|
The following experiences led to development of skills in
this area:
Courses
AFA 3395; Cultural Pluralism and Community Service; Summer
1998
As part of my coursework to meet the University's multicultural
requirement, I completed a class entitled "Cultural
Pluralism and Community Service," offered through the Black
Studies program. For one of the assignments, I completed a 10
page paper on the contribution of non-profit agencies to the
quality of life in diverse communities. As an extra credit
activity for the class, I spent 15 hours assisting with the
planning and implementation of a neighborhood community fair
that was designed to increase neighborhood awareness and pride.
Through this class, I learned more about understanding the needs
of diverse cultures, and the importance of cooperation and
volunteerism in contributing to the quality of life in one's
community.
Jobs / Internships
Center for Independent Living; Intern; Spring 1999
I completed a 16 week internship in a community agency called
the Center for Independent Living as part of my Rehabilitation
Services major. I worked with youth, ages 12-19, who had a
variety of developmental disabilities. I learned the impact of a
person's disabilities on their day-to-day functioning. I was
able to play a role in helping these individuals learn how to
meet the challenges of daily life activities and pursue leisure
and work activities. This experience caused me to challenge
assumptions I held about the capabilities of persons with
disabilities.
Service / Volunteer Work
Americorps; Volunteer; Summer 1999
I spent a summer as a volunteer in an inner city day camp
program as part of an Americorps assignment. I learned to
appreciate differences in people with respect to ethnicity and
socio-economic class. I gained a new perspective from persons
who grew up in a very different environment from my own.
Memberships / Activities
American Association for Rehabilitation Counseling; Member;
Fall 1997 - present
Active member of the student chapter of the American Association
for Rehabilitation Counseling. As a member of the campus
outreach committee, helped recruit volunteers for
"Disability Awareness" sponsored by the Dean of
Students office. As a representative to the PanHellenic Council,
I coordinated the involvement of campus sororities in FSU's
Diversity Awareness Day. I gained an appreciation for the
history and culture of persons from differing heritages.
Interests / Life Experiences
United Methodist Church; Volunteer; Jan 1996 - March 1997
As a high school student I was involved with my church's
community outreach program to the homeless population in Tampa.
My family and I worked at the church in preparing meals. I also
contacted church members by phone and asked them to donate food
supplies to the church's kitchen. I learned how the loss of a
job could have a ripple effect on a person's life, causing the
family to break up, persons to lose their homes, and find
themselves on the street.
|