I teach, therefore I learn

 The following was written by Heather Heineman,a senior Criminal Justice major at Miami University Hamilton about her experience with the Boys & Girls Program at the Booker T. Washington Community Center!

“I teach, therefore I learn.” –Unknown

           When I began my time at Booker T. Washington, I had heard this quote a million times but never really understood what it meant. It has always been a dream of mine to work with children and to try to make a difference in someone’s life but this was my first opportunity to actually be able to work directly with a group of children. My time at Booker T. Washington not only showed me the importance of helping children but also showed me how much children can teach us. My very first day, I had the opportunity to work with a very smart young girl that blew me away with how creative she was. I was helping her with her homework. She was given an orange circle cut out of construction paper and was instructed to make a pizza for art class. As she was drawing the pizza, she asked my what my favorite pizza was. I said pepperoni so she said she would draw a pepperoni pizza since it was my favorite. As she was drawing the crust, she got excited and asked me if I had ever had the pizza from Little Caesars with the pretzel crust. This must have sparked her memory because she then got really excited and said she was going to make crazy bread to go with her pizza. I assumed, which is something I learned you should never do with children, that she was just going to draw it on a piece of paper. She went and got extra paper and began to roll it up. I thought she was then going to make breadsticks. I, again, was wrong. First, she made the paper bag the breadsticks come in. Then, she made little breadsticks and taped them coming out of the top. She then drew the same decoration on the front of the bag that is actually on crazy bread. She made 3-D breadsticks to add to her pizza! I was so impressed! She stapled it to her pizza and was so excited to take it to class the next day. When I saw her again, I asked her how her teacher liked it. She said, “Oh, she just ripped it off…” This story is something that I will forever remember. She had worked so hard to create something that she was so proud of just for her teacher to act like it was no big deal. It reminded me that, in life, just because we may not think something is a big deal, does not mean that it doesn't mean a lot to someone else. 

          My whole experience at Booker T. Washington was one that I will never forget. I loved being able to work with the children and get to see all their different personalities and how they learn. I loved getting hugs and being greeted at the door and taking my hand and leading me back to the classroom. I loved watching their reactions to stories and seeing the look of accomplishment on their face when they got to get candy and put a sticker up when they passed the quiz for each book they read. It would be impossible to ever list everything that these kids taught me in my short time with them. Children have a way of keeping you grounded and showing you the important things in life. They remind you to pay attention to the little things again. They become a loyal friend for something so little as just taking the time to check their homework for them or read a book with them. I am very grateful for the opportunity I was given to be able to help out at Booker T. Washington and hope to be able to pass along in my life even a quarter of the knowledge I obtained when working with these wonderful children.

Someone to believe in us!

The following was written by junior Matthew Beckman, a Bachelor of Integrated Studies student, from Miami Hamilton about his experience working with the Boys & Girls Club program at Booker T. Washington Community Center.

Clint & I playing UNO at BTW with the kids!

My name is Matt Beckman and I am a student at Miami University Hamilton Campus. I have many nephews and nieces, but have never worked with children. During winter term I was chosen to participate in Sustained Service Scholars program to help children with their homework and reading. Volunteering at Booker T. Washington Community Center was one of the most challenging, rewarding, and heartfelt experiences of my life. 

I was met with many challenges as a tutor and reading coach at Booker T. Washington. The after school homework help program started right after school, so the kids were drained from school and the last thing that they want to do was work on more school. Through the lack of focus on the children's end I was able to teach myself patience and understanding. Some kids just did not want to work or had a bad day, so they would disrupt others and cause problems. To meet this challenge we would separate the kids who wanted to work and the problem starters.

Every day before I tutored I read this quote painted above the gym.
It gave me a boost of confidence knowing the struggles in life are
just a part of the ride. 

