Third Round with Math

 This time of doing Math Tutoring I set the difficulty to higher which I chose to tutor Pre-Cal since I have a test to take the next day, I decided tutoring someone with the same subject of Math might help me a lot with reviewing the old section. I was waiting in the class to get called for help since there're several students in the class also practicing for the test.

 A student finally asked for help and I went there to answer the question. The questions he didn't understand is also the question I had a little hard time solving it but after reviewing the section along with him I was able to solve it and the student also understand what to do when it comes to similar problem and told me that he was able to learn it a lot better. He is not the only person who learned from it but I think I was able to learn a lot more than I can imagine just spending 15-min of spending time with him teaching. This bring out the issue of education, when I was tutoring I wondered that there might be hundreds of students in each school need help with their studies and some of them can't afford to go to after school which can cost a lot each week. I am glad that I am part of people solving this issue and I hope that more people would help not only this issue but other Social Issues.

Sexy Three Eyed Trees and Teepee's

I feel odd and don't know what else there is to say, since I've volunteered three times in a row at Tule Ponds, and not much has changed.

This time it was just me and Katrina though.

Let's focus on this thing called equity then...

I'm repeating myself I figure from past posts, but I don't think what I'm doing is making any difference. However, I feel like this is still good because I know personally this has a domino affect on me. Objects in motion stay in motion and I'm going to continue volunteer work this summer. I plan to go with most of the same friends I've been volunteering with so far to go to SF or Oakland since they have a lot of good organizations. I care a lot about LGB rights and so am going to find an org that deals with that. I'll also continue on at Tule's.

So it's not exactly related to the specific work I did but I feel it's important... The only reason I didn't go to the organizations I wanted to go to was lack of transportation.

But hey, that's life.

Back to Tule's, me and Katrina were on the other side of it this time and the work was slightly easier.

Don't hate me cause I'm beautiful

This tree has eyes yo.

And here we have a blurry teepee pic.

You mad?

Sigh.

Equity post 1

The car show is about getting caned food to the tri city homless shelter becasue they dont always have enough for all the mouths that need feeding. my brother is autistic and his friends tend to behomless and they will go to the homless shelter to be fed and that is one facter that makes me motivated.

for the first part of my voluntering for the whs car show 9th annual i went around door to door to people with cars worth showing at our show. the admistion is 20 dollars and a can of food. we never make a profit because it all goes to the homless.

the homless problem will never go away and most of them are vets that people never help out infact people will cross the street and thats not right.

Helping out a paralegal!

        For the first community service hours, Ron and I visited my mom's work where we found her friend Susan Reyes who helped me for this project. What we had to do was see what judgement cases were around and help put it into the database there. We were given sheets of paper with the judgement cases on it and we had to go to the Alameda County website and put in each case number that was on the papers. We saw which judgments have been paid and which hasn't.

       What we did most of the time was look over the reports and highlight the ones that haven't been paid off yet. After that we inputted the numbers into the computer and it lasted for a couple hours. At first doing this was a bit boring but then we learned that helping Susan was really gonna help out with businesses in the area. Without them paying for the rent for their businesses the people at the Chamber of Commerce can kick them out there and put in a new company who can pay.

      It was an interesting experience for us because we got to see how many people in the area have not payed their rent and are close to being evicted. We got to learn a lot from this and know what a paralegal does to help maintain business. It was a bit boring being there but we made use of our time and got all of the paperwork done. Now we can see what being a paralegal is about and what they do. Overall is was great and we were glad to help her and her business out!

      

Math time!

For my third day volunteering I wasn't too sure if I should go back to Cabrillo or if I should find something new. I couldn't think of anywhere to really go, so I just went back to Cabrillo. Since I did enjoy it the first time I volunteered there. I went on Tuesday and signed in at the office and the secretary told me to go back to the class I helped tutor before. So I did.

When I walked into the class room I was just being starred at but a few of the kids remembered me from the last time I was there. I put my stuff down and signed in on their volunteer sheet in their class room like one of the teachers told me before to do. I sat down, since one of the teacher helpers was doing a short math lesson on the board about adding and subtracting. Once she was done a couple of kids raised their hand for help on their math homework. I helped a little girl named Stephanie and her friend, I couldn't really understand when her friend said her name because she talked very quiet. Anyways Stephanie and her friend we're still confused on subtracting, so I helped them out by showing them its easy to count with your fingers. I had them try that for one of their math problems and they both got it right. There was a group of boys that needed help so I helped them out with subtracting and did what I showed the other two girls. I had difficulties with the boys because they kept goofing off and not staying on task. Later I was walking around the class room to see if anyone else needed help but the other teachers were helping most of the kids, there were like four other teachers in the class room with me. Around 4:45 some of the kids were starting to leave and once it was 5:00 my two hours were done so I signed out.

