Skid Row

Last night I went to bible study and during our lesson my teacher started talking about a show called Secret Millionaire. He told us how he was watching an episode about a man that went to skid row in California and pretended that he was a homeless man in order to help the people that lived in that area. While I was in class I began to make a connection between the homeless people in Camden that live in the “Tent Village” and the people that live on Skid Row. I thought about the government and how they have had the perfect opportunity to help these people but don’t. It’s gotten so bad that the deprived areas are beginning to get nick names and attention from the media. Clearly, there is not enough being done to help these people because I’ve known about the Tent Village for quite some time now, I can only imagine how long Skid Row has been around. I believe that the system is way more concerned collecting money from people instead of using that money to help improve the U.S. I hope that more can be done to enable these people to bounce back from the position that they are in.

Mingling With Moreland #8

During my weekly meeting with my mentor, Mr. Moreland, we talked about my presentation and some problems that I am having while trying to balance my school work and other activities that I have outside of school. I told Mr. Moreland how I was beginning to feel a little overwhelmed because all of my school work plus the other frustrations of senior year are starting to build up. I explained to him how there is a lot going on right now between the school work, prom, senior trip, and starting to prepare myself for college I am beginning to become a little stressed out. Mr. Moreland suggested that try to think of the most important things and allow the other things fall into place. He said that I have to come up with a routine that is efficient because I am going to have to learn how to balance everything in college so learning a system now will give me a head start. Mr. Moreland and I also discussed the different supplies that I need for my presentation and my next visit with my sponsor to the Garden Project.

Field Trip #8

During my weekly meeting with my sponsor, Mrs. Hilinski, we discussed what we needed to do in order to prepare me for my presentation and the next time that we would be visiting the Garden Project. We also talked about the hostility that’s been in the air due to the fact that spring break isn’t approaching fast enough. We both agree that everyone is a bit off edge because we are sick of looking at the same people. To be quite honest, I am counting down the days for graduation let alone spring break. Mrs. Hilinski believes that both the students and staff have had enough of one another. I tacitly agreed and began to discuss the different ideas that I had for my project. For example, this weekend I plan on getting some materials for my presentation and I also plan on receiving the answers to the interview questions with Mrs. Pricilla. Mrs. Hilinski said that she would also be on the look-out for the materials and if I had any questions I should simply send her an email. We ended our meeting with a couple jokes and came up with a day that we would be attending the Garden Project.

Mingling With Moreland #7

During my weekly meeting with my mentor, Mr. Moreland, we talked about my interview questions that I emailed to Mrs. Pricilla, the founder of the Garden Project. We also discussed him commenting on my blog entries so that I could get as much credit as possible for my blogs. Mr. Moreland said that he was definitely going to start commenting on my blogs and that he was glad that I emailed my interview questions to Mrs. Pricilla. As of now, I am waiting for Mrs. Pricilla to email me back with her answers to the questions and hopefully she has some questions to ask me in return. I believe that my project is coming along better than I expected simply because I thought that I would have a harder time obtaining legitimate information. I think that I am going to have all of the scoop that I need in order to complete my paper and enlighten my audience about social work and horticultural therapy.

Anthony Wellington

While I was visiting my sponsor on Monday, the entire Senior Project Class was having somewhat a mini life session with an artist named Anthony Wellington. Although I missed this honor, I was told some inspiring information about Mr. Wellington and his beliefs. For example, Ms. Money told me about his theory of passion and his definition of it. Mr. Wellington said that if God were to come down and tell you that you would not get paid for your job, the urge to still do it without pay somewhat classifies as passion. I found this to be something that can be proven true simply because some people only do their job to get a pay check at the end of the week. But, if someone can do a job and not worry about the pay I can tell that they truly love and have a passion for their work. A person that I thought of when I heard this was Mrs. Pricilla, the founder of the Garden Project. I know that the Garden Project is a program funded by donations and money out of Mrs. Pricilla’s pocket. I’m sure that Mrs. Pricilla doesn’t look for a material compensation for helping the women at the Garden Project but, a spiritual one instead. I believe that Mr. Wellington’s life lesson and Mrs. Pricilla’s actual life style relate in more ways than one.  

Stockton

On Sunday, March 27th, I will be visiting the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. Ever since I found out that I was accepted into Stockton, I’ve been anxious to visit and see what my life will be like once I actually attend. I’ve heard a lot of talk about Stockton some of the information being good, bad, false, and true. But, I believe that the only person that will be able to determine my opinion about Stockton would indeed be me. I feel that once I go to Stockton on Sunday sit in the classes and have a little tutorial in the life as a college student, I will be able to make my own conclusion about the school. I highly recommend that any students in our Senior Project Class and or any graduating high school senior visit a school before they decide that it is the school for them. My biggest while on my little journey would be attending a school that I simply do not like. I believe that Stockton is definitely my number one school but, I feel that once I visit and experience a little of what I will go through every day I will be able to make that very first down payment with ease. 

