Chicago Center for Urban Life & Culture

Summer 2009 Internship Summaries

Here are a few of the summer students descriptions of their placements:

Jen Maddux- Hastings College: “I am interning at Rainbow PUSH Coalition. It is Jesse Jackson’s civil rights organization. I am shadowing Marshette Turner, the executive director of the International Trade Bureau. The focus of the department is to assist minority- and women-owned businesses trying to do business with large corporations.”

Brittany Camerino Illinois College: “I am working with the West Lawn – Archer Heights Chamber of Commerce. The mission of the West Lawn Chamber of Commerce is to advance the economic, industrial, professional, cultural and civic welfare of the West Lawn area. To encourage and give assistance to any new individuals that are seeking to locate in the West Lawn Chamber of Commerce area. To support all those activities believed to be beneficial to the community and oppose those, which might be detrimental. To promote the welfare of all area citizens, following the policies intended to accomplish the greatest good for the greatest number. My specific duties include creating a blog for the Archer Heights Chamber, writing articles for the monthly newsletter (these articles are also posted on the blog), communicating with members regarding events (both from the past and upcoming), and answering the phone throughout the day. Some of the more specific tasks I have taken on since I started include contacting the Secretary of State regarding the West Lawn Chamber of Commerce being in not good standing and then printing out and filling out the forms so that my supervisor just needed to sign the forms; keeping contact with a business owner who was interested in working to receive a grant in order to make improvements within his business. I had to collect the forms and contact him to let him know that we had the forms and he would be able to pick them up during our business hours; writing invoices for the next years membership; writing a cover letter to be sent with the invoices, which listed the chambers accomplishments over the past year; write an email to the Hyde Park Chamber requesting the donation of a computer since we only have 3 computers with about 20 staff members; work on placing an ad in Journal News; Email members and local businesses to see if they would like to go into the ad as well in order to save the chamber from paying for the full amount of the ad; and the biggest event I am working on is the upcoming Health Fair that will take place at Ford City mall – I had to search our member list as well as the internet for possible health services that may want to participate in the event.”

Kristina Carlson Nebraska Wesleyan University: “The Children’s Place Association is a non-profit association aimed to provide services to children with aids related issues such as having AIDS or HIV themselves or having a family member with one of these illnesses as well. Over the years, the association has opened their doors to those with other disorders as well such as autism, down syndrom, etc. The association has a Family Center which provides preschool type services for these children since many go without a preschool education otherwise and are then not prepared for kindergarten. Wellness checks are taken daily along with counseling services and many other services for other family members, foster parents, etc. There is a residence where some of the children live as well that is fully staffed. The administrative offices is where the legislative, paperwork, and overall running of the association is done. The children and families can also gain bus services and counseling services that they may take advantage of over the course of their lifetime (for foster parent families that become foster parents through the association).”

Lauren Deutscher- Alma College: “I’m interning at Danielle Ashley Commnuications, a Public Relations and Advertising agency. So far I am mainly answering the phone, and doing simple tasks around the office. They are just about to start a new project, so I am hoping to be a part of that.”

Sarah Caverley- Alma College: “I’m at Holsten Management. They are a real estate company that provides both public housing and higher income level housing. My job is in the accounting department and I enter a lot of data into their computer system such as rents and bills owed and paid.”

Molli Templin- Albion College: “I am working at DoriWilson Public Relations. They provide promotional services for avariety of organizations in the Chicago area. I’m helping out withdifferent aspects of projects and looking into developing a blog forDori’s website.”
Rebecca Herington- Whitworth University: “I am working at the Pilsen Wellness Center, with the Intensive Case Management program. The participants all have mental illnesses and are living on their own. The case workers check up on them according to their needs. They are taught how to manage their finances, trained/supervised taking medications, go grocery shopping, take care of themselves, etc. I am shadowing the case workers, going with them from place to place. When we are in the offices, I am going through the cases, making sure forms are properly updated.”

