So PYLC happened, and with it, a mini-retreat. Thanks to Rosie, Shantel, Andrew, and Will for coming out and supporting PASU!
=====
No Kapatid visit again this week because of standardized testing over at Fremont, but that's alright considering it's Admit Weekend right now and I'm sure everyone is going a little bit crazy because of it.
However, next visit we have to remember to go over the scholarship criteria with the seniors and get an idea of how many of them are planning to apply and what exactly they're thinking of performing. We also said we would be doing a mini cultural-themed presentation and discussion to supplement the rest of the time frame, so gotta keep that in mind.
Just because we're busy doesn't mean we have the right to slack off as a whole - since they can't see our problems, when we do a shoddy job because we're stressed out, from the Kapatiddies' side it just looks like we're being sloppy. Of course, this is why we had wanted to develop a more scheduled curriculum so that the habitual programming would ease some of our planning workload… Not that I always feel fancy-free and upbeat for the visits or retreats myself, but just putting that thought out there.
=====
~Richard
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
One Week
So this week has seen a lot of Kapatid-ness:
- three nights of baking for Relay
- social justice-themed visit
- FHS PCN
- Relay for Life
=====
BAKING
It was pretty fun baking at Lantana (where else would we be baking?) for the days that I rolled out for it, although the fact that we needed to raise money by the 11th gave it an edge. On the first night, I sold at Rinconada with Gines and we were able to get rid of all the brownies and even get a few donations, despite Rinc already having a dorm team for Relay.
Notes for next time: start earlier. That's really the key to every problem we've had, it seems. We probably would've been able to not only earn more money, but get the hoodies/t-shirts that we wanted to get. Spring break really threw things off, so I gotta keep that in mind.
=====
THURSDAY
Thursday the 10th was the first Kapatid visit of the quarter and our theme was social justice. We asked some people to come present posters they'd made in the Filipino Identity ASB; good job, Paolo, Gines, and Herwin! In addition, Elisa also came as well as a ProFro PASU was hosting this weekend.
It turned out great. Sometimes it can be hard to get the kids to focus when it comes down to the more abstract issues like socio-political problems, but this time they all seemed to be making an effort to listen. They did get a bit tetchy by the last presentation, though.
Once again, the coinciding schedule of PCN rehearsals allowed us to get more mentee attendance, if only for right now. Hopefully we'll be getting some of those underclassmen to return, but I guess we'll see how that comes out the week after next.
I was concerned at first about holding the visit outside; I mean, everyone gets distracted when it's a great day. But the kids really focused.
Some things that didn't go too smoothly: getting an idea of who is coming to PYLC/retreat next weekend, and more importantly, communicating the ticking clock on the performance-based spring scholarship.
=====
PCN
So we went to the Kapatiddies' PCN on Friday night. Thanks to Cheri and Paula for driving! For it to have been their first annual PCN, it was pretty decent; definitely high school, but all things considered, big props. They got some help from other schools in the area, so it was likely more important for learning to collaborate and work as a team than for learning actual performance.
I for one was surprised (except not) to see so many of the Kapatiddies in leadership positions and it just made me really proud to see that.
And also, these kids are so freakin' Yay.
=====
RELAY FOR LIFE
Relay was a really fun experience. It was hot - murderously hot. Apparently, the turnout was much better than last year's, so that was a good thing to hear.
I had a lot of fun playing Contact (Cassiopeia!) and Picnic (and snakes…and snakes and snakes and snakes and snakes…) and PASU is just kinda crazy. Herwin can power walk like no other; A. Plan cracks me up every time; Lovie would probably survive if you pushed her into an oven; Rafael makes a mean fort; and the list goes on…
But it was just so HOT. Sweat everywhere.
Much love for PASU and Kapatid.
=====
~Richard
- three nights of baking for Relay
- social justice-themed visit
- FHS PCN
- Relay for Life
=====
BAKING
It was pretty fun baking at Lantana (where else would we be baking?) for the days that I rolled out for it, although the fact that we needed to raise money by the 11th gave it an edge. On the first night, I sold at Rinconada with Gines and we were able to get rid of all the brownies and even get a few donations, despite Rinc already having a dorm team for Relay.