"Field Trip" #7

During my weekly “field trip” with my sponsor, Mrs. Hilinski, we discussed the different aspects of my project and the topic for my research paper. Mrs. Hilinski came up with a couple of ideas for my presentation and for my paper for example, she wanted to know if I wanted to make April my last visit to the Garden Project. I explained to her how I wanted to continue visiting the Garden Project simply because I will have more information for my presentation at the end of the year. I believe that visiting that Garden Project will enable me to obtain as much information as possible for my presentation and for my research paper as well. Although my paper will be done before my final visit to the Garden Project, I think that my continuing my visit to the program will allow me to have a better understanding of social work and horticultural therapy.

"Field Trip" #6

During my “field trip” with my sponsor, Mrs. Hilinski, we discussed our visit to the Garden Project over the weekend and my interview that I am currently setting up with one of the founders of the Garden Project. Unfortunately, I was home sick with the stomach flu this weekend but, I managed to visit the Garden Project anyway. The minute I arrived I saw a couple of familiar faces and a number of new ones as well. The activity assigned for the day was yoga and I must say that it was one of the most relaxing yoga sessions that I’ve had yet! After yoga, I went outside and took pictures of the dormant garden before the women begin working on it. Mrs. Hilinski suggested that I use the pictures for my blog entries and for my presentation as well. While in our meeting today, Mrs. Hilinski and I came up with some questions that I could ask Mrs. Pricilla, one of the founders, during our interview. I believe each question will contribute to my research paper and enable me to obtain accurate information directly from my most reliable source.    

Mingling With Moreland #6

During my weekly meeting with my sponsor, Mr. Moreland, we discussed my visit to the Garden Project this weekend and a couple of details for my presentation. Mr. Moreland thinks that the surprise I have for my presentation is a sensational idea simply because it will grab the audience’s attention immediately. He also suggested that I use my interview questions for Mrs. Pricilla, founder of the Garden Project, and incorporate her response inside of my paper and my presentation. Moreland believes that with the information that I have so far, I will be able to make a descent research paper. But, I think that I need a bit more meat and potatoes in order to have a solid paper. At the end of our meeting Mr. Moreland asked if I needed him to do anything for me and when I would be visiting the Garden Project again.

Criminal Minds.......Best Show Ever!!!!

While sitting home sick and tired of being under the weather, I watched my favorite show called Criminal Minds. As I watched, the episode was about a couple of agents posing as social workers in order to save the children inside of this little community in the middle of nowhere. The agents were held captive throughout the episode but, I received a little more out of the show than I expected. I pretty much connected the characters inside the show with real life social workers and how they put their lives at risk every time they enter a new home. I’m sure social workers aren’t held captive whenever they go into a home. But, I’m certain that they are aware of the danger that they put themselves each and every time they have to visit a new child’s home. Although the outcome is enough reasoning to jeopardize my safety, it is a little questionable why I’m so willing to help someone while risking my life. If the truth be told, everyone wants at least one person to do something heroic for them throughout their lifetime. A social worker risking their life is indeed that heroic action.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!!!

This weekend my grandfather celebrated his 50^th birthday!!! It was definitely a party to remember simply because he had all of the people he loves around him on his very special day. I recall the day perfectly; he walked through the door from a long days work looking as if he was a bout to pass out. 5, 4,3,2,1, Go, Happy Birthday Grandpa!!! His wife, children and all of his grandchildren shouted as a smile appeared on his face in such surprise. “Hahaha you got me”, he laughed as everyone blew their little horns with their birthday hats on their heads and smiles upon their faces. We could tell that he was so overwhelmed with joy that he could barely stand on his feet. All of the hard work and preparation that we did paid off in the end after all. He was happy, that was all we really wanted. We ended up getting that and more simply because we were able spend time together as a family on my grandfather’s birthday, something that we haven’t been able to do in a while.  

Bitter Sweet

Last Sunday a women with a set of twin boys revisited our church after my aunt, a social worker, helped her and her children receive a home through the homeless prevention center that she works at. When she walked through the door I could see a difference in her demeanor. She seemed as if she was at ease and as I listened to her tell my parents her story I began to get a little teary eyed. She never really mentioned how she ended up in the shelter but, she did say that she felt uncomfortable there. The young woman told my parents that the homeless shelter wasn’t a place for her children or any of the women’s kids. Although the shelter was placed there to help young independent mothers, she felt as if she deserved more. I can only imagine the joy that she felt when she was told that they found a place for her to live outside of Camden. I know she wasn’t really worried about her wellbeing but, the wellbeing of her children. If the truth be told, no child should have to endure that type experience at that young age. I wouldn’t know how to act if I were told that I had to stay at a halfway house let alone a shelter. I really hope for the best for the young lady and her children. I believe that this experience will not only inspire her to work hard to maintain a stable and healthy environment for her kids but, for herself as well.   