Alumni Update

Here at the Chicago Center, we love hearing feedback from alumni! Chicago Center Alumni Shava Jamerson writes:

“The Chicago Center was such a great experience for me and if it was not for your program I would not have accomplished as much as I did. After I interned for the Legion Records thanks to the Chicago Center, that gave me the confidence to move forward and I ended up interning at one of the largest records labels in the country SONYBMG in New York City. I can say that it was only because of my persistence that I got from your program and Wilberforce of course that landed me the position. I worked in the Human Resources department at SONY but still I learned a lot about the business of music. I did paper work, event planning, and I also helped conduct orientations for new hires.
I am 100% sure that Chicago is where I want to be!”

Summer 2008 Internships

Some more Summer 2008 students with their Internship Placements:
  

Megan – My internship is with Streetwise, a non-profit newspaper that helps “down on their luck” people get back on the right track by providing jobs for them as vendors and offering typing/reading classes and various skills training. I chose that internship primarily because I had a difficult time finding available, quality internships within my desired field of book publishing. More positively, though, I chose it because Streetwise is a fantastic organization with great intentions; they function as a legit, well-respected news organization, but they also do everything in their power to help the people of Chicago. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of something like that? Although I wanted to edit, Streetwise has me working mainly as a reporter. I’ve been researching Chicago’s culture and politics, tracking down interviews and writing news stories–the whole journalistic shebang. I work almost completely by myself, so it’s a little lonely, but, on the positive side, it’s pretty cool to have so much responsibility.

Nikki - I am working at The Branch Family Institute. I chose this internship because I want to get a Master’s in Marriage and Family Counseling. When I interviewed here, they said I would get to do some counseling as well as supervise visits between parents and their children. Since I arrived I have been creating a database of clients and performing some other office work. However, I am also being trained to counsel clients and to supervise visits. I am also getting to see how a non-profit organization runs and so far it’s been a great experience!

Diana – I am interning at the Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing, which is a non-profit providing free representation for the people of Chicago in eviction and default proceedings. I chose this organization because I am interested in going to law school and I already have worked in the housing field prior to Chicago Center. I also liked the aspect that it is a non-profit and their main goal is to keep people in their homes and off the streets. I am working with the social worker to place people with immediate need in temporary shelters, homes, and emergency housing. I am also working on a one-on-one basis with clients locating housing and employment and providing the resources people need to get back on their feet.

Julie – I’m interning at Latinos Progresando in Pilsen. It is a nonprofit grassroots organization that offers legal services to immigrants along with community education and workshops, a youth theatre program, and a college bound youth group. I am interested in this kind of work because I am interested in human rights and social justice. LP works for just immigration laws. I also have an interest in the Hispanic population since I am a Spanish major and have studied this culture in depth. I have also traveled to Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua and plan to return to Central America two weeks after the program to study for the fall semester in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. I enjoy speaking Spanish and have gained a lot of Hispanic friends through my experiences which have made me feel close to the culture. Right now, I am working on an education model for the College Bound Youth Group. I am making a graduate school guide which includes topics as how to choose majors, how to succeed in college, how to motivate students for higher education and promote specialized degrees. I am contacting colleges with bridge programs, organizing information, researching, learning a lot about immigration law, and using some Spanish when clients are unattended.

Sarah Lindesmith – My internship is at World Book Publishing. I chose that internship because it offered me the opportunity to get to do some real editing work; it also is a good name to have on my resume so that when I am looking for a place to publish my own manuscripts, I will have a good reference. I’ve been working on updating the online articles at World Book – sorting some of the biography articles, fact-checking and updating some articles, and working with the Spanish encyclopedia to find websites suitable for little kids.

Urban Academic Internships – Summer 2008

2008 Chicago Summer Internships

Our Urban Academic Students work with Chicago Center Staff to find an internship that meets their career and personal goals. Here is a summary of what some of our 2008 Summer students are doing in their internships.