There is many rewarding aspects to tutoring kids and helping them read. Being able to directly impact poverty by helping kids and teaching them to value education is something that is rewarding in itself. When you work with a child and give them attention you see slight changes. For example, I worked with a 3rd grade girl with some behavioral problems. She would come in screaming, making rude comments to other children, and having attitude issues. When we would work on her homework she would get easily frustrated. After I looked in her eyes and reassured her that I believe in her and I am not giving up on her even though she wants me to I began to start to see slight changes. She began to open up more, sit in her chair, become more polite, work harder, and believe in herself. Now that same third grader is beginning to be the top reader and works hard and steadily on her homework. She is slow to dish out insults and quick to give a hug. See what I learned from that third grader is we all need someone to believe in us and not give up on us. It makes a huge difference in our attitudes in life. 

My heart was touched so many times as a Sustained Scholar at Booker T. Washington. After a few weeks of volunteering when the kids started to get used to me and I began to build solid relationships with the children. Everyday when I would leave there would be some child clinging to my hand telling me please don't go. If that doesn't pull on your heart strings I don't know what does. When you see a child's face light up when they get a problem right or you see a child apply what you taught them it touches your heart and changes you in a positive way. You feel that there is meaning and purpose to life once again. It's a hard pill to swallow that many of these kids who I know by name struggle with poverty, food insecurity, and very busy parents. I was able to help build a solid foundation for these kids by helping and telling them that education was a way to create a bright future. 

After having a conversation with a man who works at Booker T. I learned that some of the children do not have a male in the household to teach them things like riding a bike, playing catch, or fishing. The men that work at the community center fill that role for these kids and I was so blessed to meet every single one of them and take part in this experience. If you ever have a chance to make a difference in a child's life; take it you won't regret it. 

Matt also participated in the MLK Jr. March and National Days of Service! 

Top Left: Matt & Jeff Diver, Executive Director of S.E.L.F.

Scrubbing the bleachers! 

Group picture! 

It’s time to step up, take action!

The following was written by freshman Karen Mares, a speech pathology and audiology student, from Miami Hamilton about her experience working with the Boys & Girls Club program at Booker T. Washington Community Center. 

All good things must come to an end

         My time spent at BTW is unforgettable. It could be the worst day ever and as soon as I would walk in through the big, green doors there would always be someone to greet me and make me feel welcomed. The kids were wonderful and were always smiling. Elementary is such a fun age group to be around. I hope I made difference because I know they impacted my life.

Whether it was a gloomy or beautiful day my volunteer session would start off with signing in, of course, and having a casual talk with any of the staff around. I would arrive fifteen minutes prior to the students and set everything out with the help of the other volunteers. Once the children got to the room, that’s when the fun would start. The first hour was focused on homework. Although I got stumped on a couple of problems we would all work together to figure it out. I mostly worked with first graders but rotated constantly. The next hour was just for reading and taking A.R. tests. In this hour I was mostly with kindergarten but again rotated constantly. We worked on sight words as well. They would all get rewarded with candy and helllooo who doesn’t like candy? This was a strong motivation for all of them along with having a sticker chart for a pizza party if it all got filled in. At the end we would clean up and sign out. Out the door we went!

This experience, overall, made me realize that there is so much to life than just being self-centered. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and a simple “good job” could make a kids day. Positive comments make a huge difference. The children at BTW have great potential and I see a bright future in front of them. The right guidance and structure will keep them motivated to strive for the best. I can easily say all the staffs and volunteers were GREAT! I can’t stress enough that my experience was wonderful and I learned a lot about each individual. Although three weeks, four times a week, and two hours and thirty minutes a day may not seem like a long time, it was definitely plenty of time to increase their reading, homework, and even life skills.

I would like to thank everyone who took part in this and helped me with any questions or concerns I had. I encourage anyone to take part in our community and help out because although you may not notice the difference I guarantee someone will appreciate the time you volunteered. The world is our home no matter who you are or where you came from. It’s time to step up, take action, and share your story!

- -All good things come to an end, but they will always be remembered- -

Positive role models

The following was written by senior Catherine Snader, a nursing student, from Miami Hamilton about her experience working with the Boys & Girls Club program at Booker T. Washington Community Center. 

