The Literati

Summer 2013

The  

Issue Goodbye

   

Editor‐In‐Chief: Vanessa Meuir 

Copy Editor: Andy Tybout 

Content Editor: Alicia Zuniga 

Design: Erica Young 

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I can hardly believe our service year is coming to an end.  As gradua on approaches I am amazed by our team’s growth and success. Last August we started out as complete strangers, and now we’re a family. And as a family, we share many memories that will keep us connected for years to come. Whether we’re picking up trash along a beach or compe ng against each other in a relay race, the  me we spend together is always entertaining. Our group dynamic is great; each individual strengthens our contribu on to Palm Beach County. We couldn’t have become as successful as we are without every one of us. 

The Litera  team and I have had the privilege of sharing this year’s stories. Nearly every AmeriCorps member has lent their voice to this newsle er, whether in a member spotlight, a restaurant review, or a recap of a service project. In our final Litera  we include more of these stories. Jessica Lapp writes about ge ng out of her comfort zone and sharing her love of fitness at my service site, Vita Nova, Inc. Kris n Urban gives us a peek at her experience serving at Gulfstream Goodwill, and what it was like entering the program later than the rest of us. Site Supervisor Mary Whitehurst discusses the quali es that make a great ESOL instructor, and gives some love to her AmeriCorps members. JaRon Lindsey contributes crea ve depic ons of AmeriLife and all it consists of. 

The best ar cles in this issue are the goodbye le ers at the end. Several AmeriCorps members wrote to their learners, our team, and our fearless leader Braudrey. Have a box of  ssues on hand as you read their par ng words. 

I will end this le er by saying to all my fellow AmeriCorps members and friends: I am so blessed to have 

served alongside you. Thank you for signing up for this program. I’ll never forget this year, in large part due 

to all of you. Thank you for being awesome.  

Vanessa Meuir 

Letter From The Editor

Literacy Coalition Upgrade The New Literacy Center

The new Literacy Coali on building located in Boynton Beach. 

Vanessa Meuir

The Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County was founded 22 years ago to teach and spread enthusiasm for literacy throughout the community. Since then it’s grown from a small, volunteer-based operation to a well-known organization with 49 employees and 40 AmeriCorps members, all of whom are passionate about their jobs. More than 35,000 children, youth, and adults have benefitted from the services offered at Coalition-affiliated sites.

This year, the Literacy Coalition will expand its operations by opening the Literacy Center on Quantum Boulevard. The gorgeous three-story building will allow space for several new programs and opportunities.

What the New Literacy Center Offers:

More training space for volunteer tutors, home visitors, reading partners, literacy providers, and AmeriCorps members.

Space for an after-school tutoring program for at-risk children.

A resource library stocked with information on the latest literacy research.

On-site assistance for children who need help with their homework.

Space for one-on-one tutoring for adults.

The capacity to sustain established programs and cultivate new ones.

The AmeriCorps team is excited to take advantage of the Literacy Center as we continue serving in Palm Beach County.  

AmeriCorps members at the ground‐breaking ceremony. 

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Comfort Z o n e

By Jessica Lapp

A meriCorps has provided me with the opportunity to work in a new part of the country and learn about a culture I might have otherwise never encountered. I adore all the young readers I tutor at Rolling Green Elementary and share their excitement when they make progress.

Until recently, however, I was only familiar with my elementary school students. Then I began helping fellow AmeriCorps member Vanessa with Health Club. Health Club is held every Monday afternoon at the Vita Nova Village, and it gives residents the opportunity to learn about healthy living choices. I contribute by instructing yoga and leading the residents in meditation. The experience helped introduce me to a different site and a different population.

Working with elementary students is quite different than working with learners my age. The advice and guidance a third grader needs differs greatly from the advice and guidance a young adult needs. I have really enjoyed sharing my passion for health and yoga with people who have little background in either area. Vanessa and I have been able to teach the residents valuable life strategies; whether we discuss eating habits, sleeping habits, or even the importance of a routine, we share knowledge they can use for the rest of their lives.

My time volunteering at Vita Nova has helped me learn and grow. I stepped outside my comfort zone by working with a different age group, but I enjoyed mentoring the young girls about their life struggles. Literacy AmeriCorps works with a diverse population, most of which I don’t know much about. It was a privilege to serve outside my own site, see what other members are doing and how very different their volunteer experiences have been compared to mine.