Notes for next time: start earlier. That's really the key to every problem we've had, it seems. We probably would've been able to not only earn more money, but get the hoodies/t-shirts that we wanted to get. Spring break really threw things off, so I gotta keep that in mind.
=====
THURSDAY
Thursday the 10th was the first Kapatid visit of the quarter and our theme was social justice. We asked some people to come present posters they'd made in the Filipino Identity ASB; good job, Paolo, Gines, and Herwin! In addition, Elisa also came as well as a ProFro PASU was hosting this weekend.
It turned out great. Sometimes it can be hard to get the kids to focus when it comes down to the more abstract issues like socio-political problems, but this time they all seemed to be making an effort to listen. They did get a bit tetchy by the last presentation, though.
Once again, the coinciding schedule of PCN rehearsals allowed us to get more mentee attendance, if only for right now. Hopefully we'll be getting some of those underclassmen to return, but I guess we'll see how that comes out the week after next.
I was concerned at first about holding the visit outside; I mean, everyone gets distracted when it's a great day. But the kids really focused.
Some things that didn't go too smoothly: getting an idea of who is coming to PYLC/retreat next weekend, and more importantly, communicating the ticking clock on the performance-based spring scholarship.
=====
PCN
So we went to the Kapatiddies' PCN on Friday night. Thanks to Cheri and Paula for driving! For it to have been their first annual PCN, it was pretty decent; definitely high school, but all things considered, big props. They got some help from other schools in the area, so it was likely more important for learning to collaborate and work as a team than for learning actual performance.
I for one was surprised (except not) to see so many of the Kapatiddies in leadership positions and it just made me really proud to see that.
And also, these kids are so freakin' Yay.
=====
RELAY FOR LIFE
Relay was a really fun experience. It was hot - murderously hot. Apparently, the turnout was much better than last year's, so that was a good thing to hear.
I had a lot of fun playing Contact (Cassiopeia!) and Picnic (and snakes…and snakes and snakes and snakes and snakes…) and PASU is just kinda crazy. Herwin can power walk like no other; A. Plan cracks me up every time; Lovie would probably survive if you pushed her into an oven; Rafael makes a mean fort; and the list goes on…
But it was just so HOT. Sweat everywhere.
Much love for PASU and Kapatid.
=====
~Richard
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Spring Quarter Schedule
As has been the protocol for Kapatid all year, we will be having visits on Thursday afternoons from approximately 4:00 to 5:00, leaving from the Tresidder Bollards by 3:15.
=====
Below we have what roughly look like this quarter's schedule, courtesy of the lovely Shelly with small edits by myself:
April 10, Thursday - First Visit
ASB, history/culture presentation visit - Paolo will email
Which SAT are they taking? May 3/June?
April 11, Friday - PCN- 7-9pm Fremont High School
Richard will email
April 11-12, Friday-Saturday - Relay for Life, 5-5pm
April 18, Friday - FHS spring break, no visit
April 19, Saturday - PYLC
Possible sleepover?
April 24, Thursday - Admit Weekend
Visit? No Paolo
Scholarship criteria
Scholarship Practice - brainstorming exercises, abstract
Cultural visit - halo halo, festival days, regional differences, Tagalog class presentations
Issues collabo? - Richard will email
May 1, Thursday - SAT prep/homework
Format
Tips from upperclassmen who have taken it
What to do for those who aren't taking the SAT anymore and didn't bring hw?
May 8, Thursday - SAT prep/homework, possibly
Scholarship Presentations due! Present during visit!
May 15, Thursday - summer jobs, resume
Scholarship recognition ceremony after visit at Stanford
May 22, Thursday - Career Fair
Binibini and PASU alumni, FACS?
May 29, Thursday - Last visit! FUN FUN FUN!
Dead week-ish
=====
One of the issues we still need to cover is the spring scholarship. We still need to work out the details of how we're going to:
- collect the rest of the money
- keep the kids on their toes about applying
- create guidelines with judging criteria
- set up the presentation ceremony
Another, slightly more urgent (only because it's much closer) event, is Relay for Life. As of right now, I have personally raised $0. I think we need to fit in at least one group fundraising activity. Now that I know a little bit more about the event, as well as realizing how hectic life actually is, I want to get a better start on it next year, so that we can actually get jackets/shirts for a decent price.
