Darby Capstone 2015-2016

Section A

Noelle Russell
Darby Capstone 2015-2016
Project Name: Reading Corner
Description: I started a Reading Corner at Livingston United Methodist Church for children who attend our food pantry with their parents.
Beginning Date: July 25
End Date: Ongoing
Location: Livingston United Methodist Church (Food Pantry)

Section B

Why did you choose this?
As a life-long member of Livingston United Methodist Church, I've grown up volunteering at Livingston's food pantry and helping the families in downtown Columbus who are experiencing poverty. I've seen the need for extra reading help, especially in children, for these two reasons: The adult clients of our food pantry  are often lacking the reading skills needed to help their children learn to read, since 15.7% of adults in that area do not have a high school diploma (according to the most-recent U.S. Census); and, 57.6% of students in Columbus City Schools did not score high enough on the state's new third grade reading assessment to be promoted to fourth grade. Reading also happens to be one of my hobbies, and something I believe everyone should be able to experience, which is why I passionately selected this project.

What new knowledge or new experiences did you hope to gain from this experience?
I hoped to develop greater problem-solving skills, critical-thinking skills, and planning skills throughout this process, which will be useful now and in the future.

How did you think you would benefit from your involvement?
I though I could benefit from the positive impact the children would leave. I also expected to be humbled by the experience, as I so often am when working with the food pantry. I really see how fortunate I am by helping these less privileged families.

Section C

Explain how your experience affected you as a person?  How did you change?  How do you see the world differently than you did before?
This experience has taught me to count my blessings and not to take anything for granted in life. I've been impacted by these kids and their families positivity and attitudes, they're all so grateful for the help of the food pantry and my help with reading. I've learned to be more grateful and positive myself through this.

Was this a meaningful experience?
This has absolutely been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I am so happy I've been able to help these families and help their children reach their goals and obtain one of my favorite skills, reading. I've learned so much from these kids and wouldn't change this experience for the world.

What new knowledge or skills did you gain from this experience?
This is definitely the biggest thing I've instituted myself. I developed leadership skills by doing things I'd never  had to do myself before (such as contacting people about donations, etc., and sharing in front of a large group of people). This taught me how to be confident in myself and that I do have the ability to complete these kinds of large tasks on my own. I've learned that I am very lucky to have such a great support system and so many people that were willing to help me in any way possible.

How would you do it differently if you had to start over?
If I could start over, I would stay on top of things a little better. For example, I would have resubmitted my Gold Award (a girl scout award I received by completing this project) proposal as soon as possible the second time instead of waiting several months, then once it was approved I would have started making progress on it quicker. That way I could have completed my project sooner and been helping children earlier.