Trey Bradley, 12-14, La Salle School, Albany, NY

This service year, as a Lasallian Volunteer,  I have had to provide structure and exhibit integrity. As with every LV at each of our sites, I’ve also had to be a life-changing presence. All of these abilities I believe make up just what a father is. This service year I learned quickly that the children we work with need consistency. I was challenged to interact with them in a way that was not condescending, and still deliver the message that I am their elder. I benefitted from pre-training at my site. The training was Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, TCI for short; it was a week of concepts and cycles of how and why our kids act the way they do. In the training the lecturer indicated the importance of relationships with the children outside of the child’s crisis mode. The speaker also alluded to the fact that most of our children come from dysfunctional home situations and that is why they are in our care. At the end of training I felt confident I had the tools I needed to serve my students.

How wrong I was when, I showed up and immediately thought the children would respect me. I found myself asking some days; haven’t these children had any home training? I then went back to my training and answered my own question with a no, and I braced myself for the challenge. The challenge was to teach them what their home situation didn’t and hope that they could retain and apply it. So, I learned quickly to fashion myself; my goal was to be austere at the beginning and as time progressed add in humor. It was working and I thought wow, I’ve never acted this ascetic. All things were going well until I had to be a referee for one of the basketball games. In that game all the kids whom I thought would respect my calls and not argue fell apart.

After the game I was left questioning if what I was doing really established a solid foundation. I realized that questioning my impact was wrong. I could not equate the impact of months of building healthy relationships, to one moment of defeat. The children came back and apologized and I then had an a-ha! moment. To those kids, my presence throughout the campus, on a day to day basis, showed them I cared. I came in on time and no matter how I was feeling, gave them the same personality each day. When there were games, I explained to them the rules and stood by them, never changing. All of these examples showed them I had not fled them completely; it was just at times of frustration, they had no way of expressing it in a way that was not disrespectful to me. I learned a lot from refereeing and it has taught me a thing or two about what it means to be a good father. To our kids a disciplinarian is seen as being evil because in most of their situations they were allowed to roam freely. Being firm and not changing how you respond based on their behavior is new to them. The majority of the time they are used to getting praise for favorable behavior and shouted at for unfavorable behavior. All they’ve heard is do as I say not what I do; I show them to do as I do. All of these lessons have helped me to see that a good father is hard to come by because to practice these things on a daily basis takes discipline that not many people are ready to accept. It has also allowed me to appreciate all the people in my life who were willing to undertake the challenge.

“If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother and the teacher.” -Abdul Kalam

Trey Bradley, 12-14, La Salle School, Albany, NY

After completing her two years of service Kathleen remained in Memphis and served as the Assistant Catholic Campus Minister for the Catholic Diocese of Memphis working with college students at the University of Memphis and Rhodes College. Kathleen is “thrilled to serve as the Recruitment Coordinator and to promote the Lasallian Volunteers.”

Kathleen will join the rest of the staff at Christian Brothers Conference in Washington, DC. Please help us in welcoming Kathleen to the staff!

Maggie Sanborn, 12-13, LEO Center, Oakland, CA & San Miguel HS, Tucson, AZ

My year is complete. My bags are packed and flight ticket has been purchased. As I sit to reflect on this year I cannot even begin to imagine what will come next for me. A few weeks ago at our Debriefing Retreat we were asked to reflect on our years in terms of a playing field; think of who was on our teams, what our fields looked like – just a creative way to reflect. I have learned so much this year that putting it into words seems like a feat I do not know if I can accomplish, but here I go.

Over a year ago this May I arrived in Oakland, California to look at the potential site I will be serving, as I packed my bags this May I am leaving Tucson, Arizona. What? How did this even happen? Let’s go to the start. After a meticulous search for the perfect post-graduate program – Lasallian Volunteers won for me. Faith – Service – Community; all the things I was looking for in my service experience. I was so stoked to be doing this! When I arrived in California, I loved it.

So many hopes for the year – what will I accomplish, how will I change this place, how will this place change me. So many questions were stirring through my head. I was ready to go; ready to fully immerse myself in this program, in this community, in this site. My “playing field” was set and my team was full. But the big man upstairs had quite different plans for me – and it was a twisty road to say the least. You have to make do with what you are given, make the best out of a hard situation, and find your own way – but with LVs, staff members, coworkers, and alumni – it is clear I was not alone. But I have made it through. I followed the path he put out for me and now with tears in my eyes – I leave Tucson.

