Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Improving Bonner

I am a first year bonner as well and I have seen some of the good things and some of the bad things that Bonner has. I love how welcoming everyone is and everybody really wants to get to know you if you are new. I love how Bonner helps us form relationships that are deeper than some of the other relationships outside of Bonner in the Stetson community. I do agree with Courtney that the CLA's need to be a bit more broad than what they are now. Thankfully my CLA allowes me to work with different sites. I only wish that other students that cannot get all of their hours in at one site can combine different sites if they are related in some way. One thing that I would love to see more of is more Bonner fun time. The Bonner community is not always close and I would love to get to know some people better and to just relax with a group I know will except me for who I am and will not judge me. One thing is for sure, the Bonner community anywhere needs to know that it is okay to make mistakes. Mistakes and failures are the best things for foundations. They help the foundation learn and grow from those mistakes and keep going. If something does not turn out right than you need to get up and brush the dirt up and try again or adjust to make it better.

Improving Bonner

As one of the Senior Interns for this year, I've noticed that a lot of the changes being made in Bonner take place at the administrative level. The only problem with this, however, is that real - and perhaps most importantly - sustainable change only occurs when the majority of a program becomes involved in the process. It's one thing for the Lead Team, Senior Interns, and Coordinator to specify and address certain issues, but I think it's necessary to take this system one step further and really engage all of Bonner in the decision making process. Unfortunately, there's one very problematic component of a "majority rules" and/or "all or nothing" philosophy: someone always feels left out, rejected, belittled, or discouraged when all is said and done. I know this outlook is perhaps a little too cynical, but sometimes that's the most efficient way to be realistic. However, if we are to better Stetson's program and continue moving it forward, the program itself (meaning those who compose it and run it) must be amenable to an intense amount of evaluation and critique. It's one thing for schools across the nation (or perhaps more appropriately, the NE)to say that Stetson's got it all figured out - it's another thing for us to live up to such a claim year after year. For example, we talk consistently about the importance of long-term, meaningful relationships with our community partners, but we tend to fall short when creating those relationships in our own program. How do we encourage such relationships without forcing friendships? How do we teach our Bonners about the importance of such communal relationships if they are not first taking place within our own Bonner family? Personally speaking, I don't know if these are "fixable" problems per se, but I do think they are problems deserving of the aforesaid (all encompassing) input from those who make Bonner the amazing program it is. Issues related to CLAs, relationships, cornerstone activities, and the like will not be resolved within the confines of a one hour meeting nor will they evaporate or disintegrate as a result of blissful ignorance and/or avoidance. Taking on the challenge of synthesizing everyone's view points is a taxing endeavor we must be willing to take on if our program is to maintain the enduring legacy of which I know it's capable.

Improving Bonner

Firstly, I want to say that what Zack posted is completely correct. If the Bonner Foundation plateaus with the school we currently incorporate then how are we expected to grow and become more affective? Secondly, I feel as though even though Bonner has joined the 21st century in a strong way with blogs, wikis, twitters, and a myriad of other technologies, the things that we really need have not been completely given to us. For example, if we had a mobile application in which we could log hours into BWBRS I am sure it would significantly increase the amount of hours logged, and the amount of hours that are accurately logged. I also feel as though there needs to be more communication between strong Bonner schools and fledgling Bonner schools. As the Bonner National Advisory Board has been implemented for some of this reason I feel like the only way for real growth is trial and error. Obviously a larger, stronger Bonner program like Stetson's has had it's fair share of trial and error and if we cannot pass this knowledge off to others then there is no reason for communication whatsoever. We need to be able to help our fellow Bonner schools.
Finally I think the Bonner Foundation needs to always have reachable. realistic goals. It is great to aim high, in fact it is what everyone should do, but aiming too high for some things can end up being simply deflating. We have been very good about our goals setting, but now that we are becoming a strong national movement we need to make sure to keep our heads on straight, as well as humble.
-Jack

Monday, February 22, 2010

Improving Bonner

First and foremost, the Bonner Program needs to come through on any outstanding commitments to endow Bonner schools that excel. It is necessary to make sure a solid foundation is laid with the current Bonner programs across the country. Once that is done, it is important to spread the Bonner name to other parts of the country. Bonner programs are clustered in the northeast and south along the AT. There are too few programs in the Midwest and even fewer across the West. The Bonner model is something that can be exported across the country. Teaching a life of service learning, community and civic engagment, and taking ownership of and pride in one's community is the best means by which community growth occurs.