Damen – I am interning at Free Street Theatre located on West Blackhawk Street. I choose this internship because it is theatre-based. I am also given a chance to find myself within a group and to work within material that I help create. Thus far, we have created a play and come up with workshops that we can teach to kids. Each day, Monday through Thursday, the cast of our play goes to a different park and teaches kids.

Sascha – I am interning at Interfaith- Refugee and Immigration Ministries. In my studies, I am focusing on migration; especially immigration to the United States. I am helping case workers who support refugees (from Iraq, Burma, and African countries) with applications (such as state ID), and I am doing research on American immigration policy and the causes for migration, mainly from Mexico and Asian countries.

Lauren – My internship is at the Respitory Health Association of Metro-Chicago in the marketing & public relations department. The reason that I chose my internship was it seemed like a great opportunity to learn more about non-profit organizations and the cause is close to my heart (my brother has severe asthma and continues to be a chain smoker). I’m currently doing PR for an event called Cowalunga. It is a 3 day bike ride at the beginning of August that raises money toward lung-disease research. I am also working on improving the website and newsletter, as well as administrative work.

Joe – I am interning at Access Living. I chose this internship because I wanted to gain more experience in a field of social work which I have not yet been exposed to. I assist with the agency’s “Home Again” program working with senior citizens who are ready to leave the nursing home. They contact us and we work with them to find affordable housing and help them develop skills to live successfully on their own.

Okwara – My internship is at Free Street Theatre. We go around parks in Chicago teaching kids some games and warm ups used to energize and help with voice, body, mind, and soul. After the workshop, we all perform a play we made during orientation week. I chose this internship because I like working with kids for one, it helps me as an actor to gain new skills to warm up, and discovering more about myself.

Kristin – My internship is at the Chicago League of Theatres. It is downtown in the loop at Jackson and Wabash. I chose this internship because it is a nonprofit organization. There are only 6 full-time people in the office, making it personable and friendly, and also allowing me to get my hands into multiple projects dealing with marketing. On my first day, I have written a press release on the upcoming theater productions for theater Thursdays for July and I have been doing research on-line for updates in theaters around the city.

Sam – My internship is at the Lill’ Street Art Center where I help teach for the gallery as well as assist Artreach (a non-profit organization working through Lill’ Street). I’ve been following teachers around and assisting with a few kids classes. I will also be teaching a few of my own art classes to kids of various ages. I wanted to work with kids, but I also wanted to see the behind-the-scenes work of an art gallery. This job seems to cover both pretty well.

 Maria Rodriguez – My internship is at Casa Aztlan, located in Pilsen. I chose that internship because I saw the necessities that the Hispanic community have in Pilsen, and I decided that I wanted to be part of the helping group of Casa Aztlan. In my internship, I teach basic English classes, help translate some papers, help answer the phone, serve lunch to the kids, and teach Spanish. Each day is a little bit different. The main thing that I do is teach English and Spanish classes. The English classes are held three days a week and the Spanish class is one day a week.

Tosha – My internship is at the non-profit organization Alternatives, Inc. I chose to do this internship because I really wanted to work with children this summer and use both my psychology and sociology major. So far, I’ve been helping to run a summer camp. I am in charge of my own group each day, and I will run my own workshop.

Tracy – I am working at the Better Boys Foundation in North Lawndale. I am working in the Department of Family Services. I chose this internship because they have so many services for at-risk children, adolescents, and families. I have been afforded the opportunity to interact with the community in ways I never thought I would. I have spent time in the teen room supervising 13-16 year olds. I also visited a placement facility for homeless teens. I sat in on a Stop the Violence panel with the 10th district police department. Most recently, I visited an elementary school summer program where I will be working with the children on Tuesdays. I love this internship and I definitely made the right choice.

Beth – My internship is at Community TV Network. I chose that internship because I wanted to work with film production and to become familiar with the equipment and production process. At my internship I have been working with high school students in the After School Matters program. I help them film public service announcements about issues that are important to them. I make sure they have what they need and help them if needed.

