Service in Good Works

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, 

and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

(Galatians 6:10)

I am a mom, so I have earned the right to brag on the good things that our son does. For the past couple of weeks, he has been working on applications for various organizations and summer programs. He solicited his own adults to write letters of recommendation. It did my heart good to hear other adults and parents confirm about our child what we already know to be true. He completed the applications and wrote all of his essays with little input from us. One of the things that I was most proud of was that he could pick and choose which of his community service activities to include with his application packages.

What exactly is he applying to be selected?  I am glad you asked.

• He was nominated by his school for membership into the James H. Carter Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. NJHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship and character. Five main purposes have guided chapters of NJHS from the beginning: to create enthusiasm for scholarship; to stimulate a desire to render service; to promote leadership; to encourage responsible citizenship; and to develop character in the students of secondary schools. 

Source: https://www.njhs.us/about-us.aspx

• He was nominated by his mommy (because he must engage in something besides play video games during the summer months) to apply for the Leaders of Tomorrow Program. LOT is a national network of high school students and MBA professionals / mentors who focus on student empowerment. The mission is to develop positive and socially aware high school students for transformative leadership in college, careers, and community service. Throughout the summer and fall term, leaders participate in a variety of activities, workshops, and events that emphasize growth in the leadership areas of academics, professional development, community service,  securing internships & scholarships, and goal setting & attainment.

• He was informed of the local opportunity to apply to participate in the National Flight Academy Program. The information brochure stated: Across the country, communities are rallying support to focus on student success in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education. The NFA Centers of Inspiration provide a holistic approach to inspiring student interest and engaging them in order to keep them challenged and excited about pursing STEM curriculum.  The A.I.R. program takes place onboard Ambition, located on the grounds of the National Naval Aviation museum in Pensacola, Florida. For multiple days, 8th – 11th graders compete against each other in engaging and intense real-life scenarios that combine the thrill of flight with critical thinking techniques. To apply online:   http://hub.obap.org/home/nfa

While we are still waiting to hear back on whether or not he was accepted into the latter two programs, we are proud to attend his induction ceremony for NJHS next week. With his acceptance letter was a form to return, indicating how he will serve the school next year among other things. His selection: leading the community service outreach efforts. How are you encouraging your children on the importance of community service in their purposed work? Feel free to comment, or send me an email at latanyua.robinson@gmail.com. If you like this post, and want to  catch up on some of my previous discussion, please visit the full Purposed Work blog at http://ltr-latrobe-mfg.blogspot.com.

A Promise of Good Works

And this shall be a sign to you,

You shall eat this year such as grows of itself;

and the second year that which springs of the same:

and in the third year

sow you, and reap, and plant vineyards,

and eat the fruit thereof.

(Isaiah 37:30)

 I do not know what is about being in Arkansas that makes me write as if my life experiences were a metaphor for agriculture: sowing, reaping, planting, harvesting… I digress. Ever felt like you were in a wilderness, a place where nothing seems to grow? Sometimes, you simply have to weather the seasons, do the work, and continue to plant and sow until the harvest. Succeeding at anything in life, like farming, is a process that is not for the faint.  However, you keep toiling, looking for the sign of the fulfillment of the prophecy, or the promise…

Are you familiar with the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp? The camp provides 48 rising 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students the opportunity to enhance their proficiency in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education while living on a college campus - all at no cost to the child or family. I became aware of this program sponsored by The Harris Foundation when we lived in Beaumont and knew some of the beneficiary attendees from the Lamar University camp. Well, the twenty sites for the 2015 camp season have been announced. I am glad to see that the University of Arkansas – Little Rock is one of the named camp locations. (NOTE:  I am still researching to see which school districts are recruiting students for the competitive 48 spots.)




Summer 2015 Summer Science Camp Sites

To be eligible to apply, students should:

• Be members of a traditionally underserved and underrepresented population;
• Be entering 6th, 7th or 8th grade in the fall of 2015;
• Have a GPA of at least “B” overall in mathematics and science;
• Score at the median to superior level on standardized mathematics and science tests;
• Write a 250-word essay describing their interest in the camp and STEM;
• Be interviewed, if deemed necessary;
• Have exhibited an interest in mathematics and science; and
• Have strong recommendations from their current mathematics and science teachers.

To learn more, visit http://theharrisfoundation.org/sitecontent/565/summer-science-camp/category/457/education.aspx

 
The science camp opportunity reminds me of my first exposure to opportunities in STEM related fields. I did not attend my first on-campus camp until the summer between my junior and senior year of high school, but I remember how the experience motivated me to toil harder. Imagine the promise that lies ahead for the students who are exposed and graced to attend these camps in the 6th, 7^th, or 8^th grades! Imagine the promise of how this type of engagement could change the trajectory of children who live in the wilderness of those underserved, underrepresented communities and populations!  If not this camp, how can we advocate to get more of our young people exposed and engaged in other STEM focused camps? What are you doing in your local community in teaching children that it is never too early to begin toiling and working toward the promise of good works? Feel free to comment, or, send me an email at latanyua.robinson@gmail.com. If you like this post and want to catch up on some of my previous discussions, please visit the full Purposed Work blog at http://ltr-latrobe-mfg.blogspot.com/