Bonner Improvements

As a first-year Bonner student I don't know a lot of the inner-workings of Bonner yet. However, I have a good idea of the first impressions that Bonner puts out. I think that this is one of the most important issues for the Stetson Bonner program to overcome. There needs to be more uniformity between leaders in the program in the sense that everyone has the right idea if they were asked questions. Sometimes I'll get three different answers from different people regarding a question.
I think that Bonner is a very effective organization on campus; however, it would be more beneficial to get our name more integrated into the school. I would like to see every student at Stetson know about the Bonner program and the great work it does. Also, I would like every person in this community to know about the Bonner program; and not just the community partners. If our organization is more known in the community then it is better for us to get support and to learn about new opportunities.
Finally, I think that Bonner needs to expand CLAs to more than just one location. For instance, while I work with the Coalition to End Homelessness there is often times not enough need for a student to get 8 hours of service there a week. In this case, we need to expand CLAs to incorporate more areas that may also help the same initiative. I understand that the goal is to build a relationship between the student and the community and ultimately the school and the community partner but it is hard to get so many hours for a CLA when the organizations already have outside volunteers or limited availability.
Ultimately, Bonner is a pretty smooth running organization and I love it. However, there are things that can be improved. :)

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

On The Topic of Race

Ya know it is a funny thing. I've never dealt with a ton of discrimination either against me or against people of race that I know. I guess I've been brought up in a pretty accepting personal culture. At least that's how I remember it. Maybe I'm just good at blocking out atrocities or something...possible but not plausible. We live in a pretty accepting culture now on the whole though there are still imbeciles who decide that racism and bigotry are their weapons of choice. Anyway, to hop down of that soapbox, I have had one experience with..color selection? I don't really know how to put it. While applying to colleges I was accepted to one and I told a friend who wanted to go where I was and he applied. This friend is of Indian decent and was immediately accepted on what he called the "brown" scholarship. It didn't really miff me that he got accepted so quickly, it's actually a great thing, but it was a little weird that I had based my entire high school career of potential college acceptance (not that he hadn't) and he was easily accepted. I do think this is a good thing though. I feel as though even if colleges are more accepting just for number reasons it still gives people a chance at college. Anyway. Before I get off here I wanted to post the poster for the Haiti relief show on Saturday. Try and come out! It will be great! (click to enlarge it)

Monday, February 15, 2010

Reflections on the Life of a Senior

As the end of the semester and yes, my undergraduate experience, come to an end, I would like to use the Bonner Blog as a way of sharing some of my thoughts and wisdom (yes, you gain a little wisdom after four years!) with you.

I am looking forward to heading back to Iowa over spring break. It will be nice to get out of this horrible Florida weather and get back to real cold and snow. And it will be nice to formally hit the campaign trail. I plan on meeting with many individuals and groups and spending a day in Des Moines to file my paperwork and meeting with party and legislative leaders.