Serving Outside My  

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Member Spotlight

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Justin Crim

I’m not a people person. This is probably the most honest way I can put it in this article. You may be wondering, why would someone who isn’t very sociable dedicate a year of service to helping oth-ers? It all boils down to my belief that everyone deserves the chance to succeed. Unfortunately we live in a world where some people have the drive to succeed, but don’t have the opportunity. So many children today are prisoners of their cir-cumstances. This cold truth has informed my year of service at Take Stock in Chil-dren. I’ve had children in my cohort whose siblings or parents died suddenly. Children who’ve been cast out on the streets by uncaring parents. Children

whose parents were injured and can no longer work. They’re bright students who, if only given the opportunity, will make a positive impact with the college education our program pays for. It may be hard to swallow, but beneath my sar-castic, cynical exterior I have a warm fuzzy center that believes these students are worth fighting for. This year has been difficult, not only be-cause coaching students to succeed is de-manding, but because I don’t have as many chances to share stories of triumph and achievement as other members. It’s not that Take Stock in Children doesn’t achieve great things --- it’s that our suc-cesses can only be measured decades from now. I love my service site because the people there know that breaking the cycle of poverty starts with providing ed-ucation for everyone. We’re not throwing money at a nameless fund --- we’re providing an opportunity for real stu-dents in need. If there’s one thing I’d like you to take away from this article, it’s that you should be grateful you have the oppor-tunity to help yourself. Many people can’t say the same thing. 

Mary Whitehurst with Village Readers By Phetsada Mounnarath 

Supervisor Q&A What did you do before Village Readers and what brought you to this program?

Mary Whitehurst: I moved here in '93 from North Carolina, worked in the school system as a speech pathologist, found out I had cancer, de-cided that I didn't have to work so I just quit and got better. I just wanted to do something different with my life so I looked in the paper. I wanted to do something happy. I didn't want to work with people who were sick--I had had enough of that. I saw a little ad that said: Would you like to work with people from other countries teaching Eng-lish? So I went in and interviewed with Nancy at the Literacy Coalition. My first job at the Coalition was with Frenchman's Creek in North Palm Beach. I taught English to men and women who worked at a private country club. After other jobs with the Coalition, I eventually made my way to Village Readers.

What are three qualities that you believe any great ESOL instructor should possess?

MW: First of all, you need to understand your own language because, to me, it's very difficult to teach someone something if you don't really un-derstand it yourself. I think as you begin to un-derstand it, you find out different things about the language that you haven't intuitively learned--that there are different spoken rules and written rules. Your eyes kind of open when you really begin to understand a language.

Second thing, to be a great teacher (disclaimer: I don't call myself a great teacher), I look for someone who has compassion. In teaching peo-ple from another country, you have to be com-passionate. They are adults, they have children, so you know they have bills and they need to try to learn as fast as they can. They respond to people who show compassion. You have to be understanding.

Third quality, you have to be a person who's will-ing to learn something new because if you're not

willing to learn something new, you will not be up to date on the changes happening all the time. If you come in thinking, "Well, I already know how to do this," things that you may have learned six months ago may be out, so you must be willing to learn as well. Your students will end up teach-ing you things you didn't know about yourself.

What are some of your most memorable Vil-lage moments?

MW: (Laughs) Oh boy, there are some funny ones. (Laughs again). Absolutely funny.

We had a volunteer that I was just crazy about. His name is Hank. I just loved him. He would come almost three days a week. He was from the Netherlands. He was a tall, slim, blonde gen-tleman. Full of energy. Played tennis every morn-ing before coming here. And the children just loved him. All of us loved him. There was no way you could not love Hank. Every year, he read a Christmas story at the holiday party and all the parents and children were fully engaged. Hank had a way with those children that were kind of

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hard to love, as well as the ones that were easy to love, and I just remember that so fondly. Eventually, he had to leave us for Peru and he knew he had to go but didn't want to tell us, so it was a quick goodbye. Our time spent with him was one of the most memorable. He was some-one that I'll never forget. Ever.

What has been the most rewarding part of be-ing an AmeriCorps site supervisor?

MW: I taught at a university for 15 years and in teaching there, the one thing that I saw was young people come in as freshman and they're just kind of lost and they need guidance. By the time they get to be seniors, you see them just blossom and bloom. So when I see the Ameri-Corps members come in, they are real nervous about their class and not sure what to do. I just love to watch them develop into young well-assured people who have a grasp on what they're doing.

Also, having the opportunity to work with young people is always rewarding. They have time on their hands, and they're willing to give it. And I think that when you get older and you really get to be around young people--it helps you to stay young. I find that being with the AmeriCorps members allows me to laugh. I definitely love how you're tech-savvy and how you have lots of energy and creativity. I truly love that. That helps me tremendously. It keeps me from being a fud-dy-duddy. Sorry I can't be around for some of your parties.

