
and endure the betrayal of false friends,
to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others,
to make the world a better place whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition,
to know that even one life has breathed better because you have lived...this, is to have succeeded.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
And so as I reflect back on my time here at Chances for Children, I think I can honestly say that I used and spent my time well; in an attempt to leave the world a bit better "whether by a healthy child" and in our case, 100s of 1000s of children. I beleive I can walk away saying perhaps one or two lives have "breathed better" simply because I have lived and chosen to take part in this organization. I have grown intrinsically, spiritually and emotionally. I feel like I have also grown in respect to implementing time management into my life a bit more and not taking myself too seriously. With the issues we see in the lives of some of these kids, I have learned to count my blessings and be grateful for my good health. That's all I can ask for is my health to remain where it is. I have grown to learn how very important it is take care of myself too. All of the facets that deal with our organization (health and fitness, education, awareness) have been eye opening. I may not be a child anymore but I dream of being a mother one day who can educate her own children on making healthy decisions. Without question this was a very positive experience and I highly enourage and recommend future BISer's to look into interning her (pending your two concentration areas, of course.) I would recommend it because it's upbeat, high energy, interactive and diverse. If you're not about sitting in front of a computer for eight hours a day and love working with a team, Chances for Children is so great. They really take you on and treat you as though you're an employee.
Not to sound like a broken record here but "helping others...helping others...helping others...." has been my "job" all summer so I cannot complain one bit. Writing my "IMPROVE" blog was actually a challege. I really had to reach and think of something to "change" to make better around here when truth is, these guys have it together. I was but a mere asset to a team that's already shooting for the stars all along and I'm really going to miss everyone! However, I do plan on participating in the very marathons I have been advocating this summer and if you or anyone you know would like to participate in the PF Changs Rock n' Roll Marathon in January 2011 then I encourage you to visit our website and sign up. And LADIES, we have a womens-only half marathon called "Sole Sisters" for women of all ages to participate in. I am a first timer myself but I beleive in the principles of this organization and in what we do here, so I can't imagine not participating.
Even in my final reflection I find that I am looking to the future with Chances for Children by doing all I can to help give these kids a chance.

Week 7- IMPROVE

So far, the only real area that may need improvement is the media kit (as far as who is in charge of putting together the posters and postcards for the organization.) Currently, the organization is trying to recruit and promote for two marathons and two running groups. This means we have informational meetins across the state to give out more extensive details on what the marathons entail, etc. Unfortunately, we have come across several issues when it comes to having the necessary information on our posters and postcards. Information that is lacking is essential contact numbers, times that meetings will be taking place and crucial email addresses. In my opinion, this is imperative information that someone needs at FIRST GLANCE. In school I learned about eh drastic importance of various problem solving strategies to help eliminate any confusion when it comes to relaying integral information. If I was "boss" I would give this responsibility solely to ONE person. I think the current issues right now is that too many people are in charge of making a single advertisement. This makes the situation cluttered, messy and filled to the rim with not-so-necessary info. I am a first beleiver in "Keeping it Simple"...this makes people want to read it. Think about it, when someone sees a lengthy paragraph or more of writing, more likely then not they will want to look away. Bullet points are key; they are eye catching, substantial and to hte point. If I had the authority to make this happen I would call a meeting specifically for the purpose of discussing marketing techniques and layouts. I would then assign one or two people maximum to be in charge of composing draft posters, ads and postcards. They would then be printed and end up on my desk where I would proof read them to ensure that only the most necessary information was in fact on it! It would save us time and money the first time around rather then having to reprint and pay for it later with a lack of attendees at mtngs due to insufficient information presented to them, or because we had to go out and buy stamps and spend the time stamping each postcard; this is time that could be spent at or planning events, meetings and everything else in between.

Week 6 - INTERVIEW

Today I (AMB) interviewed Susan Loken (SL) who I shadowed during her day in the office.

AMB: What types of challenges do you face?
DL: Balancing my time. Time managment. As a mom and runner myself, I have so many hats I have to wear each day in order to plan events and choach and market.

AMB: How do you deal with deadless stress, difficult people and internal politics?
SL: With deadliens it's all about planning ahead. That's key. And then with stress, I run! Running and staying active helps relieve stress for me big time. As for internal politics, I like to talk it out. When we are all super busy here we both have time when each of us will take turns holding down the fort. And communication is key!

AMB: What do you like and dislike about your position?
SL: I like knowing that I am doing what I love every day which is helping other people and bettering the lives of others. I dislike the fact that there is always sooo much to do and sometimes I feel like...I wish I could do more. And do it better.

