by givebackdv | Nov 17, 2021 | Scholars
We recently spoke with an exceptional Give Back Scholar named Lay Mu.
Lay is a Give Something Back Scholar currently attending Northern Illinois University. There, he plans to study nursing so that one day he can help people for a living. He is glad to be attending university in the United States — he says that where he is from “education lacks meaning and you can’t use it for anything.”
Lay is referring to the Karen refugee camp where he was born. The Karen are an ethnic group who are originally from southern Burma/Myanmar — though Lay’s family is part of a group who were forced to migrate to a refugee camp in Thailand.
The story of the Karen people was recently told through an art exhibition at Northern Illinois University — put together by their Center for Burma Studies. The exhibition’s full title was, The Art of Surviving: The Journey of the Karen Refugees in Illinois and ran from August 24 through November 12, 2021.
Lay told us his favorite part of the exhibit was a reduced-scale model of a house built by the Karen people. Lay assisted the artists with recreating the house to be similar to the one he used to live in. “The exhibit gives a voice to all the Karen refugees out there and what is currently happening to them,” Lay said.
Lay is very appreciative of the Give Something Back scholarship that has allowed him to attend NIU. “The moment I opened the letter, windows of opportunity opened and I had hope for my future,” he said.
Though he has big plans for that future, Lay is currently focusing on school. And he would advise other students to do the same: “Work hard on your studies. Life might seem to go slow, but believe it or not, it goes very fast. So go out there and learn and better yourself — and always give back.”
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Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Lay. We look forward to seeing your hard work pay off in the years to come!
by givebackdv | Aug 20, 2021 | Scholars
We recently spoke with a wonderful Give Back Scholar named Callie Walsh.
Callie Walsh is a Give Something Back Scholar from Lisle Senior High School, where she is involved in several clubs and organizations. She is the president of the Lisle High School Thespians Troupe as well as the Art Club, and also served as the director for a mental health and drug abuse awareness program called “Operation Snowball.” She said her biggest pastime is volunteering, and she is a teen leader through a local group called “Lisle Teens with Character.”
Like others her age, Callie enjoys hanging out with friends. She also loves to paint, and is currently working on an art portfolio about the future of energy. Her guilty pleasure is Star Trek — in fact, she recently visited the “future birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk” in Riverside, Iowa.
“Education is very important to me and my family, so naturally, I’ve always known I wanted to go to college. What I didn’t know was how I was going to do it. Life was not always kind to my family. When I was in the fifth grade, my mother was diagnosed with cancer. As I was the only other one in the household, I would help her get dressed and do other chores around the house. My mother, being the role model she is, stayed strong, and despite still suffering from chronic illnesses today, she IS cancer-free. In the seventh grade, my father went to jail for driving under the influence, which was very hard for me. I learned that this wasn’t even his first time being incarcerated.”
“I never allowed myself to dream of going to a four-year university because my family never had much money. I told myself I would live at home and go to community college for two years, all dependent on, of course, how much money I could save up. When I got the letter that I was accepted as a Give Something Back scholar, my entire world opened up. I could actually go off to college like my friends; I could stay in a dorm like all the girls do in the movies.”
Callie hopes to attend University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign next year to study agricultural and biological engineering. She would love to study abroad and participate in different types of research and internships.
“University of Illinois has so much to offer me and I could not be more excited to pursue a degree there. After college, I hope to travel and see the world. None of this could be possible without the Give Something Back scholarship. Thank you again, Mr. Carr, for everything. I am so honored to be a Mary Francis Carr award recipient.”
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Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Callie. We look forward to seeing your hard work pay off in the years to come!
by givebackdv | Aug 11, 2021 | Scholars
We recently spoke with a stellar Give Back alum named Ignacio “Nacho” Rios.
After finishing up at Joliet Central High School in Illinois, Ignacio moved on to Lewis University and recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science (though Lewis University recently redubbed the program as “Health and Human Performance”).
Afterward, he was accepted into the Post-Secondary Biomedical Program at Lewis and will be returning for three semesters to complete the curriculum. This program will fulfill his prerequisites for a physician assistant program. He’s aiming to apply for a physician program by 2023 which is his ultimate career goal.
After graduating this year, Ignacio has taken more time to reflect on how much the Give Something Back scholarship and organization have impacted his life and that of his family.
“Without this scholarship, my opportunities and experiences would have been much harder to achieve and obtain. I have been very fortunate with this scholarship and remind myself every day to take full advantage of what has been awarded to me. I truly cannot imagine my life without the people and the experiences this scholarship has allowed me to have. I never thought I would be the role model in my family. The first to graduate from a university,” he said.
Ignacio explained that he plans to ‘give back’ by speaking and mentoring through the scholarship, expressing how fortunate he has been to have amazing and motivated mentees so far.
His advice for other Give Back scholars?
