Community Partner : Thread Intern : Andrew Johnson Site Supervisor : Christina Marsh
What is Thread ? Thread uses a “ family‐style ” approach to foster the transformation of both underperforming high school students and university‐based Volunteers into self‐motivated , resourceful , and socially aware leaders committed to a higher purpose of their own .
My time at Thread has been both challenging and rewarding . I came into the summer with some clear goals in mind ; to develop as a professional communicator and public speaker , to establish personal connections with the students in our program , and to help make their summer experiences as enriching and enjoyable as possible . I think my communication skills have certainly improved a great deal , as I am now a more confident and effective speaker in both meetings and on the phone . I also feel more comfortable leading meetings and mediating disputes as a result of my time at Thread . However , I considered these aims to be tertiary to my other two goals for the summer . On these fronts I think there were some vital successes but also some unfortunate oversights . A few of my students were terminated from their jobs during the first two weeks of their employment , either due to attendance or behavioral issues . It was especially disheartening in the instances where a kid was fired unjustifiably and I felt that they deserved another opportunity . Many of my students began to open up to me over the course of the summer , and this in turn allowed me to gain insights into their interests and candidly discuss their summer experiences . In too many of these instances I felt like I could not make a true difference or eradicate the issues or concerns that they presented to me . I found students placed at office sites who wanted to work outside with kids and students placed at summer camps who desired and expressed interest in office work . I was filled with joy as I heard a student tell me how their volunteer family takes them out for meals once a week , and I was equally disheartened when one girl revealed to me that none of her volunteers had been present in more than six months . Many of the students in our program face immensely difficult personal circumstances and are forced into the perils and challenges of adulthood at a very early age . While I tried to instill positive lessons and attitudes into the kids I worked with this summer , I am certain that they have shaped me more than I could ever possibly influence them . I am inspired by their incredible resolve in the face of so much adversity , in their ability to compartmentalize their grief and thrive in instances where I would have surely seized up and been rendered useless . I was witness to many personal triumphs this summer , only a small fraction of which I had any part in shaping . However , I can truly say that I did my best to support my students as they faced these challenges , and for that I have no regrets . ‐ Andrew
Tasks :
● Acted as a liaison between st worksites across Baltimore C their Thread volunteer famili
● Designed orientation materia outlined expectations , respo deadlines for the program .
● Conducted site visits in order paperwork to students and t the students at their worksite were satisfied with their sum
● Helped plan and run professi seminars on sexual health an aided in the development of students were able to reflect experiences .