2018 CIIP Program Book CIIP Booklet 2018 | Page 11

SquashWise combines athletics, academics, and counseling to propel Baltimore’s youth
toward college and careers. This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to engage
with students both in a classroom setting and in an athletic setting. During SquashWise’s
five-week summer camp, my daily responsibilities would include co-leading literacy class,
coaching at the group fitness classes, playing squash with the students, assisting with the
summer lunch program, and organizing elective activities. The SquashWise staff members
worked to bring so much positive energy to camp each day, and their welcoming envi-
ronment allowed me to create real relationships with each of them that I look forward to
continuing.
In addition, I was given the responsibility of lesson planning and fully teaching four class
lessons during the third week of summer camp. This specific week was “citizenship week,”
where we hosted guest speakers and worked to improve the political awareness of our
students. Each day I taught a lesson that prepared the students for the next guest speaker
and educated the students on a different element of engaged citizenship. It was my first
time in a real teaching setting, and I learned so much about the profession of teaching
and about myself. The experience made me realize that teaching was more than a hypo-
thetical, future profession and actually something that I may pursue right after college.
Furthermore, due to the fact that athletics have been such an integral part of my life, I en-
joyed the opportunity to continue teaching life-skills, enhancing classroom performance,
and improving individual mindsets through athletics. Both on the squash courts and at the
fitness sessions hosted by MissionFit gym, I was able to participate alongside the students
and offer coaching to them. Also, since I was beginning to play squash for the first time
this summer, it was a great opportunity for the students to turn into the teachers and help
me learn how to play the game.
Community Partner:
Baltimore SquashWise
Intern: Michelle Abt
Site Supervisor: Matt Skarzynski
What is Baltimore SquashWise?
Baltimore Squashwise is a nonprofit af-
ter-school youth enrichment program
serving public middle school students
in Baltimore City.
I am so grateful to both the CIIP program and to SquashWise for this incredible experi-
ence this summer!
• Lead small discussion groups during daily literacy sessions
• Planned and taught citizenship-themed class lessons to high school and middle
school students
• Helped coach group fitness sessions at MissionFit gym
• Played squash pick-up games and drills with the students and other staff mem-
bers
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