What are some of your exciting retirement plans for life after Village?

MW: One of the things I really enjoy doing is go-ing places other than Georgia, so after life at Vil-lage Readers my husband and I are going to go cross-country to Seattle. This will be my third cross-country. I've never been to Seattle so we'll go a different route this time! I would also like to go international. If I were to go, I would really like to go to Africa or maybe Brazil.

I truly enjoy gardening, dancing, and volunteer-ing at my church. I also love the arts--music, the-

ater, all of it. So I miss going to the Kravis Center and I miss going to New York to see a play or two. I had a season ticket to the Kravis and I en-joyed it, enjoyed it, enjoyed it. Since I've had this job, I have not been able to go, so I'd like to do that again.

Any parting words of wisdom for the future AmeriCorps members stepping into teaching positions?

MW: Well first, I'd just like to say that Village, with all its pluses and its minuses, is a wonderful place to work. I think next year's newcomers will have people who have more wisdom than they think. First of all, with Megan, who has been in their shoes--she knows Village and will be able to guide them. And there's Phetsada, who will be sure to make them feel welcome. And they'll have Siena, who has had lots of teaching experi-ence. I think they will be in excellent hands.

Just come in, put your best foot forward, and know that if you fall someone will be there to support you. And never be afraid to make mis-takes. We all make mistakes. Then be able to laugh about it. It's all in a day's work.

 

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Kristin Urban

While dialing the number my heart was pounding in hope‐ful anticipation, but I was mentally preparing myself for the probable negative outcome. Upon hearing, for the first time, Brad Hertzberg's lovely voice, I put my question ea‐gerly forward: "Are there any AmeriCorps positions open?” I knew it was a long shot. I had only just heard about the local AmeriCorps office the previous day, and I also knew that the term of service began in August, not in December or January. But after looking at the AmeriCorps and Litera‐cy Coalition websites I knew working in an organization that was helping people make a positive change in their lives was something I wanted to do. So it was to my abso‐lute and wonderful surprise when Brad said yes, they actu‐ally did have one position open. I immediately thought, “Ohmygoodnees, this is definitely fate.” 

After visiting Gulfstream Goodwill, my new site, with Brad, I knew that it was in fact fate. I loved the school, and the students were so welcoming. I was ready to start. But what made it so easy to jump right in was my first Friday meet‐ing —  just a few days after my tour of Goodwill and when I officially became an AmeriCorps member. I found myself surrounded by a large, fun‐loving group of people who were so obviously hard workers. It was that Friday meeting that had convinced me that if I worked hard, I could “get things done,” as the other members had already done for several months. 

Gulfstream Goodwill is a program that encourages and prepares young adults (18‐22) with learning disabilities for an independent life. It places them in jobs and trains them 

beforehand, while also educating students on types of meals to cook and how to main‐tain a healthy house. In short, it teaches them how to be as inde‐pendent as possible. GG is also a school; even though the students 

have graduated from high school already, GG reviews and refreshes their reading and math skills. 

At GG I’ve worked with 12 students one‐on‐one. Meeting with three or four a day, I’ve assisted them on a wide range of literacy topics, depending not only on what they need help on, but also what they want to learn. I’ve realized that with the population I work with — and probably, with every student — the best means of instilling a love of learning is focusing on topics they actually want to learn about. Most of my students have wanted to work on their comprehen‐sion skills, so during my one‐on‐ones we spend a lot of time reading stories and then bouncing questions off one another other about those stories. 

During the months of April and May I completed the stu‐dents’ end of the year reading and writing comprehension assessments. Assessing the students who I had been work‐ing with for months was quite a humbling experience. It has sometimes been difficult to perceive the academic im‐pact I’ve had on them. But comparing the assessments from last September I saw either their comprehension or reading skills — or in a few cases, both — rise. Seeing this on paper has shown me that I have most certainly been getting things done at Gulfstream. 

I would say that my most important contribution is to the students at Gulfstream Goodwill — and I don’t just consid‐er them my students. Talking with them, eating lunch with them, and actually listening and playing games with them has allowed me to grow as both their mentor and  friend. Some of them live in group homes, and get very little, if any, positive social interaction. Many of the students who live with their families hardly ever leave the house, except for school. I know several who have never been to the beach, despite living less than 10 miles from it! So I know that the time I spend with them adds variety to their days, and serves as a motivation for them to get up and to try to learn or do something new. 

