Spring Break \’08: Arkansas

We decided to drive straight back Friday; with limited stops. I’m pleased to say we made it back without incident and with deeper friendships. As we begin to unload, I was internally reminded that though the WABA tour has come to an end; the work that we begin in the lives of the pupils at Stephens High School will never end nor be forgotten. Moreover, the work that took place within each WFU community member that took the journey will never end nor be forgotten. This trip embodies why I live each day and yearn to make a global impact within the education system. I would like to end by thanking all those who followed our blogs and encourage each of you to make sacrifices for the greater good of humanity, on a frequent basis.

Stay Tuned …. we are waiting for the Stephens student’s updates — and we will update you — As we begin to make calls on the students behalf’s we found out about several acceptances — and we anticipate more!

I leave you with this: One student I was working with Thursday told me her ACT scores was holding her admission decision. I called the university. They confirmed. I called the ACT folks and they further confirmed her scores were being held because she owed a balance. This was taken care of– and we left that school knowing that ACT balance would NOT keep this bright student from attending college — This is why I participated in WABA …. to provide the hope that was once given to me.

Today is the last official day in Arkansas. It has been great! We started our morning mentoring students on post-secondary plans. I threatened many youth …. As I told them they better follow-up on their plans. For example, one must physically go register at a cosmetology school while another must call the admissions office at a local school to find out the status of her application. Moreover, it has truly been a pleasure getting to know the unique individuals that lie underneath the exterior. I hope that everyone has learned as much as I have during our time at this high school.

Today, I got the opportunity to call the ACT folks, get scores released for a student. Call colleges to find out missing requirements, and then work with students to complete the requirements and fax them immediately. I even had the opportunity to help one young man apply to 5 schools. Afterwards, he began to advocate for the school to throw us a BBQ. It is truly amazing to watch students in route to success.

Yesterday was amazing. Gamino and I had the opportunity to mentor several juniors and seniors on post-secondary plans. We found the most of the students had thought about their post-secondary plans at some point however, they had given little thought to how to achieve their post-secondary plans. We were able to help students develop some prospective college lists as well as line up conversations with the air force and navy. One thing that was inspiring to see was the side conversations that begin to occur. I witnessed many professionals around the school begin to speak with students in the hallway about the fact most careers require college diplomas. My hope is that SAU will continue our work; it is amazing what a 5 minute conversation can do.

The accommodations that Southern Arkansas University at Magnolia has provided are amazing! In fact, I would argue RLH should visit SAU, should they build new dormitories in the immediate future.

Last night, I slept like a newborn baby, at peace. This morning I woke up at 7:35 to meet Dr. Hattery and Dr. Smith before making the short trek to Stephens to meet with students, faculty, and administrators there. It was truly a powerful experience. The principal gave us the grand tour of his school; which is overwhelmingly African American. We were also informed that the school served a population with eighty percent of students receiving free and reduced lunch. After, the extended tour we had the opportunity to meet students. (This is why I came) These students were amazing in their own rights. Many having overcome big obstacles; yet still in school. For example, one student, a senior, told me how she balanced school with having a 6 month old baby. Another student, a senior, told me how he had lost his mom when he was 6 - I believe - then he went to live with his grandparents, until they died … and now he lives in Stephens with his father. I take students like this, contextualize their current status, and see the potential that lies within yearning to be activated. I can truly say these students inspired me. And, I feel like I did a great duty to society by listening to students from this high school and imparting little sound bites of post-secondary advice that they may not have previously considered.

Before, I forget let me mention that we had lunch with Stephens students at SAU and also had them join us in a lecture by Dr. Hattery and Dr. Smith. And, it was truly rewarding to watch them see how college classes are conducted as well as temporarily interact on a college campus.

Good Evening:I decided to take this evening to upload my post concerning my experiences thus far on this Wake Alternative Break-Arkansas trip.Sunday, March 9, 2008We got off to a late start due to projected bad weather, noting we were supposed to depart Saturday at 7:45AM. Nevertheless, this morning we got up bright and early and begin our journey towards MS. The journey was filled with a lot of heterozygous discourse; topics ranging from prenuptial agreements to church corruption. Nevertheless, we finally arrived at our hotel, after approximately 8 hours of intense driving, to grab a quick nap before heading out to dinner for the evening. After dinner, we headed back to the hotel were most rested for the evening. However, some found “certain natural noises” difficult to cope with initially. Moreover, we had an excellent day of travel on our first day together.Me posing in the driver seat…. they would not allow me to drive with people in the van.

Senior sociology major from Oxford, North Carolina.