Graduating Testimonial

As a STARS student, STARS has helped me to achieve my basic skills in reading and math.  When I joined STARS I never knew it was going to be so helpful in my life, but now STARS has made big changes in my daily life.  Reading and math are essential to success.  At first, I thought it might be hard to get to be a better reader but, with the help of tutors and mentors, I realized that books are fun!  It helped me learn and gain valuable knowledge.

My personal thanks go to the tutors and mentors for the time they give in coming to help us in school.  It makes me so happy and I might even be a volunteer in my future life.  I am going, but I will always miss the huge smiles from Mrs. C, my tutors and mentors.  May God bless you for the great work you are doing.

Natalina

STARS Student

July 24, 2009

You are who you are for a reason

This was Natalina’s poem from the STARS Volunteer Appreciation dinner.

 

You are who you are for a reason.

You‘re a part of an intricate plan

You’re a precious and perfect unique design,

  Called God’s special woman or man

 

You look like you for a reason

Our God made no mistake,

He knit you together within STARS

 You’re just he wanted to make.

 

The heart you have was the one he chose.

And no matter how you may feel,

 It was custom-designed with God plan in mind,

And it Bear the master’s seal.

 

No, that trauma you faced was not easy.

And God wept that it hurt so,

But if was allowed to shape your heart,

So that in to his likeness you’d grow,

 

You are who you are for a reason,

You’ve been formed by the master’s rod.

You are who beloved.

Definition of a Tutor

This was Joshua’s presentation at the volunteer appreciation dinner last Wednesday.

The definition of a tutor is a person who is responsible for instructing another; another word for responsible is dependable. The thing that is so motivating about tutors is that it is not an obligation. You guys dedicated your time to help this age group of young men and women and stay consistent with your efforts and appearances. As students, we might not always be as studious as we should, but you all are aware of our adolescent ways and habits and do not allow sophomoric actions to interfere with the “big picture.” I’m new to the S.T.A.R.S. program but well acquainted with righteous people when I see and hear the helping of another. Mrs. Coliton is a great coordinator, all of y-all are wonderful instructors and I hope we all can be stars in your eyes.

Not Turning in Homework

This is extracted from a post on the Starswatcher site.

I’ve been reading on using new technology, specifically for education. And I came across a list of new excuses for not turning in homework – updated for the 21st century. This list was originally written by Scott McNealy.

10. Tech support for my PC was outsourced offshore.

9. I had to delete it to make room for my iTunes.

8. I’m still handwriting it. The MS Office license was too expensive.

7. I e-mailed it… didn’t you get it?

6. I couldn’t afford the HP ink cartridge.

5. It took too long to type on a regular keyboard. Can I text it to you instead?

4. The cut and paste keys on my keyboard are worn out (Google; cut; paste.)

3. I plan on “open sourcing” from the kid next to me.

2. I had a visit from the Blue Screen of Death.

1. The dog chewed up my laptop.

What’s In Your Pocket

This was sent to the volunteer site, but it is good reading for students.

“What’s in your pocket? Today, minimum wages are $6.16 per hour. Some job seekers are looking for first time jobs in the range of $10.00-$14.00 a hour. Hint: If you are just a high school graduate, you may be asking too much. Did you know that the food/hospitality industry has various wages. For example: IHOP may pay a food server, or food runner or waiter/waitress $3.08 a hour per day. You will need to earn a large sum of tip money from your customer by providing good, fast, kind, and polite customer service. Rosa Mexicano Restaurant may offer $4.50 a hour a day. Again, you will depend on tips from the customers you serve. Many of the other fast food establishments may offer $6.30 a hour or more. The fast food restaurants however do not have tips as a contributing factor in money being made. Why did I choose the food industry to write about? I chose this industry because for some young people, if you want to eat everyday and have money in your money daily plus a paycheck every week, the food industry is ideal for starters. Now, keep in mind that the food industry, hospitality and retail require flexibility from the worker. You may be scheduled Sunday through Saturday with 2 days off, not specifically with weekends off. But it is a start. The more training and education that you receive, the more money you can request at the interview. Today, the average college graduate can look to begin a new career in a new job with a minimum of $40,000.00 per year, this looks like $17.00-$22.00 per hour salary. Do find out more about salary and negotiating go to www.salary.com and compare!”

New Blog

This blog has been created for the students at the Woodland Job Corps Center STARS program.  Most of the posts will be coming from the students. Talk to Mrs. Coliton to set up a WordPress account and get authorized to post content to this blog.

Mentoring Awards

On Thursday a group of students and mentors went to the Anne Arundel County mentoring awards. Our own Tip Fallon was recognized as a finalist for mentor of the year.  After the awards we went to Fuddruckers for dinner.

 

 

STARS students and mentors