I am so very grateful that this AmeriCorps adventure — which is now, alarmingly, coming to an end — fell into my lap. From kayaking in Key Largo to co‐hosting (with the awesome Brittany Meeks) the most popular table at Tur‐tleFest and making dinner (while eating olives) at Quan‐tum House, I feel that I’ve not only made a difference at GG but also created wonderful memories with my AmeriMem‐bers. All of them have shown me that hard work, love, and passion really do make a huge difference to the people we work with. 

Member Spotlight

Michael Owen 

One thing I’ve learned from my year of service at The Lord’s Place is that homelessness can strike anyone at any  me. Some mes the rea‐son for ending up on the streets or someone’s couch are your own fault, but other  mes they can be a ributed to bad luck or poor  ming. Homelessness has no real “face” or “poster child” to define it. Despite all the stereotypes surrounding it, no one is immune to the epidem‐ic. 

The Lord’s Place is a non‐profit organiza on dedicated to helping to break the vicious cycle homeless‐ness o en creates. With over 2,100 men, women, and children fall‐ing into this category in Palm Beach County, there is a definite need for these services. One of the ways we can a empt to do this is by rais‐ing awareness within the County through var‐ious events. The largest of these events is SleepOut, an annual gathering held at the Meyer Amphitheater in West Palm Beach. This event challenges the community to bond with our clients and experience a night of sleeping outside in not always ideal condi‐ons. 

This year’s event was a smashing success! The program featured various talents from around the community and staff members at 

The Lord’s Place, along with tes monials from clients whose lives have improved thanks to the organiza on’s service. One of my favorite cli‐ents, Be y, spoke about her personal struggle and did a phenomenal job! It was awesome to see someone that had gone through the Job Ready Class get up in front of a couple of hun‐dred people and recount her personal struggle. The event was capped off with a screening of the movie “The Li le Red Wagon.”

As AmeriCorps members we helped par cipants unload their cars, check‐in, and find a place to set up their camp for the night. We also assisted with handing out candles for the candlelight vig‐il at the end of the program. A few of us actually ended up staying the night. Thankfully we re‐membered to a ach the rain guard on the tent, because, true to form, Florida’s fickle weather showed its true colors by producing a monsoon of sorts around 2 a.m.. The shower reminded us that, had we actually been homeless, we might not have that kind of protec on. 

As the sun rose the next day and the grass was sprinkled with morning dew we packed up our tent and headed back to LV. Of course, this is not a luxury the homeless in Palm Beach County can afford. Through the efforts of awareness events like SleepOut, hopefully that 2,100 will dwindle steadily down to zero.  

Bringing Awareness to Homelessness in PBC 

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AC members Michael Owen and Kourtney 

McClure who serve at The Lord’s Place. 

Some of the AC members who served at SleepOut. 

Member Spotlight

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Kayla Hammel

When I first interviewed at EdVenture Charter School my supervisor told me not to be surprised if students called me racial slurs. Kiara warned me not to wear my lanyard around my neck because it would give them something to grab onto if they got in my face. Alicia le  a note in my paper bag saying it takes a strong woman to work at EdVenture. By the  me the first day of school started I was terrified of what I had go en myself into and was wondering if this was what I had intended to sign up for.  

I remember two specific things my students said to me that first day: One, that I was too skinny, and two, that I looked scared. I laughed at the first comment, and protested the second because despite all the things I’d been told before that first day my fears disappeared the moment I met my students. Sure, I had teaching ji ers, but I soon realized that my kids were awesome. They may make mistakes and have their rough days, but at their core they’re good kids trying to make it in a world that hasn’t always been easy.  

I had many students who I really connected with, and felt privileged to watch their growth throughout the year. One of these students didn’t say a word to me at first. He would always do his work and come to tutor‐ing, but our interac ons were awkward one‐sided con‐versa ons. As I got to know him and learn more about 

his interests (cooking and basketball) our tutoring ses‐sions started to change. Just the fact that he ver‐bally acknowl‐edged me was progress. Soon he began to speak out in class and 

demonstrated more confidence in his abili es.  

Then, around December, his cousin was shot and killed in front of him.  

Absences piled up; I didn’t see him for over a month. I worried about him, and when he finally returned I was afraid all the progress he had made would be undone. He worked hard, however, par cipa ng ac vely in class and engaging in the books we read. By the end of the school year he was the last one in his class who s ll came consistently. I was amazed at his resilience, impressed by his work ethic, and once again reminded of how incredible my learners were.  