AMB: What do you feel can be done to make work go smoother?
SL: More interns!!! More volunteers.

AMB: How do you feel about working with others?
SL: I love it. Wouldn't have it any other way. Relationships are the most important thing to build in this organization.

AMB: How do you seperate the personal from the professional?
SL: Live in the moment. Often times my family IS and can be involved within my professional life such as when we put on family races and workshops. Love for my family to be involved.

AMB: Do you enjoy working on group projects?
ASL: Yes, very fun. Leaders and coaches..all of us..four brains are all better then one and you can accomplish more. Success is not a sole journey!

AMB: What is your ideal work environment?
SL: Active, lots of poeple, healthy, POSITIVE, where everyone is working together for a common goal in harmony.

AMB: How does your personality help or hinder your communication with others or your conflict resolution approaches?
SL: I am good at confronting people and putting a positive spin on it if there is a conflict and I am good at confronting it before it gets to be too big.

AMB: How has your education and experience prepared you for your current job?
SL: I just finished personal training school so I can be better at my job and with my coaching certification class USATF in Chicago. It's all helped mme so much.

AMB: After whome do you model your work behavior? Or, who do you most respect?
SL: My boyfriend Bill. He has a strong work ethic and is just a fair and loyal and hardworking person who gets the job done. He is supportive through and through. He has had the same secretary for 20 years which says something about how he treats his employees...and he works as hard as they do. I like that because...if you're going to tell someone to clean the toilet you should be able to do it too!

AMB: Have you reached out to mentors and has the mentorship systeam worked for you?
SL: I learn from everyone, everyday. Different team members have brought something new to the table and I learn from them. I am a sponge and everyone has their strengths and I try to better myself and the organization through them.

AMB: In doing what we did today at the meeting, what do you think is the most important characteristic to have?
SL: Passion. A passion for what you talk about. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Practice and endorse what you preach. I am talking about something I love and do personally. Passion.

AMB: It can be difficult post graduation and in today's economy to land that dream position. Any advice?
SL: life is a choice! I choose to be happy, everyday regardless. So, I advise you and my boys to be happy, don't stress. If it's meant to be yours it already is. Enjoy the journey getting there.

Week 6- SHADOW

Today I shadowed Susan Loken, the Marathon Program Director at Chances for Children. I came into the office at noon. She was making schedules and catching up on emails before heading out to give a presentation at UBS in an attempt to recruit more runners for the PF Chang's Rock n' Roll Marathon under Team Chances. Before we could go to the meeting we needed to gather all of our materials and make necessary copies. We headed out together to 4800 N. Scottsdale Road with all of what we needed to give a lengthy and informative presention. And her presentation was awesome and I am so lucky that I got to sit in on it! She even let me participate and answer questions that some of them had. I was able to give my take on the organization and why I was so passionate about helping children. I think this proved to be an asset to the presentation because it added some element of the relatability factor. The office consiststed of people who ran last year and were eager to run again this year. Also in the meeting were newbies who had never before considered a marathon. Susan was so great at her tactics of presenting the idea. I was impressed by her level of confidence in presenting the material in the way that she did. She didn't sound rehearsed at all. Rather, she sounded very knowledgable, comfortable and approachable. The group was asking substantial and relevant questions about the fundraising components, the benefits for the business, tax write offs--you name it and Susan had the answer for it. It was neat to see her in action otuside of the office. As a Marathon Program director, she has to wear several "hats" throughout her day; office manager, computer whiz, information processer, humanitarian, printing press, marketing squad and today, public speaker (which is what I love!) After the meeting had ended, I quickly realized that her "job" wasn't done yet. People who were unable to make the 1:25 meeting were catching her before we left the office and asking her several questions about Chances for Children and how they can be involved and if they can race this year with zero experience, etc etc etc. As you can imagine, after already giving out this information extensively that it may seem a bit tedious to answer the same questions over and over again with new people. Instead, Susan championed this with such an upbeat attitude and her personality was just refreshing. It was very clear to me today that this was a woman who is sincerely passionate about helping people get healther and change the lives of children. I learned the importance of patience yes, but even more so about being in love with what you do because it will reflect in your work ethic and in your attitude. She also told me today that life is a choice and that she chooses, everyday, to be happy. This makes her job that much more rewarding every morning when she wakes up and heads to the office. We didnt end up leaving until shortly after 3pm. Our drive back up was informative. She continued to give me life lessons. She is a full time mom on top of everything else she does so it was interesting to get to know that side of her. We really can do it all! Mind over matter.
We then had to drive over to Office Max and get some ink for the printer. After that we came back to the office and we are here now. She is just signing out now by inputing information for our newest racers who signed up today (which it the last thing she does everyday since it's quite a lengthy process) and she will be ready to come back tomorrow for another meeting for Team Sole Sisters. :)

Week 4 Part 2

Hey everyone! Please visit my online web portfolio. In my BIS402 course we had to compose a web portfolio (similar to the hard copy portfolio's we were all assigned in BIS301 with our transferable skills, resume, etc) and I am really proud of what I have put together thus far. On my site you will be able to learn more about me, my passions, my concentration areas, transferable skills, plans after graduation, awards and recognitions, and everything else in between! :-)

HERE IT IS!:
http://aliciamonique.weebly.com

Week 4

In my own ideal career one day, I know that I do in fact want to work with kids; whether underprivledged, disabled or terminally ill, there is no greater joy in my life then making a child happy who may otherwise be suffering. My internship experience relates to this area of interest because of the demographic of children we are trying to help. One school in particular involves poverty stricken neighborhoods with drug abuse, gang related activity, broken homes, etc. Interning here is allowing me to do what I love and it something I can definately see myself doing in the future. I can certainly see myself working at my site in the future. Continuing to work with these people and this organization would be very rewarding and fulfilling! I can honestly say that there isn't anything that I "dislike" about the site. I got lucky. The staff is great, the volunteers are outstanding and the cause is endearing. I'm spoiled! Additional skills I am taking from tihs experience include emotional and mental endurance. Normally I am a very emotional person and have struggled to keep my "cool" when faced with some disheartening situations involving children. I just want to protect them, and when I can't do "enough", I will sometimes feel helpless. I feel that my internship is making me stronger and building up my endurance for these tough situations. This is going to be imperative for me in the future in times where I will absolutely have to refrain from exhibiting too much emotion. I think a little bit of empathym remorse and concern is good, but I tend to get too involved and overwhelmed that I may come across as too personal. Thankfully, my internship is helping me build my strength up to where it needs to be if this is what I want to continue to do! :-)

Week 3

In FAS 331 Marriage & Family Relationships, I learned about the concept of divorce and how it has a substantial effect on the financial settings of a single parent household. While this may seem obvious, we spent a full week and a half convering the dynamics of this issue alone. We dissected every aspect of how financial stressors can be emotionally, mentally and cognitively harful for the children especially. This concept is being applied in my internship as we set out to work hands-on with children living in poverty-stricken neighborhoods. I personally have visited with children who only own one pair or jeans or have holes in their oonly pair of sneakers. Of course the majority of the children who deal with these stressors are usually (but not always) from broken homes or single parent households. As one may infer, only having one pair of shoes may hinder a child's self confidence, performance in school and behavioral and cognitive development. At Chances for Children, we have been fortunate enough to have Nike donate pairs of shows to the most dedicated of children who have pledged to run the kids Rock n Roll marathon.
A theory I learned in CDE 337 Early Childhood Intervention, we covered several theories. Perhaps the most significant was the notion that (obviously) early intervention by a caretaker can drastically help enhance the life of a child born at-risk. We are putting this theory into practice at CFC; our entire existence lies on the foundation of enhancing the lives of these children and educating them on the importance of healthy decision making and physical fitness. Rather then waiting until these children are teenagers or young adults to inform them, we are stepping into the scence and intervening by implementing fun ways for them to get excited about being healthy NOW. It is very rewarding!
In TCL 363 Transborder Chicano Literature, a concept we focused on heavily was 'identity'. There were several aspects to the single notion of identity and we spent ample time dissecting this issue. With primary focus on literature by immigrant and minority men and women this class provided an overwhelming sense of identity as a Latina student. It was interesting and beneficial to engage in readings that provided stories from the perspectice of Chicano writers. In addition, the stories and novels also provided a sense of empathy and remorse for the pain and misery they endured. Obviously, in working with immigrants, I feel as though I already have "their" stories etched in my heart. Especially in regards to children living in impoverished conditions, I consider the importance of knowing and enhancing one's own identity. This internship allows us to get the kids excited about shaping their very own identity-as healthy little athletes who make the choice to choose fruits and veggies over junk food.
Sexuality and gender roles were concepts we focused on heavily in TCL 485 Chicana Latina Writers. We learned about how women have often times remained quiet with self expression out of fear. It was interesting for me to read about how some of these women took years before finaally coming out and being proud of who they were domestically, physically and even sexually. Their stories were captivating and inspirting. At Chances for Children, we are currently in the process of organizing a Women's Only half marathon. It is our hopes that women of all ages will step out of their confort zones and do something they have never tried before...we want to empower them!

WEEK 2

Chances for Children operates with more of an interdisciplinary approach. Every single person here has something different and unique to bring to the table and these traits must intertwine in order to be the most beneficial to the company. When it comes to organizing races, press releases and informational meetings, it is necessary that we collaborate as a team. As team members, individual creativity is essential. For example, just today my partner and I had to begin the early phases of planning an interactive and fun informational meeting coming up in couple of weeks which is promoting a marathon we are putting on. My partner is skilled when it comes to marketing on the computer and I am more of a people person. Together, we had to utilized our individual skills to the advantage of our overall goal which was to enhance the informational meeting. I was commended for my vested interest in reaching out the community in a creative fashion while I truly admired my partners skills with business and advertising techniques. My concentration area of Family Studies in conjunction with Transborder studies enabled me to utilize what I had learned in regards to diversity and childhood development so that is was geared for a specific audience. Similarly, the marathon coordinator, Susan, who specializes in physical therapy and fitness, along with my partner on this specific project are by far more knowledgeable on marathons then I am. Together and with an interdisciplinary approach we were able to implement our ideas for marketing proposes and have a good head start on this project, among others. But, by the end of the day, we take a look at all of the work that has been done and we don't; really know who did what. We just know that we used a very holistic notion to accomplish all that needed to get done. It is so near to realize that the veterans in the marketing staff contributed to these projects just as much as us rookie interns. That's the principle of an interdisciplinary job setting- working together and contributing all of our individual interests and talents to get a project done to the best of its ability.

At this organization, "disciplines" are defined and represented according to areas of expertise. But it's all blended together! Susan is an accomplished runner and is studying the linguistics of kinesiology. Denise, my partner is sharp when it comes to marketing for non-profit organizations. And I am well equipped in the disciplines of family studies and childhood development. Knowing this, our work is geared for our specific credentials and interest and out skills are distributed across the organization based on what we each can bring to the table. We have daily projects and our positions within those various projects are set up to enhance our organization through teamwork. There really is no "set in stone" organizational method structure based on hierarchical standards. My supervisor who has worked with the company for over five years has as much responsibility and work to get done as the interns who have been a part of the company for no more then two weeks. We are all equally responsible for promoting and recruiting the interest of racers and families across the state of Arizona. So there is a very holistic approach to what we do at the organization which sort of prevents any organization framework. We just get the job done.

ABOUT ME!

Hi everyone! My name is Alicia and this is the first time I have ever blogged so I am completely new to this...bare with me!

Let's see...I am 23 and scared to death of what the future holds for us graduates, aren't you!? On a positive note, I am glad that we are almost done! This internship experience is my last and final step, as I am certain is the case for most of us...thank goodness! :)

My two concentration areas are Family Studies/Human Development and Transborder Studies. I chose family studies because I absolutely love kids and wanted to focus on how their environment and family effects their development. I also enjoy learning about the generic dynamics of the family including culture, diversity, death, human milestones etc. As for transborder studies, I found it to be essential to take up the learning experience as a Latina and en lieu of all that our country is facing these days with immigration.

This summer I am interning at Chances for Children of Arizona. This organization looks to run obesity out of our schools and promote healthier lifestyles for our youth. Specifically I am eager to work with at-risk children as this will incorporate much of what I have learned within my Family Studies; how to communicate, advocate, promote, enourage, inspire, work with and integrate creative ways to enhance the lives of these children and their families. Further, aspects I have learned within Transborder studies will also come into play in regards to culture, backgrounds, ethnicity, personal accounts and immigration. So far, at my internship site I have compiled lists and researched on companies that we are hoping to reach out and seek support from in promoting kids races and marathons for families to partake in. This relates to what I have studied because it involves extensive communication and interpersonal skills.

Future goals post graduation definately includes working with kids. I would love to be a counselor of some sort. But much as I love listening, I love to talk even more! I love public speaking. Maybe I can host a show or become a spokesperson for various charitable organizations that promote healhy decision making for our youth. That's why this internship position is in the pathway of exactly what I hope to pursue in a career- working with and FOR people who need help. Quality of life is so important and I know that it starts with our kids! Knowing this, I am excited to come up with ways of letting these kids know that they really do have a "chance"..because in many of these situations, the children are so accustomed to unhealthy stipulations. They have accepted abuse, violence, poverty and even certain strained health conditions such as obestiy as normal. It's so upsetting to see. I am eager to show them otherwise!

Maybe I shouldn't be scared to death of the future after all.

testing?