Volunteering at an elementary school really isn't that bad. Seeing some of the stuff they learn makes me think back to when I was in elementary learning how to add and subtract. The kids seem thankful that they have someone there to help them and I'm glad that I can be there to help them out with stuff they don't understand. Knowing that I'm helping someone out makes me feel better about myself. Tutoring these kids is a fun experience because they re all really nice. I think its good for the kids to have these after school programs because they all seem to get their work done and not to many of them are off task. I wasn't able to get any pictures again from what the principal said before. I was going to take a picture of the door of the class room I worked in but I forgot to.

Going back to elementry school

I decided to go back to my old elementary school, Cabrillo. They have an after school program called Prop 49. We help them out with their homework and anything else they need help with. On Monday’s they have a karate instructor come in and teach them some moves. On Wednesdays they go outside and play soccer. Its really fun playing soccer with the little ones and the staff because we get really competitive want to win. I really want to keep coming back to prop 49 because its really fun and I love helping out the little kids.

Prop 49 benefits these kids because it helps them with their homework and keeps their mind focused for a while so they wont get into any trouble. This after school program has helped these kids raise their grades and tests scores. Some kids have anger problems and prop 49 has helped them improve their behavior. I really like this program because the kids aren’t in the same class or grade but they became like a family. Although I have to admit some kids are really weird. Their little drunk people that spill the truth and leave you with your mouth open.

I definitely plan on coming back. I’ve met new people and they are really chill to hang out. Since my brothers go to Cabrillo I get meet their friends and know who they hang out with. Today was fun because after we finished helping the kids with their homework we went outside and played basketball, and I think it’s safe to say that basketball is not my sport! It was kind of embarrassing that 7 yr olds were better at shooting than me.

These are some talented kids...

We'll for my 3rd RE-blog post I helped out in the talent show in Cabrillo Elementary School. I have been involved in the arts program ever since I came to the United States. The arts programs(theater, music and dance) made me branch out and discover things that I'm very passionate about today. So, I decided to help out  in a program(the Talent Show) that lets people see the wonderful acts that these kids have prepared. It also just give these kids an excellent boost of confidence and encouragement to go and fulfill their dreams but it just pisses me off that California is not giving them that option with the drastic cuts in the art and music department. They would rather invests in deaths than their future.

When I first stepped foot into the doors of the gymnasium I did not know what to expect. I was expecting the kids to be running around going crazy, yelling and screaming but it wasn't so thanks to Mrs.Khan (the music teacher and also the director of the Talent Show). The kids were well-behaved and watching their peer's acts. It was really refreshing to see that kind of environment. I walk in while these people were performing "All of the Lights" by Kanye West and they just looked like they were about to go and crash in the ground. They werent moving around getting the crowd all hyped up which is what your supposed to do when your performing a hip hop song live. They were standing still and just showing no emotion but just absolute fear so Mrs.Khan told me to talk to them after their performance and I did. I told them tips I used when I was on stage and by God they stuck to them. I was so proud that they were out there just letting loose. 

I gave more tips to other acts in the talent show after that and they were just really remarkable. After that rehearsal one of the kids that I helped out in the beginning went up to me, thanked me and gave me a hug. It was just a really fulfilling two hours and I am about to go today for another rehearsal and boy am I excited. It was an amazing experience and I hope to have another one *knock on wood*.

STRESSED MUCH?!

I have been making extreme progress in getting to our goal of 1400 dollars. Kellie and I did a fundraising event at the Chili’s restaurant on Fremont Blvd. The event was successful but due to the hard economy these days not many people showed up. We printed about 700 flyers and passed them out throughout the city of Fremont. We went to places like Bart, The Hub, and the mall. When Kellie and I arrived at the restaurant some of our friends showed up to help us with our event by ordering some food. We stayed there for about 3 hours and in total we raised about 120 dollars. We were expecting a little more in our profit but this little bit will definitely help us for reaching our goal.

Kellie holding up the flyers at Chili's

We have reached past our half way amount which was really nice for us. We have an exact amount of 817 dollars and we need to get 583 more in the next two weeks. STRESSED MUCH?! Yeah we are but me and Kellie are pretty good at makin’ money so don’t worry about us.

FREE RUNS!

For our walk we decided to get some new nike free runs so we could walk that dreading 18 miles. I think this was a good way to motivate us to reach our goal of 1400 dollars. We definitely don’t need some ordinary running shoes to do this walk. We needed to step up our game and get some swaggin shoes so our feet die after this intense walk.

So you might be wondering how Kellie and I are going to make 600 dollars in the next two weeks. Well, we will be going to a numerous amount of houses and just asking them for a small donation. This is our best way of getting money because when you actually go to the houses and ask them politely, they are usually more than happy to donate at least five dollars. Our main place that we will be going to will be the mission district where the really nice houses are. We haven’t been up  in that area yet so we are hoping to get at least around 300 dollars. Our progress is going well and in two weeks we will finally be doing our walk for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. 

Munch munch munch! Again!

Let me start off saying it's really difficult looking for volunteer opportunities in Fremont that don't require long process of registration. Seeing how it was Memorial Day weekend, I decided to volunteer for Loaves and Fishes again, since I didn't have to skip school. This time it was a different location which was a lot nicer than the last.

This was after hours. Sorry I'm always kept busy working.