Liz – My internship is with Thresholds South, a psychiatric rehabilitation center on 47th. The primary reason I chose to work with Thresholds is because of the great work they are doing to promote the recovery of its members and to reduce the stigma of mental illness. They offer a variety of programs that are geared toward providing members with the skills they need to become more independent and to become active participants in their communities. So far I’ve been involved in a few of the community support groups which have allowed me to meet some of the members and observe the staff in action. Eventually, I’ll be participating in more aspects of the individual and community groups, as well as observing a case manager. Everyone at Thresholds is on a first name basis, and that kind of familiarity makes Thresholds an awesome place to intern at. Even though I’ve only been there three days, I don’t feel like a stranger.

Shannon – I’m interning at the Public Defender’s Office Juvenile and Child Protection Division. It puts me in a position to work directly with attorneys, supervisors, judges, and clerks; which I feel will help prepare me for law school and court endeavors in the future. Recently I have been organizing a TPR case, which is dealing with terminating a parent’s rights from their children. In addition, I have been sitting with Defense Attorneys in the court room for both the Juvenile and Child Protection sides. Here, I have been able to watch probation hearings, sentencings, and violations of probations. On Thursday, I will be organizing an Extended Jurisdiction Juvenile (EJJ) case.

Amy - My internship is at Deeply Rooted Productions. I chose this internship because I am very interested in pursuing a masters degree in dance therapy and Deeply Rooted does a lot of work in connecting body, mind and spirit within dance. There is no opportunity for me to really observe theraputic dance in Michigan and Deeply Rooted struck me as a very unique opportunity. It is a mainly African-American based dance company so I have the opportunity to work with populations much different than my own.At my internship I work as the scholarship coordinator and open-ear counselor for the students attending the Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre 2008 Summer Intensive. I also am interning as training management for the Mature Hot Women Program which is a Modern Dance Program that promotes health and emotional wellbeing and release in women over 30. It is a three hour dance class that covers three different styles of modern dance. The class includes two circles which encompass emotional freedom and free thought and speech. Women feel open to tell their stories and relate to one another through movement. I have been mainly organizing work assignments for scholarship students and listening to them when they are getting overly stressed or worked up about any given problem. I take class with the Mature Hot Women program every Wednesday and I plan on taking more classes with the summer dance intensive students.

- compiled by Keith Zabel

May Term student at Chicago Dept. of Youth and Child Services

Visiting Willamette University professor Ray Black took these photos of his student Daniele and her supervisor, Deputy Director Azim Ramelize, at her placement site.

Spring Semester 2008 Internships and Placements

Vinny – I student taught at DePriest Elemetary on the West Side (Austin neighborhood), which is pre-K through 8th grade and some older special needs kids (which next year will be in another school). I worked with the 6th grade and primary self-contained 4th grade special needs which included emotional and behavioral disorders, autism spectrum and mild mentally handicapped kids. I thought it was a great practice to prepare me for my new job in New York City at PS 176 which a school for autism spectrum kids.

 

Candace – I worked a Sarah’s Shelter, a day shelter for women. The clients were 20 years old and older and mostly African American. The shelter provides laundry, shower, computer, mail, phone services and case management. I know now I want to work in a nonprofit or social work situation.

 

 

Erin – I worked at Lifestyle Physical Therapy, which specializes in vestibular and other balance disorders. This internship reaffirmed that I want to do physical therapy.

One of my clients was a firefighter with an injured shoulder. When he came he couldn’t lift anything. Now he’s back on the job. Yesterday he passed all his ability tests and he pulled me aside and said Thank you.

My boss offered me a position as a patient representative so that’s what I’ll be doing this summer.

 

 

 

 

 

Reuben – I worked for the Chicago Park District’s Mobile Recording Unit. We went to different parks in the city and provided audio and digital production help and taught classes at Hamilton Park Fridays and Saturdays, helping young people make their own beats. I’m very interested in this now – working with kids in a music environment.

Sara - I worked in public relations for Deeply Rooted Productions, a dance studio focusing mainly on African style dance with awareness of civil rights, AIDS, violence. I realized I really don’t want to spend my life doing public relations!

