Author: Susan Koepke

TRIO Upward Bound
Missouri State University

The TRIO

Volume 5, Issue 1

April 17, 2010

Inside this issue:

National Awareness Days in April	1
Senior Trip to Colorado Springs	2
Calendar of Events	2
Birthdays	2
March D4C Update / College Feature	3 / 3
Rory’s Corner	3
ASM Updates / April’s Corner	4 / 4

National Volunteer Month

April is National Volunteer Month and was established by Richard Nixon in 1974. It’s purpose is to “honor the people who dedicate themselves to taking action and solving problems in their communities.” (www.firstcall211.org)
During the month, lots of celebrations and events are held all over the country. However, the best way to celebrate is to become a volunteer yourself! Whether you decide to participate for one day or to start a volunteer career, the experience can change your life.
There are lots of benefits to volunteering, such as meeting new people, learning new skills, and feeling really good about yourself for giving back. You can also record the time you spend volunteering to use on resumes and scholarship applications.
In honor of this month, we’ve compiled a list of places you can volunteer around the Springfield area. The opportunities are endless, so don’t limit yourself to just these suggestions.
(There may be some age restrictions.)
-Habitat for Humanity– This organization provides affordable homes for families. Volunteers can help in a variety of ways including construction, family support, and more. To help, call 829-4001.
-Humane Society– Volunteers can work with animals or adults by providing care services or working in the office. You can even walk the dogs! Call 833-2526.
-Library– The library is a great place to get to know your community better. Volunteers can work with the public, shelve books, help with special projects, and much more. Visit thelibrary.org.
-Cox Hospital– While the application process can seem lengthy, the rewards are great. Volunteers get to work with patients and the public, help nurses behind the scenes, or work in the gift shop. This would be a great experience for anyone interested in the medical field. Call 269-4169.
-Tutor– The A+ Program requires students to tutor, but you don’t have to wait to get started. Volunteer after school or on weekends. You’ll be surprised how much you learn by teaching others!

National Gardening Month

April 30: Arbor Day
Plant
A
Tree

April is a ripe time to celebrate gardens. Gardeners are just starting their work outdoors, tilling the soil, planting early crops, and enjoying the wet climate of spring. Everyone is planning for the warm months ahead and enjoying the end of winter.
While it can be hard to find the time and space to start a garden of your own, everyone can appreciate the fruits of the labor of others. Local gardens help the local economy and prevent unnecessary shipment of outside resources. Buying locally grown fruits, vegetables, and grains can be healthier and sometimes cheaper.
Visit the City Markets between the months of May and October to peruse the offerings of Springfield gardeners. C-Street Market is located at the corner of Jefferson and Commercial and is open Saturdays from 9AM to 2 PM. The Friday Night Farmers Market is on Park Central East and makes a fresh and tasty stop during the Friday Art Walk.
Other, non-edible gardens to visit include the Japanese Stroll Gardens, The Botanical Gardens at Close Memorial Park, and the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden on National.

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The TRIO

Volume 5, Issue 1

Seniors Trip 2010: Colorado Springs

During spring break, three seniors embarked on a journey to Colorado Springs, Colorado. The trip was organized by Upward Bound staff as a reward for all the hard work and dedication it takes to graduate from high school. Caitlyn Shultz-Mizell, Sam Cunningham-Logan, and Tyler Bueno (pictured below, from left to right) had a great time on the trip climbing up mountains, down gorges, and hiking around Helen Hunt Falls.
On day three of the trip, Colorado’s temperamental weather finally showed itself in a sudden snowstorm. The Upward Bounders were not fazed, however, and enjoyed the pristine snow-covered mountains from the comfort of a log cabin.
The trip to the Wolf Education and Conservation center was made more exciting by the snow as students were able to see the wolves, foxes, and coyotes in their natural habitat. (The arctic wolf can withstand up to –60 degrees F!) Friends were made with the resident pet husky, Timber, as well.
Spotting the Colorado wildlife became a game as the group travelled from high mountain terrains to the prairie like valleys. Caitlyn was especially fond of her horse, Undertaker, whom she rode through Garden of the Gods.
Other activities included a visit to the unique Air Force Academy, a train ride up the side of Pikes Peak, exciting and aerobic sessions of laser tag, and a relaxing cook out at the lodge.

Calendar of events for April/May

4/17 D4C Meeting
4/21 After School Meeting
(H and P)
4/23 No School
4/26 After School Meeting
(Central)
5/10 After School Meeting
(Central)
5/5 After School Meeting
(H and P)
5/8 D4C Meeting
6/7 SPS Summer School Begins
6/7 Bridge Program Begins
6/14 Summer Academy Begins

Program Events!!!