So this time I was put to work in the kitchen. I was excited because I was able to help with the meals. I was cutting up some lettuce for the salad of many things. So much chopping...I think I went through three giant bowls of lettuce. Everyone else was cutting up the other components of the salad like tomatoes, ham, melon, and I think it was pepper. Looked like a bunch of nuts though. We put it all together and tossed the salad and the finished product looked very appetizing. We got to our post and watched our guests come by as we placed food on the tray including grounded meat, rice, fruit, croissants, cinnamon rolls, and the salad that I poured my soul into. Not really but I still did a lot of chopping. There was definitely a lot more people then before. So I dumped a lot of salad on a lot of people's trays. Oh and you'll never believe how much bus boy work we all had to do at the end. Even with 5 people, drying up plates, cups, and trays took some time.

So in the end I must say, serving the meals seems more rewarding then going around pouring coffee and juice. I feel like I'm actually feeding the guests. Every single one. These families are really lucky that businesses like Loaves and Fishes come together to serve them some quality meals every day. I almost wanted to try some! Even my own meals aren't always as good as food shelter meals. No cheap fast prep crap. It's the real deal. You got your starch, meat, and vegetables plus a little bit of sweet stuff. It's really fun volunteering for Loaves and Fishes and I'll gladly do it again in the summer perhaps although, not too often since this takes place in multiple locations in San Jose depending on which day of the week.

Time for an Adventure with the kids

For my third volunteer set I worked with Christiane and we went to the niles Adventure Time. I was excited to go back there because I missed the kids and I know they missed me to. When me and Chen got there we were greeted by Christy, the director, and she told us that we were more than welcome to help out. She said that they might need help inside so that's where we started.

As me and Chen went inside I was again greeted by all of the directors that worked there and missed me. The kids were working on their homework and eating food. I saw little friend Nick and he said hi. We started talking because he was my little buddy and he's really cool and funny. None of the kids had any questions on the homework so me and Chen went outside to play with the other kids. When we went outside there were a group of kids that were playing wall ball and I joined into the game. We had fun playing with them because they were full of energy. The kids were very nice to Chen by not getting her out and helping her and letting her throw the ball. When Chen left to play with a little girl on the swings I still played with Nick and all of the other little kids. I met so much new kids that I didn't see there last time. I met this kid who played baseball and we talked about baseball for a long time. It was a ton of fun and the little kids enjoyed playing with me and Chen! We developed strong relationships with those kids and it was so much fun. Unfortunately we had to leave but we are definitely going back.

The experience was even better the second time at Adventure Time. I loved that I met new kids and made new friends with them. I like to consider all of the kids my little buddies and I love helping them out with things. I didn't want to have to leave but unfortunately I did. I cannot wait to go back and work with the kids again and have a lot of fun with them. I definitely miss them and they miss Chen and I as well.

"Recycling baby! Yeaaahhh!"

The next two hours of volunteering made an even bigger impact on me. It was one of the very first times where I went around recycling with the students and it was a great experience. They all work so efficiently and love to go out and recylce. When Marjan and I first walked into room 28 we were greeted by everybody and the kids were all in a good mood, which was great because when they're in good moods it makes you feel good as well. That day it was one of my very first times meeting Allison, she's the sweetest and most energetic girl ever. When she found out we were going out to recylce she immediately shouted, "Recycling baby! Yeaaahhh!". Marjan and I couldn't help but smile and laugh a little because it was the cutest thing ever. Although I had never met Allison before that day she was very social with me and immediately liked me, which made me feel good!

So that day we made our way over to the downstairs E-building to go recycle. Ethan and Shubeendu were the two who were really into recycling, they worked so fast and moved onto the next classroom before we finished the previous class. When Shubeendu needed help he called me over to help him and I was glad he asked me for help instead of just trying to do it all on his own. As we got further down the hall towards the end of the building Bryan called me over and  yelled "James is getting away!", so I went outside and James was walking around by the restrooms. I just kept an eye on him while everyone else was helping recycle, it wasn't the first time James left us so I made sure he wouldn't get very far. I thought it was so cute because Bryan and I were just standing there making sure James didn't leave but Bryan kept saying, "I told you he was trying to get away... look." I couldn't help but smile because it showed me how much they all care for eachother, and although they may not always get along they will always be concerned about the others.

The next few days Jessie and I took Alex and Shubeendu out to play basketball. They both love getting out of the classroom and going to play basketball! They get so excited, especially Shubeendu, because he wanted to run over to the student center, grab the basketballs, and then run over to the courts and play. Jessie and I aren't the greatest at basketball so Alex showed us how to hold the ball when we were getting ready to shoot. The first day it was just the four of us, Alex actually shares the ball but Shubeendu on the other hand likes to keep it to himself. So Jessie and Alex played on one side of the court and Shubeendu and I on the other. I just shagged the ball for Shubeendu when it went far and gave it to him so he could shoot some more. The next day we went to play again and this time a few people walking around during Husky Period stopped by to play with us. Alex interacted very well with the people who would stop by but Shubeendu went to the other side of the court and was alone until I decided to join him. I asked him why he didn't want to play with the other kids and he didn't say anything. I think he is just shy! As one girl walked by though he shot for her, unfortunately he missed but she told him it was ok. Spending time with these students really is great, I don't think I could have picked a better place to volunteer. People see these kids and think they may not be the "same" as everyone else, but I see them as the same. They are kids who love to have fun and make a difference, like recycling for example, and using what they learned and applying it to the world around them.