Being an LV has definitely changed my life in the positive. I have lived in 2 states (Arizona and California), 2 completely different cities (hello the desert and the Bay Area!) I have learned that being flexible in the work place, yet making sure your voice is heard and your needs and concerns are met is crucial. I have learned that one should not back down from a challenge (like being tossed in the air in CA and landing in AZ) because good things come out of it.

I have become a stronger, more mature person. I have developed a faith of my own. I have come to know the importance of social justice, especially in the United States. I have made lifelong friends. I have been impacted and inspired by my students. I know I can handle anything that comes my way because the support behind me that I have made this year.

Being a Lasallian Volunteer has changed me and I cannot wait to share that with the world.

Maggie Sanborn, 12-13, LEO Center, Oakland, CA & San Miguel HS, Tucson, AZ

Service Site:

University: Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania

What do you do?
I am a campus minister and I also coach 9th grade volleyball and softball.

How has your involvement with the Brothers affected you?
Before becoming a Lasallian Volunteer, I never met a Christian Brother or even considered what their impact could have on my life. Little did I know that the Brothers I live with would become a part of my family. Not only have they been my biggest cheerleaders, but also they have helped me decide to come back for a second year of service. Community has been my rock. All of my Brothers have different personalities, different humor, different experiences, and different hobbies. Never in my life would I have thought I would learn how to weave or curl, go to horse races, or learn bazaar card games. The Brothers also have taught me the importance of praying with others. Every Monday, Wednesdays, and Thursdays we have community prayer. I see the sincerity and peacefulness in the faces of my Brothers, which inspires me to explore my own faith and spirituality even more.

Which of the core values (Faith, Community, Service) are most important to you?  Why?
Faith. Service. Community. All three core values are very important to me, but what has become most important has been something that led me to the Lasallian Volunteers in the first place, my faith. My faith has been tested many times this year, but it has held strong. I often find myself saying little prayers to myself to help me get through the day, thanking God for bringing me to Minneapolis, or asking God to take care of a student. Without my faith I would not have been able to persevere through the valleys or praise God when I’m at the top of the mountain loving life.

Real Women Volunteer

Do you see yourself as different now from your friends from college as a result of the LV experience?  How so?
I do see myself different now than my friends from college, mostly due to the fact that most of them are either in graduate school or they are still searching for jobs. My experience as a Lasallian Volunteer has been priceless. I have learned how to actually work 8-4:30 or later everyday, see the beauty in diversity, look past what drives me crazy about people and see the goodness in their heart, explore social justice issues, grow in my faith, form a family away from home, just to name a few.  Whenever I am home with my family or friends, I find myself constantly wanting to talk about DeLaSalle, my students, my coworkers, and my friends. Each and every person at my site has been extremely welcoming and I cannot imagine my life without them.

How would you like to continue your involvement with the Lasallian family after your time with the Lasallian Volunteers?
I want to remain an active member in the Lasallian Family and not become a distant cousin that you never knew you had. I pray that God’s plan for me is the same plan I have in mind, and if it is I will be working in Lasallian education for many years to come. If I am called in another direction, I would love to help lead retreats for the LVs and become a LV Alum Mentor. One thing I’ve realized recently is that when I become invested in something, it becomes a part of who I am. Even if I am stranded in Country Town, USA without another Lasallian around me being Lasallian will never leave me and I will never be disconnected. I will always remember that I am in the Holy presence of God, and as long as I remember that, I will never be away from this wonderful Lasallian family.

Simon Leibovic, 12-14, San Miguel School, Tulsa, OK

At San Miguel School Tulsa, where I teach middle school science, the classes are separated by gender. One day, while teaching photosynthesis to my seventh grade boys, one of my students shouted out in class “hey mister, will you teach us about girls?” Trying to quickly get the boys back on topic, I tell them “yes, yes, I’ll teach you boys all about girls.” After saying this, another boy yells out “mister, you think you know everything!”