“Take full advantage of the resources, connections, and of course the experiences that come with this scholarship. Do not hold back asking for help or questions. The family that is Give Back is here for us.”
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Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Ignacio. We look forward to seeing your hard work impact many young lives with dreams just like your own!
by givebackdv | Aug 17, 2020 | College Success, Scholars
Give Back is committed to supporting and informing students during these times of uncertainty. The COVID-19 Pandemic may make it impossible for colleges and schools to resume in-person learning in the fall. We want you to know that it is okay and normal to experience stress and anxiety. It would be best if you took care of yourself and your mental health. Here are some tips we learned from our successful mental health session, which recently took place at our Mid-Atlantic Summit.
Take breaks from the news and social media to clear your mind. Staying informed is vital. However, information overload can also cause anxiety, fear, and stress. Try to disconnect and relax whenever you can. Instead, talk with people that you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. In times of disconnect, it is essential to remember to stay connected with your loved ones and friends as much as possible. Send a text message, set up a group video call or create a fun mailing list, and reach out to stay connected.
Try to care for your body by eating a well-balanced meal. What you eat directly affects the function of your brain and your mood. Eat healthily and see how you feel after 2-3 weeks! You can also look after your body by exercising and practicing yoga. Yoga improves balance, strength, endurance, and aerobic capacity in youth. It can help foster creativity, flexibility, self-control, and discipline in academics, career, and interpersonal relationships during early to late teenage years.
Are you still feeling overwhelmed? Breathe and ground yourself. Grounding is a strategy that may distract you from what you are experiencing and focus on your mind, senses, and being kind to yourself. It anchors you and helps you calm down. Grounding creates space from distressing feelings and allows you to readdress the problem that is triggering any unpleasant emotions. If you still feel that you are on your own, giving back can help you feel reconnected to others and the world. Work on your mental health by making a difference. Time with animals boosts feelings of happiness. If you do not have a pet, volunteer at a shelter!
The ongoing pandemic has brought forth challenging times. You are not alone. We are together apart and with you.
These are free online resources to help students focus on their emotional wellbeing and cope with anxiety and stress:
National Suicide Prevention Line: Call the hotline at 1-800-283-TALK if you are experiencing emotional distress related to COVID-19.
Crisis Text Line: Text “Home” to 741741 when you are feeling sad, depressed, or going through any type of emotional crisis, a crisis worker will text you back immediately and continue to text you.
Calm: a free meditation app for beginners, but also includes programs for intermediate and advanced users. Its guided meditations range from 3 to 25 minutes.
DreamyKid: a free app offering meditation, guided visualization and affirmations for children and teens.
Headspace: a free app focusing on mindful awareness, relieving anxiety, and reducing stress.
by givebackdv | Aug 3, 2020 | Scholars
Applying to a job or an internship can be daunting, beginning with polishing a CV, cultivating your online presence, not to mention combing through job listings to see what fits your interests and skills.
Give Back is helping its scholars get launched on their career paths by connecting them to professionals who can help talk them through the process and look at their application materials. Before you sign up for an individualized consultation, be sure to check out the resources below on how to get your CV and cover letter in shape!
Cover Letters
A cover letter is a document sent to hiring managers to provide additional information on your motivations, experience, and skills. We suggest using one of the two main types of cover letters: letters of application for specific open positions or letters of inquiry to ask about vacancies within an organization or business. Regardless of the kind of cover letter you use, keep in mind that a good letter helps employers learn why you are qualified for the job you are applying for and why you would bring special passion to the role. As our partner, Mercy College, notes, a cover letter should also clarify any doubts they might have after reviewing your resume.
Writing a cover letter for each job or internship can be burdensome. But a well-written cover letter can make you stand out from other candidates. If you’re unsure where to start, learn the cover letter basics. Before you write your first drafts, review the best practices and the do’s and don’ts. For example, you should investigate the organization’s mission and goals and evaluate your skills relevant to the employer’s needs. If you’re looking for some guidance on formatting, make sure your letter has all the essential parts. Our partner Queens College suggests reviewing templates.
Resumes
A resume is the most essential job-hunting document to market you to a potential employer. It helps highlight your professional experiences, accomplishments, and skills relevant to the position. We suggest using one of the three main types of resumes: chronological, functional, or combination. A chronological resume is the most common and organizes information within each category beginning with your most recent job or accomplishment. Whereas a functional resume focuses on your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments rather than dates, a combination resume combines the chronological and functional resume types. Try to utilize the resume type that best suits you and your skills—it is essential to put your best foot forward so as to secure a follow-up interview.
If you are struggling to get your resume started, Mercy College suggests organizing your information using sections. Try to emphasize aspects of your background that are the most relevant to the position(s) you seek. Binghamton University recommends using bullet points! Each bullet point should answer one of more of the following: ‘Who? What? When? Why? How? How many? How often? Results?’. As with cover letters, before you write your first drafts, review the do’s and don’ts or examples to get ideas on how to organize the essential information about you.
