2008 Woodie Awards
Multicultural Affairs Minutes
James Lambert III
Issue date: 12/7/04 Section: Campus Life
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Since my freshman year I have been heavily involved in the community, representing myself and Assumption, but the feedback I receive from the public, alums and people formerly affiliated with the school is that Assumption has cut itself off. Assumption students used to become a part of society. Often you would see students at functions off-campus and at events advertised to the general public. Jason Grongden, a Worcester cab driver and great fan of the Greyhounds football team felt that Assumption students now "prefer to stay to themselves, distant from the outside and now unknown."
Though Mr. Grongden may be right about the unknown part, I for one don't believe or hope that AC students do not want to intermingle with the public. In most cases, students haven't experienced anything close to inner-city or urban life; as a result, they reject and fear the unknown. Not only is rejection the wrong mindset to have, but it also forms a subconscious prejudice towards the unfamiliar. The only way for students to rid their fears and ignorance is to break the barrier-become involved!
Many may desire to become involved but do not know what's out there, well. I'll tell you. For starters, kids need love! There are tons of after school and volunteering programs around Worcester that are in great need of role models for their youth. Many of these kids haven't been privileged enough to receive the one-on-one attention they need. Your impact could do a great deal for their confidence and self esteem. If you don't want to work with little kids because they drool and get snot everywhere, that's fine! There are high school teens in the area that need help enrolling in colleges and just want to know what's out there. Remember how afraid you were about college, the unknown; make their process a little easier by telling them some of your experiences. For more information about volunteering contact the Deborah Lynch at the Reach Out Center, ext. 7142.
If you do not want to involve yourself academically, that's cool too; you can volunteer recreationally. There's the Greendale and Main St. YMCA. You can teach others hoe to swim, lift weights, or play basketball. You can also take the authoritative roll and referee or coach a team. The recreation departments are very successful with their youth based sports programs. If you feel you have coaching talent and would like to climb up the ranks, where better to start?
Though Mr. Grongden may be right about the unknown part, I for one don't believe or hope that AC students do not want to intermingle with the public. In most cases, students haven't experienced anything close to inner-city or urban life; as a result, they reject and fear the unknown. Not only is rejection the wrong mindset to have, but it also forms a subconscious prejudice towards the unfamiliar. The only way for students to rid their fears and ignorance is to break the barrier-become involved!
Many may desire to become involved but do not know what's out there, well. I'll tell you. For starters, kids need love! There are tons of after school and volunteering programs around Worcester that are in great need of role models for their youth. Many of these kids haven't been privileged enough to receive the one-on-one attention they need. Your impact could do a great deal for their confidence and self esteem. If you don't want to work with little kids because they drool and get snot everywhere, that's fine! There are high school teens in the area that need help enrolling in colleges and just want to know what's out there. Remember how afraid you were about college, the unknown; make their process a little easier by telling them some of your experiences. For more information about volunteering contact the Deborah Lynch at the Reach Out Center, ext. 7142.
If you do not want to involve yourself academically, that's cool too; you can volunteer recreationally. There's the Greendale and Main St. YMCA. You can teach others hoe to swim, lift weights, or play basketball. You can also take the authoritative roll and referee or coach a team. The recreation departments are very successful with their youth based sports programs. If you feel you have coaching talent and would like to climb up the ranks, where better to start?