Looking up to yourself

Every time I go back to Cabrillo Elementary school i have a better time. This past week i went on Monday and to my surprise they had a karate lesson. They were being shown a defense move in case someone wanted to punch them. I wasn't very simple, but it was simple enough for me to be able to help out the kids. You have to make sure that you catch the fist with the hand that mirrors the hand they are trying to assault you with. From there, you grab their hand and you try to push their palm towards their shoulder so they can start leaning back. We had to make sure that the kids weren't doing it too rough on each other because too much force can cause a broken or fractured shoulder. We were having fun a lot of fun practicing with the kids. The man who taught us some of the moves, was also showing us weak spots most people had. He had told us his name but i didn't catch it, and I believe he does own his own karate studio.

I also went on Tuesday. On Tuesday all we did was help them with their homework. Most kids needed help with their math. They are barely learning multiplication so they have problems grasping that idea. They sometimes get lazy and just want to use a calculator but we have to make sure they actually learn the material. They usually get around 5 pages down a day and after they either start drawing, coloring, or we just sit there while they ask if high school is hard. I never had realized it how much younger kids look up too you. Not because of the height but because they think your cool since your in high school. I learned that even when no one is looking you still have to be a role model, not for the other people but for yourself. The reason for that is because you can't expect others to look up too you when you can't look up to yourself.

letz get ready 2 play

On day 3 of volunteering we volunteer on Carlton Plaza of Fremont like last time. We came back bc we made a promise to these people that we were going to come back for game day. A fun day for them were all of them come together and play different games and do other activities. and Day 3 was very fun with these people that we meet. Very glad that we came back.

These day we played bingo and other games with the seniors citizens. we started with lunch and we help to serve them with there food. Than they took a break to go to there rooms and than later to go to the game room and enjoy there day. In the game room we did the bingo and we went around to help them if they need it snacks or drinks. I was happy for them bc how happy they were like a little kid playing with new toys. After the fun activities the day ended with them watching a movie at a theater they have there. and I was surprice that they had a teather and that they had popcorn:). It was awsome.

In day 3, I felt very good to come back to these people bc they remind me of my grandparents. And bc we making a change for them that we are helping them like we were there family not strangers. And they felt glad we were there and that people like us go there and that we dont forget about them. But we going to go back bc we enjoy to be with them and we feel at home in that place.

                                                        # 3rd day on Carlton Plaza with these beautifull people

                                           some of these beautifull people we met there and at the activity day

Last Day At Mexico

For my third volunteer work, I had to go to Aegis Living by myself for the first time. At first, I was nervous and scared because I did not know if there were other volunteers that will be there and if I had to lead the activities by myself. When I arrived, I did the usual requirements that volunteers have to do, which are to sign in and wash your hands upon entering. Being at the nursing home at 9 am, there were about 8 seniors downstairs doing their morning crosswords. Knowing that they have a morning exercise every Saturday in the activity room, I set up the chairs and the weights for the seniors. Luckily, another volunteer arrived to helped me out. However, Sonya, from Mission, has also never led the exercise before. As we set up the room for the upcoming activity, we both hoped for another volunteer to come along and help us out.

The hour before we started the morning exercise, I sat with with the seniors to chat and do some crosswords with them. In particular, I met Dorothy and Deena, who both have been living at Aegis Living for about two years. When I approached them, they were very welcoming and dragged me to do some crosswords with them. As I sat, stories about boyfriends and family and some playful bickering between the two bestfriends came up. "We make fun of each other, but I love you and that is what makes life fun," Dorothy mentioned to Deena. It was so nice to see that that kind of friendship occur even in older people. As an hour of laughter, random talks, and three pages of crosswords passed, Sonya and I dragged all the seniors around us in the actvity room for the morning exercise. Like I feared, I had to lead the exercise using a packet that has different kinds of stretches. Thankfully however, Nikki, the activity director, finally arrived and took over my spot. The exercise went on smoothly for another 45 minutes and everyone felt refreshed and awakened. After this event, we gathered all the seniors closer to each other and continued with their lessons on Mexico. Every month, the seniors learn about a new country, talking about the experiences that they had at that certain place, if they had any. For the last session about Mexico, Nikki had me, Sonya, and herself read some stories about the Poinsettias, a popular flower known in Mexico, and the Crystal Palace, a popular cave in Mexico where crystals are found. After we read these stories, Nikki and the seniors talked about their own personal stories they have connected with Mexico. One story that was shared was by one of the seniors name Ron. He talked about when he was in the army and was based in one of the cities in Mexico. As the conversation died out and everyone said their own stories, Nikki ended the activity and the seniors headed out to prepare for lunch. After this session, Sonya and I helped Nikki decorate the lobby for Memorial Day by putting up some flags by the balcony. By the time we were finished with this, 12 pm struck and it was time for Sonya and I to leave.