 

 

 

Christa – I worked at the Better Boys Foundation doing school social work counseling. I had 6 clients and learned a ton. I want to go into school social work and working with kids.

 

Becky – I was with the Department of Child and Youth Services. My supervisor was an attorney, so my site combined my interest in law and social work. I learned about how social work programs are funded and learned a lot about policy. I’ll be starting at Washington University for graduate school in the fall.

 

 

Molly – I was with Heartland Alliance in the Refugee Resettlement program. I learned a lot about different cultures and how things are done outside the United States. I want to go into international human rights work for graduate school. My clients were from Burma, Liberia, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Russia, Columbia. In my ESL class there were 15 languages spoken among 30 people. On the last day of the ESL class, we took the class to the zoo. Each group of people found their respective animals. The Burmese went to the sea lions. The Burundians went to the giraffes. I was stunned that they stayed there for 1/2 an hour or more with their animals and I realized that finally, they had found home in this giant city. It made me realize how much each of them was going through, that they had to completely start over here. Finally, for 1/2 hour, they found some peace.

 

 

Matt M – I was at Free Street Theater, a program for after-school and on weekends. I was surprised at how modern the theater program was – for example, we taught a class about releasing the mind’s creative impulses – I had thought theater was all about Shakespeare or something. We did a lot about how acting philosophy impacts life. Our students were mainly black but they were also from all over the Chicago.

Matt E – I worked for the Jerry Spring Show, downtown. It was fun. I came into the program as a journalism major but now I want to study TV and radio production. The first 2 weeks felt like the movie “The Devil Wears Prada” because it was so crazy. I got to run the camera, and help with all kinds of things. Once I was a fake guest on the show. I got a summer job offer at SCORE Radio.

Megan – I taught music at South Shore School of Entrepreneurship. It was mostly African American and some mixed kids. It’s a great school and I absolutely loved it there. This is the first year they have music after three years of not having any, so my 24 kids in the choir and general education music classes were seniors. I’m going back to Boston because I miss it, but I definitely want to teach in an urban school

 

 

Jessica – I worked at Sunlight African Community Center, which meant I worked with children of African immigrants. I was mainly working with the after-school program. Working with the kids was such a positive experience that now I’m thinking about becoming a teacher. I also want to work in international aid…or social work…or teaching!

Breanna – I was at Oscar DePriest Elementary. The kids didn’t have any conflict management and there was lots of drama in my two classes. Soon I’m going to be in a self-contained class or Montessori school, observing. I think I’ll be better with a self-directed classroom or one-on-one.

 

 

Emily – I student taught at Sawyer Elementary, K-8. It was a neighborhood school, about 98.4% Latino. 99% of the kids were on a free or reduced lunch program. I was a travelling teacher who taught art to 1st through 8th grade, every day. I saw 1,100 kids a week. I had never experienced an elementary school that big – it was bigger than my college. This summer I’ll be teaching ESL. I can’t imagine going back to suburbia and staying. I’d like to have my own classroom, so I’ll be looking for a high school position.

 

 

 

Holly – I was at Kenwood Academy, predominantly black kids, some Latino, some Asian, some white. Kenwood also has a 7th and 98th grade so some of my music classes were 7th through 12th graders. I fell in love with my students. They taught me to intrinsically become who I am; I don’t have to put on another had to be a teacher. I learned a lot about classroom management.I learned form my students that kids perceive more than we think. I learned that if kids think they’re being cheated by the teacher, they lose respect for the teacher. They look at how hard the teacher works, how well they plan to make sure the kids get what they should be getting. I have a job line up in downstate Illinois. I’m thinking now about what I can transfer from this experience to rural white kids about the bigger world.

Natalie – I was at Morgan Park High School, which is 99% African American. At first I really hated it – my kids pushed my buttons very effectively. I learned to be effective by giving them respect and trust. I’m really going to miss my kids. I’m going to be living north, so I will be looking in the north part of the city or the northern suburbs for a position.