Birthdays!!!
4/21 Christian Caesar
4/27 Timory Click
4/30 Bonnie Hicks
5/12 Bethany Hicks
5/17 Kelli Loyd

Volume 5, Issue 1

The TRIO

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March D4C Meeting

Our March D4C meeting included CPR training and Interpersonal Skills workshop. A representative from the American Red Cross came to D4C to orientate students concerning the purpose and benefits of CPR. After the presentation, it was clear that students acquired a respect and appreciation for CPR.
While students were attending the CPR session, other students were gaining insight from an Interpersonal Skills workshop facilitated by GA April Stublefield. April presented problem/resolution skills with scenarios. After identifying the skills, students applied them to real life situations. Since the workshop, it has been observed by UBstaff that students are utilizing the skills in UB activities.
After the morning workshops and our lunch, UB staff and UB students took a walk with umbrellas and raincoats to the MSU Exhibition Center to view the “Jordan Through the Ages” and tour the Hammon Tower.

University of Arkansas — Little Rock

Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Distance from Springfield: 4 hours, driving
Tuition (15 hrs): $2516.25
Out-of-State Tuition: $6750.00
Degrees Offered: Over 100 including Art History,
Banking, Law Enforcement, Spanish and Zoology
Cool Scholarship: The UALR Chancellor’s Leadership Corp is worth $7000 per year. You need: *High School Counselor’s Letter of Recommendation *Qualifications include outstanding leadership activities, community and school involvement, service and academic scholarship *Entering Freshman for fall semester*
School Mascot: The Trojans
What do students have to say? The faculty at UALR impresses me. My anthropology teacher made me fall in love with college the first semester I walked onto this campus.
Local Points of Interest: State Capital, Historic District, The Arkansas River, Clinton Presidential Library, Arts and Culture Venues
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
2801 S University Avenue
Little Rock, Arkansas 72204
(501) 569-3127/ E-mail: admissions@ualr.edu
http://ualr.edu/

Rory’s Corner

While Arbor Day is approaching the calendar, one may want to consider contributing to the environment with botanical assortments. The lush green, leaves with colorful blossoms of plants present a therapeutic remedy for stress and tension. After a long day of summer activities, one may like to spend some time in the garden and relax.
In regards to trees, one can either transplant, purchase or obtain free trees. As a teen, I would transplant tree sprouts from one location to another. One spring, I transplanted 26 pine trees. Local arbor agencies may advertise trees for free or at low cost in your community. When you plant a tree, make sure not to allow the roots to become dry. After one has dug in a desired location, simply put water in the hole, put the tree roots inside, and put plenty of soil around the base of the tree. Do not allow the tree roots to become exposed to the ground surface. Daily, the tree will need water. Do not allow the tree to become dry.
Once the tree takes root, the tree is a familiar object for life. Many of my pine trees that I had planted are still standing and serve as shade. There is a satisfaction that I get when viewing the shade tree. It serves as a symbol of a contribution that nature and I share. Initially, time and effort were required, but later a serene display.

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The TRIO

Volume 5, Issue 1

TRIO Upward Bound
Missouri State University

After School Meetings

Freudenberger House Lower West Level
901 S. National Ave.
Springfield, MO 65897
Phone: 417-836-4324
Fax: 417-836-6106
E-mail: upwardbound@missouristate.edu

After school meetings are one Upward Bound service you do not want to miss. Twice a month, at each school, an UB staff covers important topics every student needs to know to succeed academically.
Central students have been learning a lot of different things including public speaking and job interview skills, critical and spontaneous thinking, and study techniques. A favorite activity for this group is discussion. Each student has a unique point of view to offer and is given a chance to learn from others.
Hillcrest meetings are always a lot fun. Students have been exposed to different cultures through videos and given the opportunity to brainstorm goals for the semester. Hillcrest students also practiced job interview skills and played a game that required thinking on their feet.
Parkview . . .
After school meetings are a prime time to meet with UB staff, ask questions, and get to know other Upward Bounders better. Don’t miss the next one at your school!

New Opportunities, New Horizons.

We’re on the Web:
www.missouristate.edu/upwardbound

Pictured below is Josh Radosavlevici at the March 17th Hillcrest After School Meeting, learning about St. Patrick’s Day.

April’s Corner - Why I Love Libraries

Did you know that this last week was National Library Workers Month? I said “Thank you” to everyone I know who works in a library, because it is such an important job.
I grew up in a small town with a library that is a fraction the size of any Springfield library, but it is where I learned to love reading. My school librarians would try out new material on me because I was always looking for something new to read.
Librarians are not just people who love books, but people who are passionate about sharing knowledge and resources with everyone. In my opinion, the most patriotic people I know, are librarians. They really act out our nation’s reputation as “the land of opportunity.” That is why libraries are so important in our communities.
Libraries are our society’s way of providing free access to resources to everyone. You don’t have to pay for books, computer time, or even gas to get to the library across town that has the book you want. You can request books to be delivered to the one closest to you. Springfield Greene County Library also has a service called “Walking Books” that delivers library resources to home bound library users.
The library does more for the community than just give away books for a couple of weeks at a time. You can register to vote at the library, attend workshops on computing and other skills, and get to know people in your community.
Midtown-Carnegie Library is located just across the street from Central High School and is a great place for young adults. There are a lot of events, programs, and resources available just for teenagers.
You don’t have to love spending time at libraries like I do, but I do want you see how valuable they are and why we need them. So, say “thanks” to your librarian for fulfilling this vital role, and let’s keep reading. -April