Once again, I had a successful volunteer work, creating new and stronger bonds with the seniors I met. With every visit I have in Aegis Living, I become even more comfortable with the people I encounter and the work place I help at. In a way, I am becoming proud of myself because honestly, in the beginning of this project, my goal was just to get this equity project done. However, as weeks passed, volunteering at Aegis Living feels like a routine for me and an activity that has been part of my Saturday morning. Morover, it feels great knowing that in an indirect way, I am helping to prevent elderly abuse. Even though I cannot work to stop all the abuses that seniors experience, I am able to be a friend to them, which I think is one of the most important things in life. I think when looking for a place to volunteer at, people should find a place that will affect them as a person and will form memories and experiences that they will remember and like. With this condition, each individual can grow as a person and really see how it feels like to make a difference in our society.

       Nikki on the left, and Ron in the middle talking about his experience in Mexico.

            Dorothy(left) and Deena (Right) working on their crosswords.

Interacting on a Deeper Level

Video Link to Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5TAQeJruoo&feature=youtu.be

 Nancy and Lynn playing games like Uno with the kids

 Nancy helping Cosmo write their names

 

 Cosmo drawing a picture and writing our names

B-ball on the court

I’m eager to visit my little friends and help them out. It’s my third day volunteering at Cabrillo and I feel that I am making a strong connection with the staff and the kids, since my last visit. I am glad this program exist, and all of this funding is possible because of Prop 49, which is a prop that increases state grant funds available for before and after school programs providing tutoring, homework assistance, and education enrichment.

On Tuesday, I went to Cabrillo, to once again help the kids out with their homework. As I arrive kids were immediately raising their hands and calling my name to get help with their homework. I went with the kid who raised his hand first and asked politely for some help. I started to think the kids were having a liking to me and helping them out as I saw through the kids faces. The one thing I noticed while volunteering is the lack of teachers in the program, as kids started to pile up the teachers with homework questions and for assistance on their homework. It gets frustrating at times as more and more kids needed help with so little volunteering. And I am glad that I am volunteering because it helps the teachers al;ot and becomes less stressful for them. Once most of them were done with their homework we went outside for their daily outdoor activity. I went to the the basketball courts and noticed that the staff was ready to do something with the kids. They decided that they should play a basketball game with the kids. I was glad and eager to play I haven’t played since I was in elementary school, so I knew I was going to be rusty, but once I got on the court I was a whole different person. I scored most of the points on the team!!


I am happy that this program exist in this school because they have low academic scores and programs like this can really benefit these students. Their goal is to support local efforts to improve assistance to students and broaden the base of support for education in a safe, constructive environment. To encourage schools and school districts to provide safe and educationally enriching alternatives for children and youth during non-school hours.  By doing this kids will raise their grades and also engage with fun activities. This third day was a good experience and I am glad to be helping out.

Lets shoot some hoops!

This week, some students from room 28, Alxea, Marjan, Maria, and I spent most of our time on the basketball courts. Shubeedu and Alex really enjoys it. That's all they talk about when they first sees us. Their exact lines would be, "Basketball today? Yes guys?!" Every time Alxea and I walks up to Shubeendu and Alex during brunch, their faces brightens up. We would hear them from afar saying "there's Jessie and Alxea! Yay, basketball today!" There were times where Alxea and I couldn't go with them because we had to study for a test. It was hard to tell them, because we knew how excited they were to spend time with us. Although, Alex and Shubeendu are very understanding. They would be like, "aw, it's okay. Next time okay?" This really melts my heart, because it shows me that us, as other students, make a difference in their life. Like I said on the previous blogs, these students make you feel very welcomed. 

From the last few days of the week, we stayed inside their room. Cosmo, Sheena, and Allison seems like they love to draw as their hobby. Cosmo loves Hello Kitty, and Sheena likes hearts and flowers. I remember one time Maria and I was coloring a picture of a girl. I was going to give that picture to Cosmo, but Maria beat me to it. I still gave it to her, and Cosmo told me "I like Maria's better. Your's ugly Jessie! *smiles*" I liked how she was being honest, because I've got to admit, Maria's picture was better than mine. Haha! Shubeendu and Alex told me that they're going on a field soon to Lake Elizabeth for a BBQ. They said that they can't wait to see their own friend that used to go to Washington. I found this amazing because they still remember who was a good friend of theirs' after a long period of time, which makes me want to be there for them more. To let them know they do have someone else as well.

Bryan was taking a picture for us, and he told us to say on three, "Washington!"

Shubeendu's getting off track. 

Cosmo is drawing while Alxea and Isabel are talking. 

Marjan and Allison talking while Alxea and Isabel are laughing. 

Sheena drew a picture for Maria.

Sheena drew a picture for Marjan!

Cosmo drew me a picture! 

Sheena and I were ready for the picture, except for Isabel, Maria, and Cosmo.