Britt – I taught art at Chavez Multicultural Academy, preK – 4th graders, mostly Mexican and Mexican American. My Spanish got better. The kids were so sweet, so funny. This fall I’ll be going to Drexel University to study art therapy.

Bryn – I taught at Juarez in Pilsen, mostly Mexican kids. I learned a lot about Mexican culture. I taught earth science to 9th graders. I learned I want to stay in the sciences. I learned how culture is important in education. I came thinking kids just want to have fun, and then they’ll learn. But I learned that they expect us teachers to provide guidance, to provide structure. I’ve started the job application process – I’m open to going wherever!

Stephen – My internship was with Cook County Courts and the Public Defender’s Office. I did intake daily on everyone who’d been arrested and shipped to Cook County. I interviewed them and those interviews were used in order for them to obtain bond. I also worked with public investigators, talking to witnesses and victims, and sometimes (rarely), offenders. This internship really helped me because I want to become a police detective.

Chris – I interned with the Division Street Business Development Association, which is in the Puerto Rican neighborhood. I know I want to go into community development and get a job speaking Spanish. I learned a lot about how community and economic development relates to cultural groups. I had a lot of fun.

Rebecca – I did my practicum at Featherfist, a homeless organization. They have a ton of programs, teaching job skills, finding shelter, housing, and street outreach. I learned not to always take people at face value and learned to pick up on what isn’t being said.

Fall Semester 2007 Wrap Up

On the last day of the term, students met together to share their stories and experiences. Here is some of what they shared:

Jen
Norhtwestern Memorial Hospital,Special Events Intern – My first day I helped coordinate a big event – we worked 16 hours and had the comedy group Second City as the Act and Jim Belushi was the host. We had a silent auction. So now I know I want to go into fundraising, although not necessarily event planning, because I learned it’s really draining.

Faina
I worked at Thirld World Press and it was really good for the most part. . I was surprised how much work goes into making a book – I had always sort of thought books just magically appeared. A memory I’ll take away is a production meeting we had. There was this generational divide amongst the staff, especially concerning the website. Haki (the founder) was very dapper. At this meeting he was giving this speech about how ‘we’re all black and here to promote excellence in black work.’ The vice president patted me on the back and said I was an honorary black person! And I got free books! There is also agood chance I’ll get some free lance work from them in the future.

Kari
I worked at the newspaper the Hyde Park Herald. I conducted interviews and research with public housing residents. When I went on the official CHA tour, we went to the Harold Ickies Homes and the spokesman said: Here is the worst of the worst. I had already been there for interviews, and I was surprised he said that.

Steve
I was at the Sunlight African Community Center. I learned to work under extreme pressure – when you have 15 little kids, you have to be on top of it.
They bought me a cake on my last day and they said, “Mr Steve – we’ll miss you!” that was great.

Annaliese
I worked at the Oriental Institute which has a museum, provides education and programming. It was pretty much chaos all the time. My big project was to prepare an outline of a pre-programming suggestion for a pilot program that simulated an archeology dig. I spent 2 months researching Mesopotamia. After I presented it, the Executive Director said, “This is good. I want the focus to be Israel.” I said, “No, it has to be Mesopotamia” and he said, “Israel.” So I had to start over from scratch. It was great to be able to see behind the scenes what goes into making the place work. I got to also see all the artifacts and details, the politics of working there.
Sarah
I student taught at Kenwood Academy, 8th Grade honors world history and 10th grade US History. It’s hard to think of one story. I loved seeing the overall growth of the students. I asked them for feedback and they spoke so eloquently. So many ran up to me at the end of my day and said “We’re going to miss you” – I still want to be a teacher, and I will stay in Chicago to teach. I have an interview Monday.

Robin
I student taught at Beasley Academic Center, 3rd grade gifted. So many stories. One interaction that was monumental was my first field trip – I got to see them out of their uniforms and out of school. We went to a grocery store, and learned about nutrition; we sampled food. They were so excited. My student teaching confirmed I want to be a teacher.

Katie
I was at South Shore School of Entrepreneurship, and tought 5 freshmean English classes. My cooperating teacher disappeared a lot; once during my 5th period, which had my most trouble-makers and talkers, she was gone. So I realized I was going to be teaching. I got up on a chair to get their attention, and to project my voice. I learned to try new things and new ways to make things work. I know now I can handle my students, that I can teach independently, and that I’m self-reliant.

Laura
I taught art at Orozco, to junior high age. I had no background in Spanish but now I can pick out certain words. At the end of the last day, my cooperating teacher had a student tell her, “Now you’ll have to stand on your own two feet because your student teacher is leaving” and that student wasn’t even in any of my classes. Even kids in the mariachi band gave me hugs goodbye.
I was in after school programs and friendly with a lot of the kids. I learned a lot about Mexican culture. I want to come back.

Emily
I taught at Sawyer Elementary – 8th grade science and reading. On the first day, they still didn’t know who my cooperating teacher would be. It was scary to be in a new city, not knowing anything. I’ve had to be assertive. On the last day, the 8th grade kids gave me notes, like “Thanks for believing in me.” It was hard to leave. I was more of a teacher with them then when I came.
One student wrote on the first day interest card that he wanted to be an architect and I referenced that during a lesson once and it was a bonding moment for him and me. On the last day he gave me a note that said, “You will know me when I’m an architect. I love you.”

Cherelle
I taught 2nd grade gifted at Beasely. I had 28 kids, so it was good, but hard. I hadone little boy who was very emotionally expressive, sometimes needed physical attention like my hand on his shoulder. One day he kept coming jp to me and giving me lots of hugs. I was getting very frustrated and he kept coming up to me for a hug. I finally realized he was doing it because I needed the hugs! I am staying in the city.
I have a funny story about a little lesson I gave on pollution – either I did a poor job or they weren’t listening because their assignment was to give me an example of pollution. They could even write an example from their book but that night my roommates were laughing at their answers.
Some of the answers about pollution were: “I have a pet at home.” “In Flordia, several squirrels live by the highway.” “Pollution is what butterflies eat.”
Needless to say, the next day we went over pollution (and pollen) again.

Melissa
I student taught at DePriest Elementary, 7 weeks Kindergarten and 7 weeks as a reading resource. That experience helped me teach better with all the kids.
I had one Kindergartner who was completely visually impaired, due to a tumor. He was also a little guy – his growth had been stunted. I learned a lot from him – he was so focused.
I’ll be staying there to teach 2nd grade.

Elizabeth
I was also at DePriest, in special education 1st through 4th grade, and a combined 3th/4th grade class. I always knew I wanted to do special education because my brother has a learning disability, but I’d never had much experience – at my university, it’s an endorsement.
With this experience I got confidence, I prepared lessons.
I’m going to go back to visit throughout the month, and next month I’m going to be a full-time sub there.

Kyle
I was at North Park Nature Preserve. I was the first and second place winner in October and November to find the Queen of the beehive! My second day, one of the staff asked me to water some trees. I went and got the John Deere tractor out of the shed – my supervisor didn’t know how to work the brake but I knew because I grew up on a farm. Anyway, while I was watering these trees I realized, I’m in the middle of Chicago driving a tractor!

Ashly
I worked with the Deputy Commissioner of Youth Services – it was politics, not social work. I got to meet the Mayor of Chicago. I’m going to go on to get my master’s degree in public policy – I want to be a staff writer or photographer for a politician.

Kevin
I worked with Merrill Lynch, doing investment and financial stuff. It was great – I had access to all the files and used all the programs a regular broker would use. My boss was not even 30 years old and his mom worked there. They had a great relationship – they could yell at each other and be honest. Last night they took me out to dinner to thank me.

Keith
I worked at OH Community Partners, a consulting firm for non-profits. I’m not sure I even knew what a non-profit was before I came. I helped with a 350K grant, made phone calls, and helped with the grant database their clients use. I feel like I’m leaving with more questions than answers.

Meg
I’m a pre-med major and I got to work in the emergency room of Stroger Hospital, a public and teaching hospital. I wanted to learn about how the uninsured receive health care. I shadowed a resident and assisted with a research project of one of the doctors. I interviewed patients who were homeless and drug addicts. It was an amazing experience and I definitely want to keep working with this population.

Chicago Center Intern at the McCormick Tribune Foundation

One of our Fall 2007 students, Abby, interned at the McCormick Tribune Foundation. She describes her experience here.

The McCormick Tribune Foundation is the perfect outlet for me and my many interests because of the plethora of fields, philanthropy, community, social justice, civil rights and freedoms, public policy, ect. I work in the Journalism Department under the supervision of three very stimulating and inspiring people. I am continually inspired by the people around me in the Foundation and hope that this trend will continue throughout my life.

At this point my biggest job and priority at the foundation is learning about the many grantees we sponsor, and what types of programs the foundation believes are sustainable, benevolent, and innovative. Also, I am researching material on youth violence in the Chicago area that will help generate ideas and collaborate projects with a grantee.

One of the most informative aspects to my internship is the opportunity to attend many relevant events, such as the Donors Forum program on effective grant making practices, and the Women in Philanthropy luncheon.

Another great thing about interning for the McCormick Tribune Foundation is that in the Tribune Tower is a museum dedicated to the First Amendment! Aside from being dedicated to my favorite amendment the museum is a great resource for the community!”

Fall 2007 Student Teachers share their experiences

Below, two of our student teachers describe their experiences teaching in Chicago.

From Rachel:
I’m student teaching at Jose Clemente Orozco Academy of Fine Arts and Sciences (affectionately referred to as Orozco). The school is located in Pilsen. Although I would love to have a few more minutes of sleep each day, I love the commute to Pilsen. I enjoy stepping foot in three very distinct and different parts of the city each time I make the commute. I have a class of 31 gifted and bilingual fourth graders, and they are all amazing! Other than my students, I have thoroughly enjoyed the many opportunities I have had to practice my Spanish with my students, their parents, and the other teachers in the school. Being a part of Chicago Public Schools has definitely been a culture shock; it’s very different here from anywhere else I have ever been. But I am constantly learning to embrace and work with the various different challenges of urban education! So far student teaching has been just as rewarding as it has been challenging!

 

Seventeen distinctive murals, designed by the faculty and students, reflect the cultural make-up of the community. These murals, formed out of nearly 2,000,000 colored cast glass mosaic tiles, incorporate scenes of contemporary American and Mexican culture, in addition to symbols of ancient Mexican history.

 

 

From Kaleigh

I am at Peabody Elementary School in a 2/3 split classroom. During a typical day, I help out my teacher with daily routines, and work back and forth between the 2nd and 3rd grades. It has been very hectic, but generally a very good experience! I am teaching a unit for Hispanic Heritage month right now, and the students seem to be really enjoying it.

Fall 2007 Academic Internships

Ashley writes:
“I am working at the Department of Children and Youth Services under Azim Ramelize. I chose this placement because of the opportunities I felt it would offer. Azim is currently planning a big event for October 6, Youth Justice and Empowerment. This is designed to help make kids aware that if they have a record, it can be expunged. Part of this event involves a photography exhibit done by 30 students. I will be allowed to work with photographer Eric Werner to finalize plans for the photos. I also liked the idea that I sit in on all meetings with Azim and through that, I will be able to network. One reason I decided to do the Chicago Center was because, realistically, I’m a senior and I want to work in Chicago after I graduate in May and I felt it would be the best way to get my name out. So far I am happy with my placement. I have been put in charge of coordinating the volunteers for October 6, as well as iron out last minute details for that event. ”

Kari writes:
“My internship is through Hyde Park Herald doing interviews with residents in public housing and helping design the direction of this research project. I chose it because it applies both to sociological research and journalism.”