Social Media
Social media is a ubiquitous part of everyday life—but it also matters as part of your professional profile. Before you send out your first job or internship application, look at your social media accounts. Are there any posts that portray you in a negative light? Are there posts you would be embarrassed for an employer to see? If it is embarrassing for you, it is likely also embarrassing to your employer and team. Remember that hiring managers and colleges may search for you on social media to determine your candidate eligibility. You also want to emphasize your professionalism in your personal branding. You can do this by creating great professional accounts on LinkedIn and Twitter, which connect you with others and show off your industry expertise. If you’re unsure about your LinkedIn profile, check out this checklist that provides insights on how your photo, headline, summary, and experience sections should look. Rather than seeing social media as recreation alone, use social media as a professional tool. A polished and thoughtful social media profile may catch a recruiting hiring manager’s attention.
Before networking with professionals in the field, evaluate potential jobs you are interested in and look at each position’s responsibilities. Launching your career may seem insurmountable at first, but with the right preparation, you’ll be prepared to take the first step!
Ready to schedule a one-on-one consultation with a professional? Get started.
by givebackdv | Jul 17, 2020 | Partners, Scholars
Give Back’s partnership with Binghamton University provides our scholars with support in the form of tutoring, mentorship, and connections with students and faculty on campus. We do not doubt that our students will have a seamless transition to higher education because of our great partners. We work with an excellent trio that makes it all happen, Michelle Gardner, Craig Broccoli, and Steve Rebello. Michelle helped start our partnership and set up our pre-paid scholarships. Craig will guide our students through the University’s application process, and Steve will ensure our students receive supports on campus. Let’s learn more about their work and vision.
Michelle Gardner is the Senior Director of Foundation Relations and Campaign Gift Strategies, and also a Binghamton alumna. She describes her work as more than fundraising for the University. She brings together people who want to change the world through academic quality with those who can. Michelle works with Binghamton’s alumni network each day to support students who wish to make the world a better place. Before her work in higher education, Michelle worked in politics and public relations. Now, she cannot imagine doing her job for anything but public higher education. “Your work is easier if you care about what you do and worthwhile if you have a passion behind it,” Michelle says.
Michelle has a witty sense of humor that will make you laugh for minutes at a time. She holds that if you spend too much time with her, she will ask for a donation to the University. She wants the best for Binghamton University and its students. When asked about her hopes for Give Back scholars, she yearns for the scholars to find success and themselves in whichever form that means. “I want them to be successful and give to students like they were given to or share a wealth of experiences with students,” Michelle noted.
Craig Broccoli is the Associate Director of Admissions. He describes his work as engagement with students wherever they are in their application process. Craig reviews thousands of applications a year. He also helps students navigate their selected academic programs and get to the next step on campus.
Craig guides students through the EOP program and the Binghamton Advantage program. The EOP program provides support and advocacy for students who meet academic and financial criteria from the time of admission through graduation and beyond. The Binghamton Advantage Program is a joint admissions program that allows students to live on Binghamton University campus while taking SUNY Broome classes with the opportunity to transfer to Binghamton after one or two years. Students in the program have access to smaller classes and receive advising from SUNY Broome and Binghamton.
Craig is a Binghamton alumnus and an Engineer with a passion for solving problems. His admiration for Binghamton empowers him to connect high school students to the University because it is a low-cost academic platform making palpable changes in the world. Craig is energetic, kind, and dedicated. During a virtual information session for our high school juniors, he engaged with our students. He had them asking question after question for over 90 minutes! He hopes that Give Back scholars realize they are capable of so much. “Meet students from all over the world and find your team with a drive to make a change,” Craig notes.
Steve Rebello is the Director of TRIO – Student Support Services. He works to bring students up to speed with the University’s level of academics. Once students commit to the University, they are invited to TRIO and the Summer Bridge program. Both programs ensure students connect with each other, TRIO staff, and the campus community. Steve always knew he wanted to work with youth. He worked as an Orientation and a Biology Teacher, before joining Binghamton University. However, Steve yearned to help students overcome obstacles as a counselor. He realized he could enable many teachable moments outside of the classroom.
Steve is passionate and wise. His passion for education equity becomes evident through his insights and descriptions of Binghamton’s support services. He hopes that Give Back scholars “avoid preconceived ideas of who they are going to be and are open to changes they experience while on campus.” Whether by meeting new people or taking courses outside of their majors to explore areas of interest, “open your eyes to all the university and world has to offer,” Steve says.
Michelle, Craig, and Steve would love for a Give Back, and Binghamton alumnus to reach the White House, return to campus for commencement, and tell the graduates that they could achieve such a goal. Where will they be? All three agree that they will likely be cheering loudly in the audience.
Thank you, Michelle, Craig, and Steve, for opening doors for access to education. It is an honor to work with you.
Photo Credits: Binghamton University/ Jonathan Cohen ©