Gaining Independence

I never expected to learn as much as I did by helping out with Special Ed Students right here on Washington High School's campus. It was a great opportunity to learn in general, as well as to learn more about the Special Ed Students. I truly recommend this to Washington High School Students and hope that they some how are able to one day take time out of their schedules to really get to know these students. As well as I encourage this to students, I too was once unaware of the special Ed students. I was also unaware of how much I could learn by only visiting a couple hours a week. Sacrificing time to work with these students was more than benificial.

I believe that sometimes these Special Ed students are perceived as incapable of learning or being unintelligent. But from the experiences I had encountered the last couple of weeks, I have learned that these students are not only capable of learning how to become independent but, they are very intelligent. They are more than capable of  learning, but they just need a little guidance and assistance. Teachers, like Mrs. Deleon, teach these students how to become independent by getting them involved in various everyday lifestyle activities, such as cooking, recycling and shopping.

Everyday these students walk to the"Hub", down the street from Washington High School, where they learn the value of money and how to spend it wisely. They learn how to properly shop, only buying the things that fit in their price range. On Fridays these Students go around Washington campus recycling. Doing this activity helps them gain a perspective on the environment. Another activity these students participate in is cooking for Mrs. Bauers family living class, which from what they told me, is an enjoyable experience. All these lessons not only give these students productive and enjoyable experience, but also it teaches these students what independence is all about. I believe that these weekly routines help makes teaching these student alot easier, more fun and more effective.

Here I Am, Teaching Junior High Kids Again

While the kids are off to play, they left their stuff behind for me to watch over.

Randy (left) and Raymond (right) were just doing some weird dance moves, however it looks like they are just running in place.

So last week I went to Walters Jr. High to volunteer at the homework program they have there. I was shot down to volunteer at Brier Elementary's Bronco Brainiacs program since when I went to ask if they needed an extra volunteer, they said they had enough workers for today. So I went to my second choice, back to Walters it is for me. I didn't really mind since after all, Walters was close to my dad's house and my brothers go to Walters for school. Not to mention my brothers also went to the program. Once again I chose to tutor kids and help them with their homework because I believe that in some communities, there are some children who are unable to get a private tutor or to sign up in learning programs due to financial issues. I feel that by volunteering at after school programs that are free, communities will acknowledge the need for after school programs which all students are able to participate and join without a worry about money or time.

So when I got rejected from Brier, I just headed straight to Walters. Of course, I wasn't really in the mood to really deal with middle school kids due to the hectic weather today with it being sunny to then cloudy, and then sunny again. To makes things even better, it began to drizzle as well and I had to to fight the wind with my umbrella, while also preventing my umbrella from flying off. When I arrived at Walters, I checked in and was glad that I was indoors. However, by the time I reached to the classroom where the kids were at, the sun was out again and the kids wanted to go to the patios to do their homework. Outdoors again...joy. Just perfect. So I went outside with my brothers, Randy and Raymond, to help them with their homework. Most of the students went to patio 3, just a regular patio with concrete, and I didn't want to ask why the kids took off their shoes to play around. I didn't bother to ask my brothers when they decided to take off their shoes as well to join their friends by running around on the smooth concrete. After playing, my brothers and I settled down to start on their homework. They asked how school was and I just gave them the usual answer, "Same as always." Eventually I started to look around, there weren't that many volunteers today. It's most likely due to the weather. Well, I don't blame them, I actually wanted to go home since it was windy despite it was sunny, but I sucked it up. The other volunteers looked bored, cold, and very uninterested in what the kids said. In my perspective, they just wanted to get the hours and get out of this school as soon as possible. Despite how cold I was, at least I cared at what the kids said and paid attention to them. It seems some people would rather get things done and over with for their own needs than to make a difference.

While working, some 8th grade students came up to me and asked, "Is high exactly like what you see on TV? Seniors shoving freshmen into lockers or dumping them in the toilets?" I didn't blame her for asking. TV tends to exaggerate things, but I didn't blame her for being worried since she was going to be a freshman this fall. So I reassured her that it wasn't, that TV just exaggerates things for entertainment purposes. However I did warn her not to get in a group of wrong people because it might lead to her own downfall in high school. And taking note of her facial expression, I guessed that she took note of my advice. Some other 8th grade girls came up to me and started asking me advice on dating or prom or things that they didn't even need to worry about yet. It made me feel old and different since currently all these girls are "dating." I put dating in quotes because these young girls were only in junior high and they don't really know what "dating" is. Sometimes I see them just holding hands with their boyfriend or hugging, that's it. But I decided to answer their questions when one girl asked me, "Should I be worried about getting a prom date when I get into high school?" I wanted to laugh since prom wasn't until junior year/senior year, yet she's worried about it only when she was going to be a freshman in autumn. I answered back, "Well in my opinion, I wouldn't worry about that until you're in the 11th grade or 12th, so until then, don't worry about it. And you girls aren't really dating until that guy actually takes you somewhere on a date. Holding hands and hugging do not count in my opinion." The girls looked lost, most likely because they probably asked the same questions to other volunteers and my answer was different from theirs. But it felt great giving advice, I felt like I was teaching the next generation some things about life as well as helping them academically.