=====
So it looks like we'll only be having one cultural visit - this is kinda disappointing for me, and I'm sure it's the same for some of the Kapatiddies who always ask to do more cultural stuff. I feel like the social issue visits dominated the table and would fall flat at times - although they all were important issues, it got tiresome without any variety.
We probably could have done better to combine cultural and social issues together - even though we picked our issues based on how they affect the Filipino community, I realize we never really hit that idea on the head when we talked about them at the visits.
In any case, next year, I hope we can have more culture-focused visits that feature topics that go beyond the things that everybody knows about Philippine culture and history.
=====
Below we have what roughly look like this quarter's schedule, courtesy of the lovely Shelly with small edits by myself:
April 10, Thursday - First Visit
ASB, history/culture presentation visit - Paolo will email
Which SAT are they taking? May 3/June?
April 11, Friday - PCN- 7-9pm Fremont High School
Richard will email
April 11-12, Friday-Saturday - Relay for Life, 5-5pm
April 18, Friday - FHS spring break, no visit
April 19, Saturday - PYLC
Possible sleepover?
April 24, Thursday - Admit Weekend
Visit? No Paolo
Scholarship criteria
Scholarship Practice - brainstorming exercises, abstract
Cultural visit - halo halo, festival days, regional differences, Tagalog class presentations
Issues collabo? - Richard will email
May 1, Thursday - SAT prep/homework
Format
Tips from upperclassmen who have taken it
What to do for those who aren't taking the SAT anymore and didn't bring hw?
May 8, Thursday - SAT prep/homework, possibly
Scholarship Presentations due! Present during visit!
May 15, Thursday - summer jobs, resume
Scholarship recognition ceremony after visit at Stanford
May 22, Thursday - Career Fair
Binibini and PASU alumni, FACS?
May 29, Thursday - Last visit! FUN FUN FUN!
Dead week-ish
=====
One of the issues we still need to cover is the spring scholarship. We still need to work out the details of how we're going to:
- collect the rest of the money
- keep the kids on their toes about applying
- create guidelines with judging criteria
- set up the presentation ceremony
Another, slightly more urgent (only because it's much closer) event, is Relay for Life. As of right now, I have personally raised $0. I think we need to fit in at least one group fundraising activity. Now that I know a little bit more about the event, as well as realizing how hectic life actually is, I want to get a better start on it next year, so that we can actually get jackets/shirts for a decent price.
=====
So it looks like we'll only be having one cultural visit - this is kinda disappointing for me, and I'm sure it's the same for some of the Kapatiddies who always ask to do more cultural stuff. I feel like the social issue visits dominated the table and would fall flat at times - although they all were important issues, it got tiresome without any variety.
We probably could have done better to combine cultural and social issues together - even though we picked our issues based on how they affect the Filipino community, I realize we never really hit that idea on the head when we talked about them at the visits.
In any case, next year, I hope we can have more culture-focused visits that feature topics that go beyond the things that everybody knows about Philippine culture and history.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
God bless shared misery: La Semana de MUERTE
Dead Week is already kicking my ass, and I didn't even go to class today - Paula's futon seduced me the entire morning and afternoon.
So let me reiterate what my co-interns have been saying: it's sad that we don't have the visit to use for a study break. No bright young naive faces to lift our disillusioned spirits. No getting lost and ending up at Half-Moon Bay. Nothing.
But at the very least it'll be nice to have another Kapatid Feast. And it's also nice to know I'm not alone in this shitfest.
I dedicate the following to Kapatid - this is how it feels to not have a visit:
=====
~Richard
So let me reiterate what my co-interns have been saying: it's sad that we don't have the visit to use for a study break. No bright young naive faces to lift our disillusioned spirits. No getting lost and ending up at Half-Moon Bay. Nothing.
But at the very least it'll be nice to have another Kapatid Feast. And it's also nice to know I'm not alone in this shitfest.