Over winter break I have had the opportunity to volunteer at the Booker T. Washington Community Center in Hamilton near the Miami Hamilton Campus along with other students.  We are working with students at the center in the after school homework and reading program.  Although we are only a couple weeks into the program it's amazing how much learning has taken place between the students and the volunteers.  That's the great thing about service learning, everyone gets to learn!  

Before the previous few weeks I didn't realize there was such a need for volunteers in our local community.  Often at the after school program there are more students needing help with their homework, than we have volunteers.  Not only do we help the students with their homework, but this week I realized how important it is for them to have positive role models in their lives.  At first I didn't know how the students would respond to doing their homework, but as soon as I walked in a little girl ran up to me and asked me if I would help her with her homework.  I am really looking forward to continue building positive relationships with these students.         

Winter Sustained Service Scholars!

The Center for Civic Engagement at Miami University Hamilton is excited to bring the incredibly successful Sustained Service Scholars program to the Miami "Winter Term"!! 

During the first three weeks of January Miami students have the opportunity to take accelerated classes! These three weeks are known as "Winter term". This term is a great opportunity for students to participate in short study aboard trips, complete Miami Plan requirements online, or extend their winter break. While this term is a great opportunity for students to do something out of the norm, it leaves a number of our community partners in need of consistent volunteers, much like the summer. 

Hamilton Boys & Girls Club had such an amazing experience with the Sustained Service Scholars over the summer and approached Miami University Hamilton in order to provide volunteers to their program at the Booker T. Washington Community Center! Of course, we were more than happy to set up another Sustained Service Scholars program! 

From January 5th-January 23rd we have five Miami Hamilton students participating in the Sustained Service Scholars program at Booker T. Washington with the Boys & Girls Club program! Three of the Sustained Service Scholars are volunteering 4 days a week!! The scholars attended an orientation on Friday December 19th. During orientation the Scholars had an opportunity to meet with Tanya Lowry, the Booker T. Washington Community Center Director and Karen Miller, Director of Hamilton Boys & Girls Club. They toured the center and learned more about their role in the Boys & Girls club program! 

Thank you to the Booker T. Washington Community Center, Hamilton Boys & Girls Club and most of all the students for the wonderful opportunity and service that we're able to provide to the youth at BTW! 

It's a chain reaction, and it all started with a single book.

The following was written by junior, Erika Eustaquio, a biology student, from Miami University about her experience working with the Boys & Girls Club on East Avenue with the Accelerated Reader (AR) program. 

        For the Sustained Service Scholars  program, I arrived at the Boys & Girls Club every Tuesday throughout the summer for a couple of hours to read with and to children. After reading the book, they would take a quiz, and depending on how well they did they could get a piece of candy. They could earn a bigger prize (stuffed animal or toy) if they read five books in one day, and depending on how many books they read throughout the summer they could earn their personal pool party (there was a pool located right outside the building).

        Prior to joining the SSS Program, I didn’t know what to expect; all I knew is that I wanted to make my summer productive by making a difference.The program made me realize that no matter how little or how much service one does, it is not discredited; it gets passed on in some type of form. Coming in once a week may not sound like a lot, but every minute spent with each child goes a long way. Their reading capabilities ranged from not knowing how to read at all to being able to read past their grade level. Although every kid did read at his/her own pace, I can guarantee that each one has improved his/her reading through this summer program. It was rewarding to see the look on their faces when they earned their first stuffed animal, get that 100% on their quiz, or even sound a word out correctly. The potential in these kids is insane; in particular, I know of a little reader who does not understand nor speak English, but he can READ English. How mind blowing!

        There’s not a doubt in my mind that these kids will be the light of our future, and it all starts with just a little guidance. I think its crucial that children have guidance and are surrounded by genuinely sincere role models while they're young, especially when it comes to learning; it helps mold a sturdy foundation for their futures. And with a bright future, comes a potential drive to help others as they grow.For example, one of the workers I met there is actually a product of the Boys & Girls Club. A lot of these kids look up to us volunteers, and hopefully they become inspired and strive to be like us. It's a chain reaction, and it all started with a single book.