In the end, it was getting dark due to the cloudy to sunny to drizzling weather, the pictures I took came out to look pretty dark. But I felt great in the end because I managed to give girls some advice for high school and I managed to ease their fears too since they kept on hearing stories and rumors about what happens to freshmen in high school. It definitely felt good, I felt like a counselor, but instead of the regular school counselors that you would see in schools, I was more like a counselor that they could relate to, someone close to their age in a sense. When I was leaving with my brothers, some of the other volunteers looked at me and asked me why I was interacting with the students while helping them with their homework. It probably sounds back from an outside perspective, that I'm distracting the kids rather than helping them. However, I learned that once you interact with them, you begin to understand their way of thinking and you can teach them things that may be helpful in the future like giving them a slight jump start on algebra one for the future 8th graders or a slight glimpse of what the high school schedule is like for incoming freshmen. This volunteering event made me feel like I made a difference. Hopefully I can get into Brier Elementary's Bronco Brainics for the fourth blog post because I really want to experience working there.

New Neighborhood

Lobby where the residents hang out

So I went to volunteer for my 3rd time at the Aegis Living Senior Home. I have been enjoying the experiences that I have went through so far because, for me, it feels so different from doing my everyday routine. When we first signed up for this volunteer services I realized that a majority of the days we would have to volunteer on Saturday mornings, from 9-12pm. At first, honestly, I was a little bummed because Saturdays were the only day basically for me to sleep in. After my first two times of going to volunteer at this home, I now enjoy waking up and going to a place that is worth it. Everyone is so polite and helps you whenever you are stuck. The workers are so happy to see volunteers come and interact with the residents. This time when I went to volunteer, one of the workers said she was very surprised to see all of these teenagers coming to help out because she thought they wouldn't like wasting their time in a senior home. This place is well worth waking up in the morning and volunteering!

Since my partner, Cristel, couldn't make it this Saturday because she had NCS for track (which she did amazing in!) I went to volunteer by myself for the first time.I wasn't really nervous because like I said earlier everyone there is so nice and they make you feel welcome. Since I already had experience with leading the residents in their morning exercise, the activity director sent me to another building which they called "Neighborhood 2" where I led the exercise with another volunteer. It was really fun because I got to interact with new residents because it was a different building. These residents were suffering from harsher dementia then "Neighborhood 1" residents so they were not as cooperative but they still sat in the exercise circle and watched us to the exercises. After that, we did a little sing-a-long with the same residents, and did some puzzles and bingo.

Volunteering here has really helped me with getting out of my old routine of doing nothing on Saturdays. I get up and volunteer and start my day bright and early. Interacting with the residents is something that I enjoy most about this experience. The stories that they have to tell are amazing and they really take you back in time and it is so interesting for me to know about what they went through when they were my age! I really enjoy this place and look forward to going again and having new memories made. One thing that is a downfall in this volunteering experience is just that fact that none of the residents remember us by the time we go back to volunteer. Their short term memory does not get encoded into their brain to be stored as long term memory so they probably wouldn't remember us if we went back an hour later. This is something that is sad about this experience because while I am there for the 3 hours I get to interact and share stories with the residents, but I go back and they share the same stories again. It is still a wonderful experience and I am really glad I did it! :)

And I forgot to bring my camera with me when they took me to the other building so I couldn't get any pictures with the new residents, so that's why I only have one of the front lobby!

Bras for the cause walk

For my first two volunteering experiences i sold cupcakes,brownies,and other treats to raise money for research for breast cancer. This money will help go toward finding a cure for the disease that that is spreading very rapidly. A few days ago i was at it again selling items again but this was different because after I was going to walk a 5k with some employees too support everyone's effort. Some of my mothers co-workers whom i have come come to be close friends with also were planning to do the walk with me so i was looking forward to the walk after a day of selling to raise money. 

I started to sell and sure enough everyone started to come up and ask what i was there for and to help out. I sold almost all my items in 3 hours which was faster then usual. I made 300 hundred dollars and turned it in to the boss. She was so proud and happy but than started to tear up. I asked what was wrong and found out her grandmother had just passed away from this horrible disease. She got her composure back and we got ready to do the 5k. I have a lot of respect for her because she is fighting against the evil that killed her family member The walk was at night at weaved through all of Pleasanton. We stretched out and got ready to go. As we began cars began honking and local residents were cheering and even gave high fives to everyone walking by. There was a lot of emotion in the air and you could tell that lots of people and their families are being affected by this disease. Witch made it even more rewarding to be there.

We started the walk around 8 and ended it at 930. We were exhausted but managed to get to the car and replenish out waters and drive home. I think the most rewarding part if this experience is getting recognized for the hard work you did. It always feels good to help but high fives are always appreciated. When a disease such as breast cancer happens it is especially difficult because there are so many brave women fighting it and there is still no known cure. That is another reason i feel my work is helpful because i am raising money to hopefully find a cure which could possibly save one of my family members and countless others.