I dedicate the following to Kapatid - this is how it feels to not have a visit:
=====
~Richard
oh dead week, oh life (relay for life, that is)
Oh, Dead Week. Everyone is stressed in some way, about something (or things) in one way or another. But like Paolo, I'm sad that there's no visit this Thursday. The visits are my respite from the madness that is called life.
Anyway, we're going to have a planning meeting at the beginning of spring quarter, before visits begin. Our major task right now is Relay for Life fundraising. We've been throwing around a few ideas (door-to-door, food sale, participating in psychology studies for cash, kissing contest? I don't know, ask Paula about that one), and we'll try to make something happening as the event quickly approaches. But I'm as excited as ever; a whole 24 hours of camping out together! YES!
As if the three of us frosh interns don't already have enough experience with that :]
Good luck with all last-minute cramming, paper-writing, and hair-pulling everybody!
-Janelle
Anyway, we're going to have a planning meeting at the beginning of spring quarter, before visits begin. Our major task right now is Relay for Life fundraising. We've been throwing around a few ideas (door-to-door, food sale, participating in psychology studies for cash, kissing contest? I don't know, ask Paula about that one), and we'll try to make something happening as the event quickly approaches. But I'm as excited as ever; a whole 24 hours of camping out together! YES!
As if the three of us frosh interns don't already have enough experience with that :]
Good luck with all last-minute cramming, paper-writing, and hair-pulling everybody!
-Janelle
Monday, March 10, 2008
Dead Week
It's Dead Week. I'm stressed and I've come down with something. But there's no Kapatid to look forward to this Thursday. That makes me sad.
-Paolo
-Paolo
Friday, March 7, 2008
my heart? yes, i think it's broken...
So the relationship visit was very small-scale. Only one car of mentors and only about ten mentees. But like Shelly I feel that in retrospect, it was a good thing for us to have such intimate numbers. It was a bit heavy, and there were definite ripples among the group during the conversation which told me that everyone in the room had a stake in these exact issues, whether or not they chose to share. I just hope that the questions they might have been too shy or afraid to ask don't go on unanswered.
At first I thought that the kids might get a little squirmy when we decided to sit on the ground, but it really solidified that feeling of magkakapatid, so good call, Shelly. Also, Paula's great activity definitely reached them, and it made me really happy to see that the topic really had them engaged - an occurrence that doesn't always happen (i.e. the alcohol visit, pre-story time).
So sad that we won't be seeing them until mid-April. I'm broken-hearted.
======
In other news, the zip-up designs are coming along and I hope to post up at least three alternatives by Monday. I have the first design finished and I'm starting to conceptualize the second. I really hope we get a lot of people willing to buy, because zip-ups are definitely more expensive than shirts and we need that volume purchase power to lower those prices.
======
And finally, thanks to my fellow committee members... I know you guys are so busy. Like I told Paula, I can't even imagine her ever sleeping or being rested. But you still made some really awesome posts that went deeper than I would have asked.
My day isn't complete without seeing one of you...
~Richard
At first I thought that the kids might get a little squirmy when we decided to sit on the ground, but it really solidified that feeling of magkakapatid, so good call, Shelly. Also, Paula's great activity definitely reached them, and it made me really happy to see that the topic really had them engaged - an occurrence that doesn't always happen (i.e. the alcohol visit, pre-story time).
So sad that we won't be seeing them until mid-April. I'm broken-hearted.
======
In other news, the zip-up designs are coming along and I hope to post up at least three alternatives by Monday. I have the first design finished and I'm starting to conceptualize the second. I really hope we get a lot of people willing to buy, because zip-ups are definitely more expensive than shirts and we need that volume purchase power to lower those prices.
======
And finally, thanks to my fellow committee members... I know you guys are so busy. Like I told Paula, I can't even imagine her ever sleeping or being rested. But you still made some really awesome posts that went deeper than I would have asked.
My day isn't complete without seeing one of you...
~Richard
Amazing, di ba?
Premise: A shirt for the Kapatid Mentorship Program between Stanford and Fremont kids.
Punchline: Pamilya mean Family. Family means no one gets left behind.