I am happy and pleased with my Stetson experience. It has afforded me so many wonderful opportunities. But I am not and will not be sad when I walk across the stage, receive my diploma, pack up the car, and head home. And I would encourage each of you to do the same. Don't be sad. There is no reason to be sad. Don't be sad if you're graduating and moving on to the next stage in life. And don't be sad if you're an underclassman who feels like you're losing 'all of your friends.' Use this as an opportunity to reflect: look back at the ups and downs, the good times and the bad, the triumphs and failures. Don't be an idiot. Don't get caught in bad habits. In the words of the great philosophers in Wedding Crashers; "No excuses; play like a champ." Take lessons from these experiences and use them to be a better person.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Diversity Day

Yesterday I participated in Diversity Day on campus and was surprised at the experiences some people talked about during the discussion in the "The Color of Fear" workshop. In the morning we watched the movie "The Color of Fear" during the opening session and then at 1:30 there was a discussion on the movie where we could voice our opinion about what the people talked about and how we feel about racism in today's society. During the discussion I was inspired by what so many people said. I saw the movie and was concerned that the one guy did not want to accept the fact that the other people's lives were hard and complicated because of their skin tone. Some people really got into the discussion and came up with some interesting points. One person said "you give power to the white supremesist by changing to be like them". I was glad that someone was able to point that out and be very intelligent about that.

Diversity Day was inspiring and educating. I was so happy that people had the opportunity and the courage to speak their mind and tell everyone how they feel when they are being stereotyped and judged because of their race. I hope that everyone learned something and use it everyday. I learned that everyone has their own experience with racism and we all agree that to be America does not mean that you have to be white. We all agreed that you do not have to assimilate and that all you have to do is be yourself and let other people except you for who you are.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

On Diversity Day

As part of a Lead Team gathering and in support of Tung, I attended this morning's discussion featuring a panel of three foreign-born students. From my understanding, the goal of today's exercise was to allow the three panelists to discuss their experiences coming to America, language barriers and transition, and assimilation into a new culture. I was very happy with the three students on the panel. Unfortunately, I had not met the two gals on the panel (though, of course, I know Tung...he's the man!). And, unfortunately, I was a little disappointed that the German professor 'facilitating' the discussion took charge as much as she did and that she allowed so many in the crowd to speak. I understand that it is meant to be a discussion, but no one in the audience came to hear what I had to say...they came to hear Tung and the other panelists discuss their experiences. I want to thank Tung for his willingness to appear and for doing such a fine job, and at the same time I want to apologize to him for hijacking his panel.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Our Deepest Fear

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

I know what you're thinking... goodness tiff pick a longer quotation why don't you! =) This was given as a speech by Nelson Mandela, but was actually written by Marianne Williamson. It inspires me to push myself and to reach for the goals others see as completely out of reach. I cannot change the world unless I accept the purpose of my life and, as former President Lee would say, "let my life speak". I hope my life speaks to you, because your lives speak to me. So I challange anyone who reads this: be brilliant; be gorgeous; be talented; and be fabulous.

Thoughts About This Haiti Situation

I feel like I should talk about Haiti. No, I didn't get to go to Hearts For Haiti but I'm sure it was great. I've been working on a separate Haiti benefit thing with the great Heather Grove and Colleen Mulholland and not that I missed HTH in contempt or anything, I just wasn't able to make it. But this leads me to a problem. It seems like there's 23678021857 different people trying to organize some kind of thing for Haiti, which rocks, but it just seems clunky. Some people seem to be doing it just for the 'oh he's a good guy' kind of thing, and some people seem to be doing it for the right reason. But shouldn't we all be working together? I'm glad to say that now the event the three of us are working on is going to be a collaboration, and I know there was a Haiti planning meeting thing, that had dismal turnout, but really it seems like there should be some rally point on things like this. Maybe I'm wrong, but power in numbers holds true now and then...especially when asking for money and such. I know you're thinking "well then Jack, why don't you go out there and bring everyone together for a big hug?", and you may not have been thinking that at all, but I'm assuming you are. And truthfully, I don't even know how many people/who are doing what. Anyway, that's my little thought for the week. In synopsis: work together! It get's things done. Also, come checkout the event we're working on. It's going to happen on February 20th at daVinci at 9pm. My band (Of Land And Sea) along with Amelia Sage, Dish, and South Paw Jr. will be playing. I think there's going to be even more excitement to the night, but I'll find out once the Haiti groups collaborate! Oh yeah, haha Noel got pied.

