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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.
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