It's a black shirt; of great quality and emblazoned with a message packed with meaning. Of course I wear it. Whenever I see someone else wearing it, I think to myself or even just say out loud "Yeahh, Kapatid!" When it comes to wearing something as simple as a shirt for Kapatid, I find that I don't simply wear it, I don it with a sense of pride that comes from knowing that I am a part of something that is greater than who I am.
Together with the Kapatid Team, Mentors and Mentees, the Kapatid program is one big 'ole happy family of love, life, and laughter. Every visit is filled with good times, bonding, and an overarching sense of forging deep connections between Mentor and Mentee. We talk about so many things and do everything we can in those oh-so-short meetings every Thursday. The Kapatid Team is constantly thinking of new ideas or brainstorming over current plan. Let's have another retreat. Whens their PCN? Should we talk about the SATs? What about the Freshman Kapatiddies? We make sure that no one is left out or left behind because no one gets left behind. Who knew that a mere punchline on the back of a shirt could mean so much to me?
Kapatid is amazing, point blank. I didn't know that I could become so entrenched in this when I went on my first visit. Funny thing to point out: On my first visit, the other two Stanford Frosh that came were Richard and Janelle! Coincidence? Don't think sooooo. I love everyone in Kapatid. It's come to the point where I feel so bad if I let someone down. Case in point: I climbed a tree to get to the roof of a building to retrieve a volleyball I clumsily hit over the roof; it belonged to one of the Kapatiddies.
I've just realized that this post is almost entirely written in first-person singular. My bad. Kapatid isn't about self, it's about everyone.
Peace sign,
Paolo
Punchline: Pamilya mean Family. Family means no one gets left behind.
It's a black shirt; of great quality and emblazoned with a message packed with meaning. Of course I wear it. Whenever I see someone else wearing it, I think to myself or even just say out loud "Yeahh, Kapatid!" When it comes to wearing something as simple as a shirt for Kapatid, I find that I don't simply wear it, I don it with a sense of pride that comes from knowing that I am a part of something that is greater than who I am.
Together with the Kapatid Team, Mentors and Mentees, the Kapatid program is one big 'ole happy family of love, life, and laughter. Every visit is filled with good times, bonding, and an overarching sense of forging deep connections between Mentor and Mentee. We talk about so many things and do everything we can in those oh-so-short meetings every Thursday. The Kapatid Team is constantly thinking of new ideas or brainstorming over current plan. Let's have another retreat. Whens their PCN? Should we talk about the SATs? What about the Freshman Kapatiddies? We make sure that no one is left out or left behind because no one gets left behind. Who knew that a mere punchline on the back of a shirt could mean so much to me?
Kapatid is amazing, point blank. I didn't know that I could become so entrenched in this when I went on my first visit. Funny thing to point out: On my first visit, the other two Stanford Frosh that came were Richard and Janelle! Coincidence? Don't think sooooo. I love everyone in Kapatid. It's come to the point where I feel so bad if I let someone down. Case in point: I climbed a tree to get to the roof of a building to retrieve a volleyball I clumsily hit over the roof; it belonged to one of the Kapatiddies.
I've just realized that this post is almost entirely written in first-person singular. My bad. Kapatid isn't about self, it's about everyone.
Peace sign,
Paolo
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Looking Forward to Thursdays
Hey everyone,
First off, thanks to Richard for starting this blog. Like Janelle minus even the video blog experience, I am a first time blogger. Yikes! But as they say, there is a first time for everything. And I wouldn't want to be blogging about anything else but Kapatid.
To echo Paula, I want to sincerely thank our frosh interns who have been amazing this year. You three have put in so many hours into our planning meetings and events. Paula, you are amazing. I hope you all know that I love you so much.
Kapatid has been a very life-giving experience. I love when Thursday rolls around and I am always excited to see our amazing Kapatidees. Just thinking about them makes me happy. I can hardly believe their willingness to welcome and to love us.
Today, we had an intimate group of about 10 people or so. A few younger students have started showing up regularly which gives me hope for the sustainability of Kapatid next year. Past visits had attracted the seniors who have been coming to Kapatid for the past couple of years and it's sad (but exciting, as they move to newer things!) that they'll be leaving us in June. With that said, it is especially wonderful to see new, beautiful faces joining the mentorship program.