American Beauty

Just last week I watched the movie American Beauty. I have seen it a few times before, but not for a while. I really enjoy this movie because it shows that no matter what people see on the outside there is something much deeper going on, on the inside of a person. Society teaches us to see how people are by what the wear, the way they act, and what they look like. It seems a little cliché saying that everyone has their own inner beauty, but it is true in many ways. Almost every character in the movie had something to hide. As the movie progressed all of these hidden things were revealed on the same night and it ended in something catastrophic. Because of what society had taught them, they were afraid to reveal what they really felt and who they really were. What society may view as flaws in a person, I view as strengths. I feel that everyone has certain strengths that increase who they are as a person. We use these strengths everyday, and most likely at our service sites. Everyone is given these strengths for a reason and should be putting them to good use. In relation to social justice, I feel that if everyone in society uses their strengths together it will create a more harmonious society. If people were not afraid to reveal their true selves society today might be kinder to people who are considered “different”. Last year I read Meditations by Marcus Aurelius and found this quote:

"Look beneath the surface: never let a thing's intrinsic quality escape you."

This sticks with me for most of the day, and reminds me to be less quick to judge.

Noel's Thoughts on "Hearts For Haiti"

I attended "Hearts for Haiti" to table with my sorority. We were doing "Pie a Pi Phi" and I was, unfortunately, the only one willing to get pied. I ended up spending the majority of the time either cleaning whipped cream off of my face (and out of my hair) or sitting and watching the people walking around. I feel like there could have been a much better showing of people than there were, but overall it was a good experience. It just goes to show that people do enjoy helping. At the same time, though, we are sending hundreds of thousands of dollars to Haiti when we could be using it on important issues here. I am all for helping other, please don't get me wrong, but I feel like groups tabling AND setting up booths at Hearts for Haiti is a bit excessive. Overall, a very fun and enjoyable experience! It's good to see everyone coming together like that.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

First Blog!

My main community partner this year is Florence Thuot, owner of Journey's End Animal Sanctuary. She is 83 years old, and I have learned so much from spending time with her.

I have always been one to "judge a book by its cover" (something i am still working on), and often times, it is very hard for me to break out of that. I know I limit myself in that way. Working with Florence, I have gotten to know her very well and she has become like family to me. She is a person from whom i have much to learn in the ways to taking care of people, or animals in need. Before she began rescuing animals, she would frequently bring people home off of that streets and fed and clothed them until they got back on their feet. There have been many times when i have called to check on her over the weekend to see how things are going and ended up talking for an hour, just about life in general. I know that she is someone who i can go to about anything. Being around her has taught me that i should never assume that i would not befriend someone simply because they do not fit the typical "friend profile" (whatever that may be). If it had not been for Bonner, I would never have gotten to know Florence and made such an amazing friend. I know that the relationship that I have developed with her will be one that lasts far past college and Bonner.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Lessons Learned

I am lucky to be able to work with more than one community angency in DeLand. I work with three instead. I have seen a lot in my short time there though. I never worked at such places before and it is touching to become close with the people running the angency and those getting help from the angency. I know that the one's getting help are animals but you can learn from them too. I have learned that the smallest gestures can make all the difference. For me, I work with animals who are sick, lonely, abandoned, and some that are potential guide dogs ready to help someone in need. I do the small things such as bathe and love on an animal. I remember one time when I went to Journeys End and I found that the most stubborn horse trusted me so much that it was unbelievable to everyone there. I was walking one horse to his stable so that we could start brushing them down and Raffy, the leader of the pack, just followed us all the way to the stables. By the time I had the horse I was leading in his stall, Raffy was by his own stall. All I had to do was point to the stall and he walked in. I never thought that this horse would trust me as much as he did right then. It goes to show you that animals can be polite and loyal as long as you take the time to show them you care and that you do not want to hurt them.