Of course, I was not disappointed by the promises for some crazy situa ons and challenges. I had students call me names, get in my face, light pencils on fire, and start fights in my class. But it would be those same stu‐dents who would come in the next day, apologize, and ask me to help them with a job applica on, or tell me about something personal they’d been dealing with. At this site, every day needs to be recognized as a new day; these kids need the chance to grow.  

As the year came to a close the two students who had made those memorable comments that first day revis‐ited their statements. The first told me approvingly that I had go en “thick” since the year started (OK, I could have lived without that one), and the second one told his friend that he thought I was scared when I first started, but I’m not afraid anymore. I told him again that I hadn’t been afraid, and he told me that I didn’t know them then, so I didn’t know what to think of them. This made sense to me; uncertainty can defi‐nitely be seen as fear. Now that I know what to ex‐pect, however, I’d pass along the same warnings I re‐ceived at the beginning of the year. Don’t be surprised if you get called names, and don’t be surprised if you s ll love working with the kid who said it.  

at 

Florence De George

Boys and Girls Club Tavia Mirassou‐Wolf  

The Literacy AmeriCorps members of Palm Beach County hosted their second and final liter‐acy event of the service year this June 14th. The event took place at the Florence De George Boys and Girls club, and involved about 200 children from 6‐17 years old.  Our members ran five sta‐ons centered on superhero themes to get the 

children’s crea ve juices flowing.  These sta ons featured ac vi es like wri ng a fantasy story us‐ing silly objects, decora ng books, playing games, making superhero names, and par ci‐pa ng in a superhero‐themed quest.  We also gave out nearly 200 books to ensure students 

don’t slack on their reading during the summer.  I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: Thank you to everyone who par cipated in this event! The children thor‐oughly enjoyed the posi ve interac ons and ac vi es! 

Literacy Event 

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Erica Young, JaRon Lindsey and Rebecca Segal 

This restaurant review was wri en by three people whose lives have been changed by one thing: Taco Vida. If you’re ever looking for a life‐changing experience, Taco Vida is the place to go. Their selec on is typical for taco and burrito 

places, but they somehow infuse their food with ingredients that make it amazing. Specials are available Monday through Wednesday — Monday is fajita day, Tuesday is $2 taco day and Wednesday is $5 burrito day — so even AmeriCorps members can enjoy this delicious restaurant. We recommend the Wednesday special — the chipotle chicken and the pork burritos will blow your mind. The pork is marinated and deliciously tender and the chicken is juicy and flavorful. Plus, every burrito comes with a side of chips and an all‐access pass to their fresh salsa bar, which features mango, habanero, and toma llo salsas alongside fresh cilantro, onions, limes, and pico de gallo. If you hit this place up from 12‐1 p.m. during the week you might have to wait in line but it’s well worth your while. In our humble opinions, this place makes a burrito be er than Tacos al Carbon. Don’t agree with us?  Come check out the revolu on happening in West Palm Beach! 

851 Village Blvd. #502 

(561) 686‐5988 

West Palm Beach 

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¡Viva el Taco at

Taco Vida!

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Good-bye Letters

some parting words from

AmeriCorps Members

“Par ng is such sweet sorrow.”                   ‐William Shakespeare 

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So How About That Ride In? When Alan in “The Hangover” said his wolf pack started with one, so did mine. When his grew to four, mine grew to FORTY. Despite the fact that we aren’t in Vegas (although we all wish we were) and Alan exists only in the movies (although we wish he were our bestie) this year has been a real ride in –-one of ups-and-downs, trial and error, hard work and recognition. But it wouldn’t have started without the support of these three individuals:

Birte: Your love of life and ambitious spirit make me want to become German. Thanks for all your support. Audrey: I love our little chats and phone emoticons. Thanks for preparing us for post-AmeriLife, and for reminding us that the work we do really impacts the lives we touch. Brad: Thanks for being such a great resource and BFF. And thanks for teaching me how to pronounce “fa sho” with a Chicagoan accent; for making “brah” sound legit; for using my word, LEGIT; and for giving me the scoop on all the baller sites in Florida.

Here’s a shout-out to each wolf-pack member who added soul to my life.