Mingling With Moreland #5

During my weekly meeting with my mentor, Mr. Moreland, we discussed my visit to the Garden Project this weekend and what I expect when I get there. I told him that I am looking forward to seeing how much the women enjoy doing yoga and how they are going to feel after the yoga session is complete. I think that I would rather pay attention to the therapeutic effect that the yoga may or may not have on the women. I believe that yoga can be a relaxing and stress relieving experience and I’m curious to see if the women will feel the same as I do. I explained to Mr. Moreland that I would be interviewing Mrs. Pricilla for my research paper and we discussed questions that I could ask her so that I could get some solid information for my paper. Mr. Moreland thinks that it would be a good idea to incorporate the different activities that we do for the next couple of visits to the Garden Project into my presentation. I believe that in order for me to have a legitimate paper I must think of all of the things that play an essential role not only in my paper but, in my presentation as well. I plan on doing my interview sometime this week so that I can begin looking at the other aspects of my paper.

Cheesecake Factory

This weekend my cousin celebrated her 18^th birthday weekend and while we were out, we visited the Cheesecake Factory. The moment we arrived, I thought of Miss. Money and how she chose to be a Pastry Chef for her project. I began to think of all the tedious work that she would have to go through in order to keep her customers happy if she wanted to obtain a thriving restaurant. Kudos to Miss. Money for actually taking the initiative to be someone that services others in the growing food industry. It’s not everyday that you hear about someone aspiring to be a pastry chef. I’m sure that entering this field may be a challenge but it is one that I’m quite sure Miss. Money is up for. I can not wait to see and hopefully taste the many delicacies that Miss. Money will have during her presentation. Good Luck!!!

Field Trip #5

While on my “field trip” with my sponsor, Mrs. Hilinski, we discussed our visit that we will be taking to take to the Garden Project this weekend. We talked about doing yoga with the women from the Garret House and how performing yoga may be therapeutic for all of the women. I am really looking forward to taking part in yoga with the women just to see how they react to the activity. I know that when the women are at the half way house they are not given the opportunity to do activities that keep them active. I believe that allowing them to experience something new would be good for them all to partake in together. I feel that the women would be more likely to participate if they see majority of the people there participating in the activity. I believe that this visit to the Garden Project will be one that really makes the women get out of their comfort zone and will allow me to get out of mine as well.

Mingling With Moreland #4

During my visit with my mentor, Mr. Moreland, we pretty much had a recap of our last powwow session. We talked about using more than just the Garden Project as my resource for my paper and my presentation. Mr. Moreland suggested that I research more about people that founded and influenced social work. After that we talked about my field trips with my sponsor, Mrs. Hilinski, and how smoothly they have been running. At the end of our meeting he asked me if there was anything I needed from him and when was the next time we would be visiting the Garden Project. I left our meeting with more information regarding social work and a better idea of how I could use my simple aha moments as a resource for my project.

"Spare Change Anyone?"

This weekend while on my way home from church I noticed a homeless man sitting on the corner with a sign that said “Homeless will work for food”. Once I saw this sign a feeling of grief came over me because I had no food or money to give to this unfortunate man. Although this was not the first time I’ve seen this man, this time really hit a nerve inside of me. I began to make connections between my project and this older man and I felt as if I was failing this individual just like the system has been doing all of these years. I also began to think about all of the other homeless people out there not only in the streets of Camden but, all over New Jersey and the U.S. I don’t understand why people are more susceptible to rescuing animals with no homes when there are human beings out in the street without a pot to piss in and a window to throw it out. The mentality of some has never seized to amaze me when it comes to someone being less fortunate than another. Instead of helping the person in need and making it a win win situation a person would rather get over on the next and make it a lose lose. In reality neither of the people in the situation wins when the objective to the game of life is to see others fail while you succeed. Wise words from Ralph Waldo Emerson “It is one of the most beautiful compensations in life….that no man can sincerely help another without helping himself.”

Emmett Till

In my A.P History class my teacher, Mr. Moreland, assigned us a research paper about the civil rights movement (1950-1970). While in his class, I decided that I wanted to write my research paper about Emmett Till, a young man that was murdered at the age of 14. I believe that his story in very tragic but, also a key element in the beginning of the civil rights movement. The moment I heard about Emmett Till’s story, I was immediately interested and enraged at the same time. I couldn’t understand why people in the south during this time period were so cruel to African Americans. While listening to Mr. Moreland speak about Emmett, different ideas rushed through my head at once. There were so many questions that I had regarding the people that allowed the murder to happen and the two men that actually committed the murder. I wanted to know more. Therefore, when the time came for us to write our research paper, it was only right that I write my paper about Emmett Till’s story. Although my paper is not complete, I know that once I begin to put my thoughts about the trial on my paper there will be closure for me concerning Emmett Till.      

Field Trip #4

During my “Field Trip” with my sponsor, Mrs. Hilinski, we discussed my presentation at the end of the year and how I could use my surroundings as a contribution to my project. We talked about changing my thesis statement so that I could write a paper that pertained to me visiting the Garden Project in Camden. Mrs. Hilinski suggested that we find activities that make the audience more comfortable while I present. We both agreed that it was a definite must that we get the audience as involved as possible throughout the entire presentation. This will not only benefit the audience but, it will benefit me as well because I would be much more in my element if I know that the people that are in the audience are actually listening to what I say. During my next visit Mrs. Hilinski and I will prepare for another visit to the Garden Project. I believe that the next visit is definitely going to be a success.