Valuable Lessons

Throughout my time in the Bonner Program, I have learned many lessons and skills. The one that continues to come up is the importance of patience. Currently, I am volunteering at Woodward Elementary and Journey's End. Although these two places are quite different from each other, patience is a must for making a true difference. At Woodward, for example, the ability to properly help the students reach their full potential only comes with a patient attitude. The same is true at Journey's End. When working with the animals, it is important to be sensitive to the fact the many of the animals have been abused or have some sort of illness. Therefore, it is necessary to be patient with the animals in order to give them the proper attention that they deserve. Patience is something that is important for many areas of life, but through my service with my community partners, I have learned that patience is very important for making a true difference in the life of another.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Reflections

It's hard to pin-point specific things that I've learned so far while working with the DeLand community partners. It's not necessarily just one piece of advice that I was given or a lesson that someone taught me, it's more like a piece of the community that was given to me. For instance, I've never been a patient person. The only time I can really sit still and wait is when I'm sitting on a bank fishing. However, last semester when tutoring kindergarten students at Woodward Elementary school I learned how to be patient, very patient. It's not that it's a tenuous job, or even very complicated but the effort that you have to put into making a child see excitement in learning is more than you can imagine. So something I might not even be passionate about, teaching children to read, I've learned is something to be passionate about, if not for my sake than for the sake of those I'm helping.
These days I've found a community partner I enjoy working with and while I find good things in all that they want me to do, I've come to learn that some of the most menial jobs in my opinion are the most drastic jobs for them. If it weren't for those who are willing to do the dirty work and pay attention to nitty, gritty details there would be no successful operations.

Valuable Lessons

I'm not 100% sure I can expand upon this, but if I've learned one huge thing from my CLAs it's actually two things. Firstly, everyone can do great things. Everyone is capable of finishing tasks, doing great work, and impressing others. Everyone is valuable. I've often met people within my work that have annoyed me to no end, but coming to the realization that they are simply doing what they need to get by can help you give them the leeway to be civil and maybe even friendly with that person. Not really sure if that makes sense, but I guess the bottom line is that you should always be open to working with others even if you don't mesh well with them. This leads me to the second thing I've learned. Though it sounds broad, I've learned you need to respect everything. Sure that sounds all hippyish and even kind of dumb but what has that person you don't mesh with done to aggravate you, really? What has the dog locked in a cage done to you? Probably nothing. Show everything some respect and try to put yourselves in their places. We're all so lucky to be where we are and should hope that others could have the opportunities that we do. I don't know where I'm going with this. Have a good week!
(upon reflecting on this I sound like a kindergarten teacher but whatever, you win some you lose some.)
(p.s. Why is it kindergarten not kindergarden? It really basically is a garden of babies just waiting to be grown up!)

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Reflections on Our Conversation with Justice Clarence Thomas

Tuesday, February 02, 2010, should forever be marked in the history books of Stetson University. President Libby, upon presenting Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree, remarked that Monday evening’s private dinner with Justice Thomas was among the best professional experiences of her career in academia. I could not agree more. Stetson would be hard-pressed to present students, faculty, and guests with a better event than the event that was held on Tuesday.

Clarence Thomas has a “made-for-TV” life story. Raised in the segregated South by his formative grandfather, Thomas largely self-educated himself through high school. Thomas grew up in rural Savannah, Georgia, in extreme poverty. The poverty in his community did not dent the pride, patriotism, and happiness of residents. They didn’t have money or material possessions, but these were not requisites for a good life. Thomas’ memoir, entitled My Grandfather’s Son, recounts his life story.

As Thomas mentioned during our discussion today, having to leave the South to attend college (and subsequently law school) was a very tough decision and something he greatly regrets. This point really resonated with me. I do not for one minute regret my decision to come to Stetson. I have received an amazing education, had many unimaginable experiences, and am well equipped for the future. However, leaving Iowa, my home, was difficult. I look forward to the opportunity to return to Iowa soon to live and work with the people I love most.