Field trip 2 SFO

Field trip 2 SFO

 For, My last equity project, I went at the same place where I volunteered in the past. It was really nice experience by helping those who need our help in day-to-day life. As I entered into Ms.Juliana's class, I felt really happy because, I loved helping this people very much. As I started working on Tuesday, Ms.Juliana got made that all the tutors and their tutees sit near by each other so, We all had to get up and move as, I statred teaching Rafiullah and Sajjad, We got a lot of fun. I loved the way Sajjad read today.. lol... It was like half english and half hindi. He didn't knew few words, same as me while, He used to tell Ms.Juliana, "this tutor is not good, she dosen't know anything, change her" but, Rafi in other hand,"don't change her i like how she teaches me by hitting me saying bad words in my language". We played around like this but, Ms.Juliana never found out. She was all ok with it because, This week and next week are our last day of tutoring and we are dine until, next year. 

 As time passed she gave me and other tutee Field Trip form as said that she was taking ELD kids and us on a field trip. It was really nice way of her Thanking us in such a way by taking us on a field trip a long with others. The surprising thing was, it was only 2 tutees while, others were ELD kids. It waas really fun, first we went to china town and later, SFO museum. I think in this field trip we really got closure to each other. the most fun thing was that we wen on a BART so, all the people were ok in the morning having their own fun by listening to songs, playing games, making fun of each other. At time we got back the whole BART was full so few people sat down and few of us stood up all the way to Fremont but, it was really fun field trip I ever had. We bought equity by Staying close to each other and helping each other by talking to our guidance and translating some stories and things people said. 

 This field trip have been very successful for us and others. I will wait for this opportunity for next year..lol... hahaha. I really thank all of them for including us in their own field trip. 

As Harmeet wanted me to take picture with Rafi's brother.

Me and Harmeet at China town. 

 
As I was getting mad at sajjad because, he wasn't reading correctly my friend took the picture and told me to tell my teacher. How bad i teach him by screaming at him.

 on the TOP Me and Harmeet entering first store we liked.

Left: waiting foe stupid Raffi.

Raffi told me to take a picture with his two siblings as he said, "they r all yours, my girl".

Helping Those Who Help

Last week I spent my final day at Viola Blythe with Chen Valdez. We mainly separated food and picked up some rice, which wasn't the most rewarding at first. However, once we had finished a couple of people had come in to collect the food to bring home to their families. The feeling of knowing that we took part in feeding a family in need gave a warm feeling. Surely a feeling that anybody doing this project would understand. I feel with thought shelters and programs like this one, we can make problem like world hunger end. However the first step to making that happen is by making a change in our own community. I hope to someday see that everybody in this world can be able to feed their body with the essential nutrients of life so that they can get beyond that struggle for hunger and focus on other improvement. Working on this project has make me thankful for not only having the life I have, but for being given the ability to make a difference in somebody else's life too.

I've decided that for my final volunteering I will try to work at a place that focuses on the same issue but has a different approach. I'm not sure were to find a place like this but even if I cannot I would be happy to return to Viola Blythe and possibly help of some familiar faces. Now that the Equity Project is coming to an end, I'm glad that it is something to have taken part in. I think reading my peers blog posts has also made me aware of problems that I didn't even know were present.The trend that has been reoccurring through them all is so obvious that I almost over-looked it. None of these "problems" can be fixed if we as individuals don't voice them and put our hands to work. These two things are both opportunities that every person is given in America, so we might as well take advantage of it. Helping others will never go unrecognized. This project had taught me a lot about socials issue, but it has taught me even more about how to approach them. Equity may be a difficult thing to grasp, but it should never been considered as too far away either.

Weeding Out the Problems

(look at my title, aren't I so clever? ohoho)

The time came again last Saturday for Equity 03 (I should really get started on 02, shouldn't i?) , so Zoë, Auriana, Corrina, and I all trooped back to the Tule Ponds for more weed pulling. The supervisor/bearded dude (Brandon, we learned) didn't really have much for us to do, so he put us back on the same hill from last week to finish our work. It was pretty fun, like last time, though I was still baffled by my choice to wear pants instead of shorts. Watch, next time I"ll wear shorts and we'll be stuck in some thorny balckberry bush again.

Zoë and me working hard~

This time the work was easier, since we had gotten the hang of it from the week before. We made a little game of sorts with the weeds, since the weed bin was at the bottom of the hill. We would dig up a weed, and then make everyone stop and watch while we tried to throw it in to the bucket. I think we all learned that we have pretty bad aim. But aside from that, the conversations were interesting, the work was satisfying, the ducks were friendly, and by the time we finished I was feeling pretty good.

All of us after finishing our work

Aaaaand a less flattering shot 

 We had a lot of time after we finished working to wait to be picked up, in which we pretty much messed around with Corrina's camera and reflected on the project. I still feel like the work we're doing each week is rewarding and worth the effort to help the environment at the Tule Ponds, though I wonder if the supervisor/bearded dude/Brandon is even giving us jobs that mean something or he just doesn't want to do himself. It's still fun either way.

Free time+Camera