Blog 9
1090 words by treece
My project has progressed since the first week of doing my first blog. One of my projects I decided to not do anymore because of time reasons and the ineffectiveness of the Adopt-a grand person program. This volunteer service was sponsored through Xavier’s Volunteering program and they were unable to provide us with grandparents. They appeared to be much disorganized because they never informed us when we were going to volunteer and the day assigned for us to meet with the grandparents they cancelled last minute. I attempted on my own to go to the convalescent home to volunteer and meet a grandparent but I was unsuccessful in my attempts. I do plan to try to do this particular project again in the spring when I have more time, because I still think this project will help me in preparing for my profession of becoming a doctor. Caring for people is vital in being a doctor, so this is why I think this project will be very effective. I believe by not trying to do this project I would be going against the problem I stated the world was facing which was the lack of consideration of people. I am still participating in the Big Sister/Brother program. The organization hasn’t been very committed in notifying us volunteers to spend time with the kids. We have had one outing to the park already and we have planned a Christmas BBQ coming up for this kids. At this event were hoping to really connect with the kids. I plan to bring little gifts for the kids since they haven’t assigned me to a specific child yet. I’m hoping that I will be able to really connect with them. The event is planned to be at Loyola University where there is a full day of things planned for the kids to do. There suppose to be a Santa there, gift exchange, food, and fun. They haven’t told me if they are going to assign a kid to me yet, but I am anxiously waiting to find out who’s going to be my little sister or brother. I also received an offer to join the program for the spring term. I would love to continue to do this project because I think it offers so much. I get to really experience all different types of kids and especially after the hurricane kids are lost and confused and I want to be there to serve as a good role model. I actually offered some suggestions to the program to have more activities. As I mentioned in my other blog I would enjoy taking the kids to the aquarium and the zoo. I also just found out that laser tag is open so I thought that would be a good outing for all the volunteers to take their kids to. I think that would be a real good bonding experience. I also wouldn’t mind visiting some of their schools to help in any activities. The program doesn’t require you to do any type of tutoring but I think that would also be helpful. Being a Big Sister for me isn’t just having a friendship with the child, I think you should also be able to be there for them and encourage them especially in their education. Theirs a lot of flaws in the Big Sister/Big Brother program that I think should be addressed to the supervisor. I believe they are very disorganized. They don’t inform you about events till last minute and expect you to be there. They are aware of all the volunteers’ school schedule yet they will assign you to a time where you are unable to meet. They also have all the volunteers’ numbers but they have yet to call us to inform us about upcoming events. There is a lack of leadership qualities in this organization. From other volunteers I have heard that there is another organization that sponsors some of the same kids and is more organized. They do some of the same activities but you are assigned to more than one kid and you are able to spend more time with your kids. They have more field trips planned for you to interact with your kid. You are also able to pick the outings you want to participate with the children. I believe this is more effective because you get to choose the environment you want to be in which will make the child more comfortable. I’m also excited that you can volunteer with more than one child. I get to be a good leader for not just one child but many more. I believe in the future I will try to join this organization instead of the Xavier sponsored Big Brother/Big Sister program. I think I will be more effective in the other program because I agree with their rules better.
A good king is a king that is devoted to God and no other Gods according to the Deuteronomistic Historian. The historians believe that if a king was chosen by God then he would be a good leader. The king should be monotheistic in that he should only worship god and no one else. The historians will praise a king that is fully devoted his life to God. The king is to be faithful to God and keep the covenant established by God. A king should also rule with God by his side. In response to how the Deuteronomistic Historians approval of George Bush I don’t think they would agree with his leadership qualities. He rushed our nation into war without good reasons and therefore our nation is paying for his decisions. He also does not center his government around God. According to the Deuteronomistc Historians a good leader would make wise decisions in accordance with God and not act in according to their own interest lke Bush does consistently . I believe the biblical prophets relate to my project in that they worked in accordance to God. I see myself doing the same because my main purpose in doing this project is to improve the world that God gave to me. I want to give back for all the blessings he’s given to me. Doing this project I feel that God is helping me and I look to him for help when I see my self struggling.
December 3rd, 2006 at 4:44 pm
I’m sorry that one of projects didn’t work out. I was looking forward to reading about your experiences with the adopt-a-grandparent project. I hope you don’t get discouraged in your unsuccessful attempts because of other peoples unorganized programs. I agree with you when you say that caring for people is a very important part of what you want to do as a profession. I feel that’s its also important that you establish a personal connection with the people that you care for also, because people are always willing to be more open to someone that they see is making an effort to connect with them. I think that you show a lot of determination because since you couldn’t do one project you moved right along to another project. I’m glad you didn’t quit because it shows that you care and that you are loyal once you commit to something and that’s exactly the type of characteristics that young children need to see in an adult they look up to. You joining the Big Sisters/Brothers Program was a great idea because children need good role models to help keep them on the right track. I hope you really connect and touch the lives of all the children you come into contact with during your journey throughout this project that we’ve been assigned.
December 7th, 2006 at 12:33 am
It’s too bad that your first project to Adopt-A-Grandparent turned out in a way you would not have expected. Sometimes, when people are leading an activities or organization they fail to realize the benefits of it and consequently, they loss interest. However, I know you the see the possible outcomes of the program and therefore you should voice your opinions about some ways Xavier can improve the program. Maybe, you can carry out your desired mission to help elderly people in the following semester. Your other Big Sister/Brother program sounds like it is a lot of fun, with interacting with children and partipating in various activites. I think you will definitelymake a difference in a child’s live, with your encouragment and mentoring. I wish you the best of luck with the upcoming event of the Christmas B.B.Q. with the children. Also, Tyra let me know if there are any more volunteers needed, because I would love to be apart of the program.
December 7th, 2006 at 5:38 pm
I’m glad you already had a back up plan in mind for your Adopt-A-Grandparent idea because it seemed as if not much effort was put into establishing it on your own. The Big Brother/ Big Sister program has always been a program that makes an impact on under privileged youth. Good job for joining this program to give back to the community and make an impact on the world.
December 9th, 2006 at 2:12 pm
Tyra Im sorry to hear about apart of your project not working out. I think that would have been a good project to go through with, too bad Xavier couldn’t get it together. I think the Big Brother/Big Sister program is a good idea I was going to do it but it didn’t fit into my schedule. I think its a good idea to mentor to a child because they need now more than ever. I volunteer as a mentor and I know that my students look up to me. Make sure you engage in their everyday life and once you get an assigned kid you call them because most of the time they just need someone to talk to.
Good luck and God Bless!
December 9th, 2006 at 9:01 pm
It is sad to hear that your first project had to be canceled because Xavier could not find a grandparent for the organization. That would have been a good project for you since your major is dealing with helping people. It’s good that you did have a back up project dealing with the same thing. The Big Brother / Big Sister program is pretty similiar to the Adopt-A-Grandparent so that’s good. I think your idea of bringing the kids to the aquarium or zoo would be a really good idea. You can have more time with the children and really get to connect with them. Keep up your good work and good luck!
December 10th, 2006 at 12:11 pm
Tyra, I am sorry to hear that your initial project fail through from such a careless reason. I believe whoever started that project at Xavier should have been more committed to executing their initial plans. However, I think that it is a good ideal on your part to still want to execute these plans although the semester will be over and you want be no longer obligated to implement a project. I really love your project that you are doing now. I want to become a pediatrician and I am infatuated with kids. I just love them and I think that it is a wonderful thing that you are giving back to them. the project that I have started on this semester dealt with giving back and raising the awareness of how important that it is. I hope that everything turns out well and if you need any help even if the semester is over I am here for you. My email address is fhayes@xula.edu. Just let me know if there is anything I can do to help. Best wishes!
December 10th, 2006 at 9:48 pm
I think the Adopt-a-Grandperson project would have been a great idea. I’ve volunteered in the nursing home many times before with a special program, except we were working as nursing assistants. The patients in the nursing home were so anxious to talk to us, because people didn’t visit them that often. So, I think it’s really nice that you’re interested in spending time with the patients. I think the Big Brothers/Big Sisiters idea is good, too, but that fell through for me this semester. I’ll be starting on that next semester. All children need someone to look up to, so it’s great that they’ll have you as a mentor to go to with their problems.