I have been looking forward to this opportunity from the moment it was announced. I contacted my former colleagues at The Federalist Society regarding the event, and one of them responded with the following comment: “He’s a wonderful man, very humble, gregarious, good natured. Loves spending time with students.” I could not agree more. What a genuine, gracious, kind, and caring gentleman. I do not get emotional that often, but I found it difficult at times to suppress my feelings. Justice Thomas made real the law and legal decision making in a way I’ve never experienced. Expressing his respect for district court judges and magistrates, Thomas said that his job was easy because he simply second and third guesses other judges opinions. He found the job of the district judge immensely difficult; imagine having to sentence someone to thirty years or life in prison; how about sentencing someone to death? This must surely be a heart wrenching decision, but one that must be made outside of empathy and personal preference and solely inside the realm of the law.

Justice Thomas fervently rejects being labeled or boxed in to a set of expectations. He is black. He is Catholic. But he is also a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. The former two should not and do not, in his mind, play any role in interpreting the law. His story is beautiful, and he is as proud an American as I’ve ever met. His support and reverence for the United States military is the hallmark of his patriotism.

I jotted down a host of questions to ask Justice Thomas in our private Q&A session, including the following:

Should law schools place a greater emphasis on statutory law as opposed to the current emphasis on case law?

What are your thoughts on abortion cases and the so-called privacy doctrine established in Griswold v. Connecticut?

You described your confirmation hearing in the following manner: “This is a circus, it’s a national disgrace, it is a high-tech lynching for uppity blacks who in any way dain to think for themselves. And it is a message that unless you kowtow to an old order, you will be lynched, destroyed, [and] caricatured by a committee of the U.S. Senate, rather than hung from a tree.” Do you think this comment turned the tide of your nomination?

What is the scope of and why did you dissent in Part IV of Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission?

However, for the sake of time, I decided to ask a question that was more meaningful to myself and, in my opinion, to Justice Thomas. It was a two part question, the more serious of which was the first: What was your experience and perception of the Midwest? And, of all the teams in college football, why do you like the Nebraska Cornhuskers? His response was much what I expected: the Midwest was a great place, with great people, and the place that launched his career. I think the second question kind of offended him! Haha.

Overall, I could not be happier with the day. I would like to thank the Apgar fund, Dean Ballenger, the Stetson College of Law, and Justice Clarence Thomas for organizing and putting on an event with such resounding success. I am so thankful and pleased to have had this opportunity. It is one which I will not soon forget.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Young Life Weekend Camp

First of all, let me fill you in on what Young Life is. It is an outreach organization the focuses on high school students. We make life long relationships with kids by going to them and listening to them. As a leader I run "club" every Monday night in which kids from the local high school come and participate in crazy games, sing top hit songs, and watch us leaders make fools of ourselves by performing in skits. Then, at the end of all of the craziness we talk for about 5 minutes about Jesus and what he means to us, and what he could potentially mean to the kids. Also, as a leader I mentor kids one-on-one. I give them what ever advice they need or simply hang out with them whenever they want. Here is a link to the website:

http://www.younglife.org/AboutYoungLife/

Two weekends ago I went to weekend camp. This is where kids can come and forget about everyday life and just have fun. We actually take their cell phones and any other electronics away from them, which at first they think is ridiculous, but then they realize how much they would have missed if they were on the phone the entire time. For example, at this particular camp there is a giant swing (a three-seater), something called "the flying squirrel" (this is where you climb up about 2 stories and jump); there are also 2 pools, one with a volleyball net and the other with a giant slide and diving board; there is also kayaking, a game room with pool, ping pong, ect. and a camp store and snack bar. This is where being a Young Life leader really pays off because I spend all weekend with the girls that attend camp and create great relationships them. I got to know some girls at camp the past weekend really well and have already had a great time going with them to Boston's and then their school basketball game. I can't wait to see how the semester turns out. Here is a picture from weekend camp of me and some of the girls on the giant swing. It doesn't look that high in this shot, but it starts out at about 3 stories up: