DEEP Service Magazine Spring/Summer 2014 | Page 15

UNDERGRADUATENEWS

Bonner Service Leader, Jessica Guthrie,
Receives NOYCE Grant through the
Siena College Mathematics Department
Q: What was the grant you
received?
I received the NOYCE Grant through
the Mathematics Department at Siena
College. The NOYCE Grant focuses
on exposing Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Math (STEM) college
students to classrooms in high-need school districts with the
intent to prepare the students for careers as teachers in high-need
districts. This summer, I have been given the opportunity to serve
as a teacher's aid in a ninth grade algebra classroom at
Schenectady High School. I work with the students on preparing
for the regents exam and also help after-school with tutoring the
students who need more individualized attention with the
material. If I decide to continue with the program after this
summer (which I intend to do) and if I am accepted to officially
receive the grant, I will be given $40,000 dollars toward my last
two years at Siena College. After receiving the scholarship, I am
required to work in a high-need school district for at least four
years after I graduate college.

Q: What role did you play to receive the grant? For
example, did you research, write, edit, and/or submit
the grant?
I received the NOYCE Grant through the Mathematics
Department at Siena College. The NOYCE Grant focuses on
exposing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
college students to classrooms in high-need school districts with
the intent to prepare the students for careers as teachers in highneed districts.

Q: How will the grant be applied?
The grant will allow me to engage myself in preparing for my
future as a teacher. After finishing the program, I will be certified
to teach math and computer science, both subjects in need of
well-prepared, experienced teachers. Through my participation in
the NOYCE Program at Siena, I will be better equipped to work
in a high-need school district after I graduate. For now, I am
benefiting from gaining the experience of being in the classroom
and building relationships with both teachers and students.

Community Corps Member
Finds the Value of
Interpersonal Development
By Alley O’Farrell ’16, Community Corps
This year, not only has
Community Corps
membership grown, but the
relationships between its
members have strengthened.
During the ACE Winter Retreat in February,
Community Corps members bonded and
shared personal stories about their
community development work. The focus on
interpersonal development and relationship
building was a refreshing and unique part of
the retreat. For example, one member shared
her struggles with a particular student she
leads in Girl Scouts. We learned how she
handled the situation and how she
experienced personal growth.
Listening, reflecting, and sharing each other’s
experiences allows for a different kind of
growth. Professional growth, like learning
how to properly write and present a resume
is necessary, but the growth and maturity
that comes from interpersonal relationships
is also an important part of professional
growth. The personal bonds we make can
help us in all areas of our lives as students
and beyond. This is not to say that our
professional trainings and skills are not
important. I love hearing that a student
created a beautiful resume or witnessing a
student effectively plan and coordinate a
meeting. For me, being a Community Corps
member gives me the opportunity to not
only grow these professional skills, but also
the personal skills needed to successfully
form bonds and relate to others.

DEEP Service Magazine | Page 15