Upon further reflection, young Kevin is right; I do think I know everything. As a teacher, I can fall into the mindset that I am the paragon of knowledge in order to have the confidence to be an effective teacher. In reality, the wisest teachers are those who are aware their knowledge is limited and are conscious of their shortcomings. My students continually humble me and remind me of my shortcomings, which has been an integral part of my development as man in this past year of service.

Up until this year, I had never ventured far from my comfort zone. Whether it was instructing Tae Kwon Do, doing yoga everyday, or studying chemistry, I was never outside of my comfort zone. This year, however, I could not be further outside my comfort zone. Not only am I not good at what I do, but I couldn’t be more uncomfortable about it. Despite this discomfort I have to look like I know exactly what I’m doing. I have realized that it is okay to be vulnerable, and having the humility to be vulnerable leads to the greatest amount of growth.

This is the strongest aspect of the Lasallian Volunteers program, the fact that it places young people into novel situations that lead to tremendous personal growth. I do not know a single Lasallian Volunteer that would say that their service is easy, but I also do not know an LV that would say that what they do is trivial and forgettable. No matter how difficult a year service can be, powerful, transformative experiences are guaranteed. Every Lasallian Volunteer I have talked to has had the common experience of being tried and tested, and every Lasallian Volunteer I have talked to has learned a tremendous amount, whether their service experience was positive or negative.

I hope Kevin and all my other students continue to challenge me and remind me of the long road I still have to travel. One thing you can always count on is that a middle school student will always be totally honest with you. I once asked a high school teacher of mine why he teaches, and he told me “first, because things constantly change and are always new. Second, if you suck, your students will let you know immediately.” After almost a year of teaching under my belt, I have learned that he was not lying.  The next time I try to act like I have teaching figured out, my students will surely remind me that “mister, you don’t know everything.”

Simon Leibovic, 12-14, San Miguel School, Tulsa, OK

-DeLaSalle

Chris Hueg, 11-13, Bishop Loughling Memorial High School, Brooklyn, NY

Recently, on a Leadership Retreat with some of my freshmen and sophomores at Bishop Loughlin, I was a participant in a trust walk with the students. When asked if I was willing to participate, I searched for every possible excuse as to why I shouldn’t. I told them “I’ve already done a trust walk” with which they responded, “…but not this one!” More and more excuses were flooding to head, but for each one, there was a response as to why I needed to participate. In the end, I was hesitant, but said, “I guess, if you need someone else, I will do it.”

The activity was done in 2 parts: first part blindfolded, being led by someone and second part the reverse. I was paired up with a young, freshman guy, and I could see his nervousness in being paired with me. I assured him it would be fine, “just don’t make me jump 20 feet down and we’ll be all good!” The activity began, and I admit, I was so nervous that I tried peeking through the bottom of my blindfold, to assure me that the student was doing the right things. As the activity continued though, I really began to trust him and he trusted me and I put my whole self into what was happening.

This activity allowed me to reflect on my life experiences and some of the choices that I have made along my Lasallian journey. Often I struggle with being 100% with any decision I make; I find excuses for making that choice versus standing firm and confident or I try to peek through the blindfold and see what may affect me in the future versus living in the present. There is always room to think of the “what if’s” and “maybe I shouldn’t”. Joining the Lasallian Volunteers was all that I considered when it came to graduating college, but I also had a period where I really began to think, “Well maybe I could just change my mind and get a job, and be just as happy.”

At our annual Discernment Retreat, I was having a “discernment” discussion with one of the facilitators, and she presented me with the above prayer by St. La Salle. It immediately clicked with me about all the past choices I worried about making, and really wondering if they were the right decisions. After retreat, I printed a copy of the prayer and use it as a reflection when I am having a tough day or needing to make a decision and remain confident.

La Salle has been a role model for me as a teacher since I entered DeLaSalle High School in 2003, and now, ten years later, I feel that much more connected to his work and mission through all of my experiences! I am blessed to be involved with such a magnificent program and can’t wait to continue living my life through his mission wherever I go!

Live Jesus In Our Hearts. Forever!