Justin: I will live religiously by your Crimisms. Max: Your dance moves are copywritten and your pants will never be forgotten. Win-nie: You’re so humble and you stay true to your beliefs and values. I respect that. GUURL, I know you have a wild side…go on with yo’ bad self. Jess: Your sweetness and open-minded nature is admirable! Please teach me your cooking ways! Kourt: I’m positive that in another lifetime we were twins. I love how passionate you are about your faith, people, work, and life in general. Rach: NEVER FILL UP A WATER BALLOON WITH THIS GIRL! HA HA! You’re chaos . Alicia: We will always have that UC San Diego bond. Oh, and remember that one time I cooked “pasta” for us during the Bachelor? I know, I can’t cook, I’m sorry. JaRon: Your creativity and ability to command a room will be forever treasured. Oh also, when I have children, care to babysit? You’re so good with kids it’s unreal. Cathy: Your carefree personality and love of the ocean means that you must move to California…the RIGHT coast. Thanks for making things happen! Belle: Our Patriots love is what brought us together that first meeting. Thanks for throwing that yarn to me first, girl — I love you. Tavia: Best fashion show partner ever. “Is your gum melting yet? Mine is.” Erica: SWERVE. Oh and long live Gidget! Amy: I envy your knowledge. I may not guess the right answer to a single Jeopardy question, but I call dibbs on you every time for my trivia team. The Dynamic Duo, Jennifer and Andy: You’re both so creative and comical, it’s a gift. #bestReadingTutorCombo. Teradee: Your focus and diligence is exemplary. Your learners must adore you. Vanessa: Watching the bachelor will never be the same without reading your blog. You’re just so sassy and lovable. Phetsada: Remember the Retreat: CAR-PET! I will be doing the Carpet and raising the roof my whole life. Michael: Because of you I want to visit Korea. Your travels inspire me to see the world. Brittany: I love your ability to network and plan—you are always on top of it! Kiara: I’m pretty sure I want to work for the FBI just so I can wear the badge and flash it: Hala Holly Hadawar, FBI, Homicide..or whatever. Sara: Math is sexy be-cause of you. Thanks for all your support this year girl. I admire your charisma and dedication, especially with projects like Project Impact. Kaitlin: I loved the little chat we had the day after we all got ice cream. Thanks for sharing your story and for being such a positive person in general. Liza + Kristin: When I Prancercise I will think of you both. In fact, I may be Prancercising right now. Rebecca: So happy you’re doing what you love, you deserve it. Good luck in Missouri! Erin: I love how passionate you are about your Blackhawks and Bulls. Sports statuses on FB will never be the same without input from you or Kevin. Renato: You’re so goofy! I love it! Kevin H: Teach me how to draw like you. Thanks for just exuding “cool”. Jordan: COOKKIEEESS. Every time I’m at a meeting now I expect those cookies. Ashley: PLEASE GIVE ME YOUR ACCENT! I love your classiness and patience. Gina +Kayla: When I think of you both, I think Mischievous Misses. It’s just so sassy and you both are just plain ballers. Zuri: I’m so happy you share my UC love. You’re one of the smartest, humblest people I know, and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead for you. Hannah: Remember our library encounter? Ha! Thanks for teaching me the ropes.

AND MOST OF ALL, thanks to my fellow graduation coaches, who made this year the most memorable work-experience. Thanks for becoming some of my best friends/partners-in-crime, and for showing me the ropes when I struggled — and let’s face it, I strug-gled quite a bit. Cori: Talking on the phone in an office will never be the same if you aren’t on the receiving end. Thank you for all the laughs, stories, support and listening. #JerryandAlfredoBestStudents. Ithran: Thanks for never failing to cheer me up and for al-ways caring! Oh, and, “Some of you don’t know what a cheeseburger is. You know when you go to McD’s and order a cheeseburger? That’s a cheeseburger.” Skeeter: Thanks for being the greatest sidekick and friend, always willing to try new things, and sharing our love of dance — altho’ I can probably take you down on the dance flo.’ Kevin S: I will never look at Batman without thinking of you. Thanks for exhibiting such professionalism — and for breakdancing at our retreat.

I have learned the most valuable lessons, built the most precious friendships, and of course, treasured all the memories we’ve built over this past year. I wish each of you continued success — and remember: “Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I’ll miss you until we meet again.“ As Belle would say, Think about it.

Snooks over and out. (Hala Hadawar)

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H ello A-Team, my name is Ithran Kanoyton and this August I will be a second-year AmeriCorps member. As I write this we are getting closer and closer to the end of our 2012-2013 tenure. Throughout the course of this

year I have formed some amazing friendships, made networking a lifestyle, learned valuable lessons, and most of all helped hundreds of youth in South Florida realize that anything is truly possible. We rarely want things to come to an end, but all good things do. We don’t always realize how much we actually have accomplished in one year, but we’ve come such a long way in terms of guidance and support to those at our sites. I know they are very appreciative and we should be proud of that! I urge you all to continue being the great people that you are, overcome obstacles, continue to be loving and giving individuals, and I pray that all of your coming adventures will be glorious and blessed. Until we meet again, my friends!

To all the incoming members: I know that you all will be very excited about starting this new journey, as you should be — just remember to keep that drive and persistence on days when homesickness or fatigue kick in, because in the end it will all be worth it — I promise. This year is dedicated to discovering new cultures, experiences, people, and most of all, yourselves. I, for one, have learned that it feels great to give. The feeling of seeing a flower that you have watered for a year finally sprout is overwhelmingly wonderful. My students were like flowers who just needed proper sunshine and hydration, and once they received their sustenance, they blossomed beautifully. I know you all will have the same attitudes once you see that the smallest amount of change still makes a difference in someone’s life. Be strong, be patient, be kind, and everything will work out as it should. Also, in case you do not know what our AmeriCorps motto is, just remember that your ultimate goal is to GET THINGS DONE! See you all soon! 

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T here never really seems to be a good  me to say goodbye — especially when you’ve spent so much  me doing amazing things and ge ng to know fantas c people. Although this year has been filled with a li le turmoil, some falling‐outs and some differences of opinions, it will most importantly be remembered as a year of stellar 

successes.  Having no prior knowledge of the accomplishments and failures of previous Literacy AmeriCorps teams I will be the first to say that this group, hands down, is probably one of the best yet; and I stand behind that wholeheartedly.

A er gradua ng college I had a vision of what my life would be like in five years, and nowhere in that vision did I see myself leaving my jobs and my family and friends, moving to a different state, changing the lives of children, posi vely affec ng communi es, and mee ng some of the most inspiring, driven, dedicated young adults I have ever known. I wonder how long it will take me to stop missing all the things I’ve grown so accustomed to here in Florida. This experience has to be one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. Yes, it has been difficult, and some mes I did want to give up, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. I remember all the reasons I decided to do AmeriCorps and I am happy to say I accomplished every single one of them and more. There is no greater feeling than star ng something and finishing it with just as much enthusiasm as you had at the beginning.

A lot of people don't want to make their own decisions. They're too scared. It's much easier to be told what to do, and to be completely honest with you all I’m scared to leave. I’m scared to go back into the “real world.” I’m scared that I won’t be able to help as many children as I helped here. I’m afraid that all my friends have changed. I’m afraid that the life I le  behind won’t just pick up where I le  off. But despite these fears I remember all the things that I learned here — and I’ve learned so much. I know it’s  me for me to take what I’ve learned and achieve all my goals and my dreams.

The hardest part of this is going to be leaving my learners and telling them they may possibly never see me again. So many things run through mind. Who will help them with their homework? Who will make sure they understand what they’re doing? Who will read to them? Who will listen when they just need someone to talk to? Who will try to teach them life lessons, and those values and morals needed to achieve success? Who will go the extra mile to make sure they’re ok — emo onally, mentally, physically? Most importantly, who will love them? Who will I love?

Saying goodbye has never been something that I’m good at because it’s always hard to leave the ones I love. Goodbyes, to me, seem so final. I know that this will not be the last  me I see the people I met here, so instead of saying goodbye, I’ll say, “Un l we meet again.”

To Braudrey: Thank you both for all that you do. Thank you for taking the  me to get to know us and allowing us to show you who we are and not faul ng us for our differences.  You two have been such a major support — the bond that keeps this whole thing together.  You both have been great examples of what a “boss” should be. Thank you for demonstra ng, teaching, and preparing us to be be er leaders.

To my learners: You all have shown me so much love and made me feel like a superstar. Thanks for stroking my ego (I honestly enjoy the a en on). Thank you most of all for allowing me to help you and opening up your lives to me.  You all are what made the en re experience worth it. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do something, because you can do anything if you are dedicated, persistent, and willing to learn from others.

To next year’s members: Be yourself — you’re the person most qualified for that job. Don’t let the group mentality take you away from what you believe in and how you feel. Don’t be scared to speak up; don’t worry too much about fi ng in and making friends because if you’re genuine people will flock to you. Remember to have fun, take a break, don’t lose focus on all the reasons you chose to do this program. Most importantly take the opportunity to try new things and get outside of your comfort zone.

To this year’s members: Thank you all for being an amazing group. It took all of us working together, pu ng aside our differences, and embracing a common goal to make this year successful. I have made some amazing friends and I’m so sad to have to leave you. I can honestly say that most of you have touched my life in some amazing ways. I wish you all the best of luck and I hope that wherever life takes you, you succeed beyond your wildest dreams. You’ll always have a friend in me.

‐JaRon Markee Lindsey 

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T his year in AmeriCorps I was given the special opportunity to teach families. Reading tutors struggle with the idea that they teach children all day only to send them home not knowing whether they’ll retain

an ounce of that education. High schoolers are just as unreliable, only bigger and angrier and under so much aca-demic pressure that sometimes an eye roll suffices as successful communication. And then there are the adults -- the ones who are already smarter, more experienced, and harder workers than you’ll ever be, and yet you’re sup-posed to educate them. Yes, let me teach you all the information I found on Google about mortgages and 401Ks.

At Village Readers we host all age groups. No amount of internships, college education, and awards from Kappa Alma Mater Beta Feta Mo Meta could have prepared me for the challenge of not only being an AmeriCorps mem-ber, but having to perform a daily nine hour show to entertain children…and then their parents. I mean, let’s get real. Forty members from 20-odd states and the AmeriCorps supervisors asked me to teach English? Half of my students will be mocked forever regardless of their English skills because some girl from Chicahhhgo waltzed in and ruined their pronunciation with her idea of an acceptable form of nasally speech.

And yet, they accepted me. It was no small mountain to climb. It takes a certain personality to be able to disci-pline children, and then turn around and give the same exact commands to their parents:

“Put away your cell phone. Get off Facebook. Stop Googling me. Stop bothering Mr. Brevil. No, I don’t want to hear about your lovemaking last night. Please no hitting in class. No, Mr. Long is not my boyfriend. Do not call her fat. No, she’s not pregnant. No, I’m not pregnant.”

Then there are the mood swings. Kids have always been funny like that. There were days when those kids would not even look at me. They sat in the hallway, arms crossed, faces turned away from me, silent. They told me they hated me. They hated reading. I ruined their day because it was sunny and they wanted to play. I told them it’s Florida and it’s always sunny. They stopped talking to me. The next day, Ms. Erin would be the coolest teacher they had ever met. Ms. Erin had a classroom full of books and let them have quiet time away from the other kids! They loved books! They loved me!

But I held my head high and no matter how much they screamed or cried, I stayed focused on my evening and how I would feel better when the adults arrived. Well then little Rodensky who cried all afternoon because I told him I didn’t like Lebron continued the tantrum with his mother who could not control him and then she got a headache and then she couldn’t go to English class that night because little Rodensky had to go home. So she told all her friends and then they had headaches and hated English and hated me, too. I knew nothing good would ev-er come from Lebron…

There were always those weeks when every day felt like a Monday. I probably ate and drank too much over the weekend and knew my students would tell me I looked fatter on Monday. I felt down on myself; I was exhausted from balancing my checkbook, watching the food stamps dwindle to zero, and almost dying 17 times on I-95. I had no desire to get to work let alone stand up for hours and teach.

But then I would get there. Mr. Pierre would start yelling at Ms. Zabella, begging for her to sit next to him be-cause he was “handsome” --- a new vocabulary word that he just had to use. Ms. Bernaditte would hand me a headband identical to her own that I had mentioned liking last week. Ms. Rose, who told me the day before that she would not be in class because her pregnancy had been getting the best of her would walk in, roll her eyes, and smile because she knew how happy I was that she came anyway. Mr. Paraison, I knew, was smiling because he was wearing a new sweater from his wife and knew I would compliment him. Ms. Reyna brought me tamales af-ter I whined about not knowing how to cook them and Mr. Roody brought me a Haitian dinner after his Miami Heat beat my Chicago Bulls --- he wanted to say, “I’m sorry for your loss.” Between all the laughter…and eating…it’s amazing my students know any English at all. But they got promoted. They attained citizenship. Their chil-dren got A’s. They prayed for me in church six hours every Sunday. And they always came back to class on Mon-day.

This year in AmeriCorps I was given the special opportunity to teach families. And then I was asked to write a goodbye letter. So how do you write a goodbye letter to your family? Well the answer is you never do. You give them a really long hug, cry, hug again, and wave goodbye. You look back several times until your car is far enough down the street and then you start the real waterworks. And then you think about them every day, wish-ing you were with them, wishing you could see their progress but also putting faith in the fact that families evolve and they will share their love with the new teacher that steps in, just as they loved me. Because that’s family edu-cation, and that’s Village.

-Erin Howes