Spotlight on Senior Projects

Volunteering with Lazarus House in Lawrence

What inspired you to pursue this project?

I have always been involved in community service through my church but I found I never really wanted to stop helping. The Lazarus House offers services like shelter and food but also has great programs that teach people English, help them find jobs, and even teach them how to cook to become working chefs. Their mission is close to my heart as I live next to Lawrence and am exposed to many poverty stricken areas and I want to help.

What challenges have you faced in completing your project?

My biggest challenge was forcing myself out of my comfort zone. When encountering people less fortunate than yourself, it's hard not to feel embarrassed. Greeting guests and making sure that they know you care was also intimidating, but I found it became easier with time.

What are the top three things you've learned?

• That the homeless deserve the dignity of choice. We owe them our respect and love just as anyone else.
• Giving someone your time is more valuable than any amount of money you could give them, listening to their story instead of trying to tell them what they should be doing.
• Living by "Did you know... ?" can change the way you look at everything in the world. This concept speaks to the mantra of never judging a book by its cover. I will forever think about someone's personal story before making a judgment about them.

Might this be the beginning of a new passion for you?

This is a continuation of a passion I discovered long ago. I imagine my life without helping others around me as a very sad one. The heartbreak and tears that come with watching people struggle are nothing compared to those actually suffering from this travesty. I hope my project can show the impact the Lazarus House has made on not only myself, but everyone who encounters the organization.

What advice would you give to next year's seniors when the time comes for them to embark on their own projects?

Choose something you love, that is your passion. I never imagined my project turning out so amazing but I went into the office everyday with a smile and excitement, which pays off in the long run. Do something that makes you happy and be happy doing it, say thank you, and laugh a lot.

Tutoring at 826 Boston

Describe your motivations behind this project.

I worked with 826 Boston, a nonprofit youth tutoring, writing, and publishing organization that empowers traditionally underserved students age 6-18 to find their voices, tell their stories, and gain communication skills to succeed in school and in life. It's located in Egleston Square, Roxbury. I was inspired to pursue this idea because I've been incredibly fortunate to have access to the education Pingree has provided me. A lot of kids don't have the same access. I wanted to give back, and use what I've learned to help others. I also wanted to give back to somewhere Bostonian before I left for college in California.

What have been some of the highlights?

A memorable moment for me was when I helped explain fasting and Ramadan to one of the students. She didn't understand, and was trying to give a fasting student water (which can be considered pretty disrespectful). I was happy to help her understand this, and gain new perspective into a different culture/religion.

Another memorable moment was when I had to call families to remind them of an upcoming event, and then realized some of the families were Spanish-speaking only. Instead of passing off the task, I challenged myself and called them! It went really well, and I was really proud of myself.

What are the top three things you've learned?

• When you're the adult in a situation, act like it. Don't let kids get away with bad behavior because you're afraid of being the "bad guy."
• Although completing tasks is important, it's also really important to prioritize building trust and relationships with any and all kids you work with.
• Do not ever forget your inner child.

Might this be the beginning of a new passion for you? Please explain.

Absolutely. Working with kids has always been something that I've loved, but there's something very special about helping them when they're struggling. They may not be their best selves (behaviorally) because they're frustrated, but you get to watch that click. You get to really see how you've helped.

What advice would you give to next year's seniors when the time comes for them to embark on their own projects?

Jump into something you didn't think you would. I originally wanted my senior project to focus on the career that I want— Zoology and Wildlife Conservation. Go for something you never would've chosen initially. You won't regret it!

Read more about Cady's project!