Chris Hueg, 11-13, Bishop Loughling Memorial High School, Brooklyn, NY

I cannot compare my experience to the experience my mother faced as a young woman raising my brothers, but every now and then I wonder if we had the same thoughts in teaching children. In the fall, as a cross country coach I traveled around Montana for meets with my small team. I would drive along in a minivan and laugh inside as I found myself duplicating the things my mother would shout at us during road trips: “We’re not going anywhere until you put that seatbelt on!”, “Hold it, sweetie, I’m looking for a place to stop!” or tower over them with judgmental eyes for selecting junk food in the convenience store. In one instance, everyone in the van was asleep while I drove home from a cross country meet, and looking at them in the rear view mirror, I felt extremely proud of all of them and was content with my surroundings.

“Tah-ah” means “thank you” in our Tiwa language, and usually the first word Taos Pueblo mothers teach their children. My mother was no exception to this, teaching the social norms of gratitude the people in our culture value. I would say that my desire to serve can be focused at times. I was taught that community, the community I was raised in, was most important. Expanding that focus, I feel a responsibility, a need, to serve Indian Country. I feel like I got very lucky in my service placement. Although I could have been happy serving in any other place, I am especially thankful to be placed on the Blackfeet Reservation.

I cannot speak on behalf of my students of the value of my service to them. I cannot rightfully gauge the impact I have made on their lives. But in my own life, as I reflect on my service year, I see myself transformed for the better. There are weaknesses in myself that I have been forced to confront, joys that have been discovered from the simplest moments, perceptions that have been changed in me, and so many things that I have been thankful for in this experience. My mother continues her lessons in appreciation by her support for me in my role at De La Salle.

Here’s to you mom!

For not letting me quit when things started out rough.

For doing everything in your power from afar to keep me encouraged.

For trusting in my decision to challenge myself into a year of service.

For mailing me blankets.

For mailing me an electric blanket.

For showing me that you are proud of me.

For writing me letters.

For listening to my stories of my students, and how they are changing my life.

For making me look good, and donating to the teams I coached.

For raising me with faith, and to have faith.

For raising me with a desire to serve others with my whole life.

I would like to not only thank my mother for raising me with a spirit of gratitude, but for all mother figures that might have cultivated that same spirit in volunteers everywhere and inspired them to serve.

Tah-ah!

Aurora Trujillo, 12-13, De La Salle Blackfeet School, Browning, MT

Recruitment Coordinator

Lasallian Volunteers of The De La Salle Christian Brothers

Job Overview: The Recruitment Coordinator for Lasallian Volunteers, working as a team member, has responsibility for assisting in all programmatic efforts.  The Recruitment Coordinator will also manage all recruitment efforts and include other staff in these efforts.

General Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to):

1.     Development of yearly recruitment plan.

2.     Transition recruitment plan from system where Recruitment Coordinator is primary visitor to a system where the Recruitment Coordinator is an organizer, manager and contact person.

3.     Coordinate recruitment efforts at all of the Lasallian Colleges & Universities and key non-Lasallian colleges/universities. Create, sustain and strengthen key relationships with college personnel and on the ground recruitment representatives (i.e. alumnus, current volunteers, etc.).

4.     Organize Registration and Attendance at volunteer fairs.

5.     Connect and manage current and alum LVs to recruitment efforts; design a recruitment packet for their use and a recruitment schedule.

6.     Recruit, organize and manage LV Scholars. Maintain regular communication to provide guidance and support.

7.     Invite and accompany candidates through the discernment and application process: foster relationships with applicants; make initial and continuous contact via e-mail, phone and on-campus meetings, keep updated database/mailing lists of interested candidates, follow up with information requests through the website.

8.     Collaborate with the Associate Director to oversee the system of processing applications: collect, organize and create physical and electronic files for all applicants, review applications, schedule final interviews, collaborate with the LV leadership team on final interview, selection and placement process of applicants.

9.     Oversee production of recruitment materials and regular mailings to colleges/universities and Lasallian high schools.