Deb, Erika & Ryan

Remember to play after every storm

Buckeye Adolescent Center

The below was written by Eileen Turain, Community Relations Director at Sojourner Recovery Center. Eileen volunteered along side the Miami Hamilton Student volunteers this summer the at Buckeye Adolescent Center.  The Sojourner Sustained Service Scholars and Coordinator, Rachael Lange, would like to extend a HUGE thank you to Eileen for allowing us to set up this program and for being with us every step of the way! We would also like to thank Sojourner for providing all of the games, toys and materials to make our program successful!! 

WOW!!  What a summer!  THANK YOU MUH!!  Thank you to; Amada, Rachel, Jamie, Robynne and Rachael and Sarah!  Thank you MUH for including Sojourner as part of your Sustained Service Scholars (SSS) program!!  The Sustained Service Scholars program was NEW and UNIQUE to our organization.  MUH reached out to us to make a difference in the lives of our Adolescent Residential clients.  That they did!!  THANK YOU!!

Sojourner has offered Behavioral Health Services to the Butler County area since 1984.  Our MUH volunteers spent priceless time this summer with one of our many programs; our Adolescent Residential Program, where teens live in a safe and secure environment, to focus on their changes of life to reach sobriety and maintain it when they return to their community.  We started our summer work with our MUH SSS volunteers around a classroom table; 3 of our Sojourner staff, our SSS volunteer group, and MUH’s incredible AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer, Rachael.  Who would have guessed that after three months, we (staff, volunteers, and clients) would get to serve side by side with each other, create lasting memories, learn new skills, and make new friends?!? 

This summer, we were able to observe growth, understanding, friendship, care, compassion, wit and the real joy of witnessing teens learn new skills and have fun.  To many of our clients, the mere concept of, “going outside to play,” may be extremely new.

This project solidified our understanding of community interests in helping create positive opportunities for our clients; opportunities for their own unique personal growth.  We played games like kickball and foursquare, wiffleball, and badminton.  We also played stationary games like UNO, Jenga, Catch Phrase, etc.  Some of our most amazing moments happened during those “around the table” games, where we heard intellectual thoughts and true wit become part of a game of Catch Phrase or cards.  We were part of multiple priceless moments when, a teen would start off a bit standoffish or apprehensive about joining in a game, and then find themselves laughing and engaging in a game or activity on their own accord.  We all were given a gift by being part of these moments.

We started this summer project more structured by planning out activities and games.  It was noteworthy watching the summer unfold and the volunteer focus change from planned games to the MUH volunteers offering our Sojourner teens the openness to decide, create, change directions, and just play.  Our MUH volunteers were brilliant in being engaged at all times, while giving each of our clients the freedom to, “just be kids.”

We learned we can see beauty all around us; in playing a game of wiffleball, seeing the broad smile on the face of a young person who may not have smiled in quite some time, to hear one teen say to another, “good job,” to experience a group of people from many different walks of life and ages, come together to play games and enjoy a summer day.

This project was unique.  We started with a seed of an idea and saw it bloom into something bigger than the sum of its parts.  Each person contributed and committed to the process; clients, volunteers, staff.  The MUH volunteers opened opportunities to be part of this process in a way that was welcoming for all. This was more than playing kickball or UNO or Catchphrase, or Four Square.  This was about being human together.  Our vehicle was simply “play.”
Something very unique and intentional is blossoming out of this project.  Our volunteers suggested creating a “KINDNESS WALL” by sharing our clients’ artistic talents and their positive words of encouragement.  The idea is coming to fruition with the help of Miami University and others dedicated to the project.  We hope to share the KINDNESS WALL in various locations around Hamilton, where passersby can read kind messages and share their own messages of LIFE*HOPE*COMMUNITY!

We at Sojourner look forward to our continued relationship with Miami University volunteers!  THANK YOU MUH SSS!!!

"You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation." 
                                                                                                                                      -Plato