December 10th, 2006 at 10:02 pm
I really like your project idea. It’s great that so many other people are interested in cleaning up the city’s parks after the damage done by Katrina. Most people haven’t thought about cleaning the parks up as thier community service project. I think it would be good for you to get the word out about the scheduled park cleanups, so even more people could help out and get the job done quicker.
December 10th, 2006 at 10:03 pm
Sorry about that last comment. Anyway, I think the Adopt-a-Grandperson project would have been a great idea. I’ve volunteered in the nursing home many times before with a special program, except we were working as nursing assistants. The patients in the nursing home were so anxious to talk to us, because people didn’t visit them that often. So, I think it’s really nice that you’re interested in spending time with the patients. I think the Big Brothers/Big Sisters idea is good, too, but that fell through for me this semester. I’ll be starting on that next semester. All children need someone to look up to, so it’s great that they’ll have you as a mentor to go to with their problems.
December 10th, 2006 at 11:30 pm
I am sorry that you could not Adopt-a-grandparent. Just think that it would have been really fun to do this. Don’t let this bring you down. On the Christmas break, try to do this anyway just to see how much fun you would have. Some seniors do not have anyone to take care of them, and this would really enlightened them. They have so much knowledge, they are funny and they can give you so information about life. I am also happy that you decided to do the Big Brother and Big Sister program since the first project did not prevail. You are truly a person of good spirit, and I see that you really love to help people. Great job!
December 12th, 2006 at 12:11 am
Tyra, your project seems to be going very well eventhough that your adopt-a-grandparent didn’t fall through. You were still able to proceed with your project. Mentoring a child is a really good project because some children lack guidance and may need someone to look up to. I’m pretty sure that you are setting a good example for those kids. I’m hoping that you are checking up on them daily and interacting with them. Tyra your project is really good and I know that you are the best mentor.
December 12th, 2006 at 12:55 am
Hey Tyra,
I’m glad you didn’t quit because it shows that you care and that you are loyal once you commit to something and that’s exactly the type of characteristics that young children need to see in an adult they look up to. Mentoring a child is a really good project because some children lack guidance. It’s good that you did have a back up project dealing with the same thing. It’s too bad that your first project to Adopt-A-Grandparent turned out in a way you would not have expected. I think that you show a lot of determination because since you couldn’t do one project you moved right along to another project.
December 12th, 2006 at 10:14 pm
Hi Tyra, I m sorry that Adopt-A-Grandparent did not work out. I think you should voice your concerns to them about their disorganization. The program seems like it would be very beneficial if it were ever implemented. I am glad to see that you did try to do it on you own that show initiative and dedication. I am happy that the Big Brother/ Big Sister program is working out for you. It is a very good program. I know that you will be a great role model and make a difference in some child’s life. I think that your new suggestions for the program our great and I hope that they will consider them. I hope your project turns out well.
December 14th, 2006 at 5:28 pm
Even though the Adopt-A-Grandparent did not come out as you had planned, it is good that you did not give up. I really like how you are working with the Big Brother/Big Sister program. That is a very beneficial program and helps many kids stay off of the streets. I agree with you; it was good to start off with Xavier with the program, but joining the community program will open up more doors. Xavier’s program of Big Brother/Big Sister does have many flaws and is more restricited, but it is a good place to start. Keep up the good work Tyra!
December 14th, 2006 at 5:53 pm
Hey Tyra, I am proud that you were not discouraged when your original project did not come through. That is what committed service is truly about, to keep going even when times get hard. Your efforts to get involved payed off with your involvement in the Big Sister Program. Yet, like you said, there is a need for more dedicated workers to make sure the program is effective and people get calls when they are suppossed to. Perhaps Tyra, you can be one of these people =) Good luck!
December 15th, 2006 at 7:04 pm
You are great to have a backup plan for your project. I wish I would have, because mine did not turn out the way I wanted it to. You are a very important person in society to want to make a difference in someone else’s life. I hope you carry those children in you prayers everyday.
December 15th, 2006 at 9:18 pm
Although your project did not end the way you may have wanted it to, I’m sure the senior citizens that you visited did appreciate your time. Its good to see that you did not let that program get you down and continued to push foward with some kind of volunteer service. Big Brother/Sister is a great service association that touches many many people. Trust you are making a difference in the kids and even the seniors you saw day and brought them a moment of fun.