10.  Connect with the volunteers, sites and communities by completing 2-4 site and community visits per semester.

11.  Regularly check and manage the LV e-mail account and other accounts connected to the program.

12.  Assist with implementation and planning of Orientation, Midyear and Debriefing Retreats.

13.  Assist/Aid in the operations of the National Office.

14.  Assist with overall development of the program.

Travel (will include but not limited to):

• College Visits/Recruitment (approximately 2-6 in-person visits p/ collegiate academic year)
• LV Retreats (July, January & May)
• Some Development gatherings
• 2-4 site/community visits (Fall & Spring)
• Staff retreats
• Lasallian & non-Lasallian Conferences
• Priority to attend Lasallian Colleges/Universities and key non-lasallian Universities.

Qualifications:

• Previous long-term volunteer experience.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of the Lasallian Volunteers team.
• Exemplary written and verbal communication skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Willingness to participate in Lasallian Formation Programs.
• Location of Office: The Christian Brothers Conference, located in Washington, D.C.

Start Date: July 1, 2013 (negotiable)
Benefits: Full health benefits, Employee Pension Plan, 403B Employee Match, Professional Development
Salary: Competitive
Application Deadline: May 17, 2013 or until position is filled.

Applicant should submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to:

Jolleen Wagner
Director of Lasallian Volunteers
Hecker Center, Suite 300
3025 4th Street NE
Washington, DC 20017
202-529-0047
jwagner@cbconf.org

Service Site: 

University: Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock Borough, PA

What do you do?
I am a Recreation Coordinator for the boys who live in residence at the school.

What is the most important “thing,” do you think, that your students need from you?  What do you do to try to provide this?
A variety of recreational activities coupled with a positive attitude. Being a Physical Education major, I know ‘rolling out the ball’ isn’t really an activity at all. Many of our kids have never been out of the urban environment, so why continually give them an activity like basketball? It’s whenever we do things like caving, hiking, camping, Frisbee golf, and fishing that they need exposure to, and they literally beg us to take them! Frustrations often arise, but displaying that positive outlook helps them realize that attitude is a choice and doesn’t have to be run by emotions.

Is there anything you have you discovered about poverty from your work?
Very much so. I think the thing I’ve discovered about poverty while working here is that it isn’t necessarily just a physical aspect of life. It’s easy to look at a person and say ‘They look healthy’ but knowing their history and background exposes the real ‘malnourishment’ that our boys are currently dealing with while at the school. The young men that come to La Salle are mentally, emotionally, and spiritually impoverished, and it’s our job to nurture those aspects of who they are.

Have you noticed any signs of success in your work?  What are they?
Residential treatment is not a place of instant gratification, but that moment you begin to see positive behaviors from the kids is a feeling that cannot be matched. Certain kids have come from a background where nothing works out for them and they develop a negative outlook on life. A recent new employee and myself started playing hackie sack with the kids and the only real guideline is that while in the circle, only positive things can be said. After a few reminders in several circles, the kids began giving encouragement and constructive criticism, both in and out of the circle.

Why would you recommend the LV program to a college senior considering volunteering?
This program is so much more than just a term of service, which people may initially think it to be. Not only will it help you gain professional experience, but it helps you mature spiritually and socially. I can honestly say I’m learning more now than in my student teaching experience during college. These lessons and hardships are helping me change lives, and that’s the most rewarding part of this experience. The support system within the Lasallian Volunteers is an immense resource that can be accessed even after the experience, which is priceless moving forward in life. It truly is not just a service year, but a lifestyle that extends well beyond the two years most people volunteer.

This month is poetry month, and I thought a great way to start would be through what I like to call, “flipping the script”. Flipping the script means changing something you know into something bigger than what it is. What better way to do so than with poetry. Poetry allows you to compare and contrast, to use the abstract to discuss something simple. The best part about poetry is that there is no right or wrong. It is your opinion and your voice. Your interpretation is what matters most. Below is my poem of my experience of being a Lasallian Volunteer. I hope that you can reflect and see the bigger picture in it.

What I find most influential is that Lasallian Volunteers dedicate a year to give to others, and to reflect on what we have learned. My experience has been learning to accept. I have to allow myself to see things through my students’ eyes instead of my own. Think for a second. Isn’t that how God treats us as well? He accepts us as we are. I hope that through my poem you see how we are called to be teachers just as God teaches us.

An English Teacher’s Gospel

An English Teacher’s Gospel

Shanae Farrell, 12-14, John XXIII Educational Center, Racine, WI