Because the group was so small, we led a discussion-based visit about relationships. We shared some of our personal stories with relationships and they asked us questions about cheating, verbal abuse, and maintaining relationships through the transition from high school to college. Paula had a wonderful activity where we each wrote down the six most important people or ideas in our lives on a piece of paper and were forced to cross out someone/something we had listed one at a time. At times we had to pick and choose who was more important to us; I found it hard to let any of them go. The activity was supposed to represent how abusive relationships can sometimes force us to abandon time spent with loved ones, picking and choosing in a seemingly reckless way.
I appreciated that the Kapatidees were able to ask us questions and share stories that related personally to them. Often, it's hard to get people to open up more seriously in a setting that's so public and vulnerable. I wish that our peers at Stanford could be more communicative of the intimate things going on in their lives.
To end things off, we reminded them about Relay for Life and PYLC. Their PCN has been moved to April 4 and they would love for us to join them! We'll keep you updated on any carpool plans. Let's show how much we support them.
Until next time, much love and GROUP HUGS WITH BOOTY SHAKES (a beloved ending custom of Kapatid visits),
Shelly
P.S. Shantel got her driver's license! Woohoo!
First off, thanks to Richard for starting this blog. Like Janelle minus even the video blog experience, I am a first time blogger. Yikes! But as they say, there is a first time for everything. And I wouldn't want to be blogging about anything else but Kapatid.
To echo Paula, I want to sincerely thank our frosh interns who have been amazing this year. You three have put in so many hours into our planning meetings and events. Paula, you are amazing. I hope you all know that I love you so much.
Kapatid has been a very life-giving experience. I love when Thursday rolls around and I am always excited to see our amazing Kapatidees. Just thinking about them makes me happy. I can hardly believe their willingness to welcome and to love us.
Today, we had an intimate group of about 10 people or so. A few younger students have started showing up regularly which gives me hope for the sustainability of Kapatid next year. Past visits had attracted the seniors who have been coming to Kapatid for the past couple of years and it's sad (but exciting, as they move to newer things!) that they'll be leaving us in June. With that said, it is especially wonderful to see new, beautiful faces joining the mentorship program.
Because the group was so small, we led a discussion-based visit about relationships. We shared some of our personal stories with relationships and they asked us questions about cheating, verbal abuse, and maintaining relationships through the transition from high school to college. Paula had a wonderful activity where we each wrote down the six most important people or ideas in our lives on a piece of paper and were forced to cross out someone/something we had listed one at a time. At times we had to pick and choose who was more important to us; I found it hard to let any of them go. The activity was supposed to represent how abusive relationships can sometimes force us to abandon time spent with loved ones, picking and choosing in a seemingly reckless way.
I appreciated that the Kapatidees were able to ask us questions and share stories that related personally to them. Often, it's hard to get people to open up more seriously in a setting that's so public and vulnerable. I wish that our peers at Stanford could be more communicative of the intimate things going on in their lives.
To end things off, we reminded them about Relay for Life and PYLC. Their PCN has been moved to April 4 and they would love for us to join them! We'll keep you updated on any carpool plans. Let's show how much we support them.
Until next time, much love and GROUP HUGS WITH BOOTY SHAKES (a beloved ending custom of Kapatid visits),
Shelly
P.S. Shantel got her driver's license! Woohoo!
happiness by the smile, indeed
Hey! First time blogger here (though I do have experience with uh, video blogs), and I’ve been meaning to post on this for a while…but unfortunately, had some technical difficulties logging in (the most basic step ever…). Anyway, here goes.
I remember my first Kapatid visit back in October, when I tagged along with Paula to see what the whole thing was about. At the time, I thought that the mentorship program was a good cause on PASU’s behalf, and something that would be fun to do to kill a Thursday afternoon (i.e. procrastinate, you know how it is). But now as we’ve fast-forwarded to March, I find myself involved in something more substantial than just any fun mentorship program; I find myself surrounded by true brothers and sisters.
Echoing Paula’s reflection, Kapatid has given me some of my most fulfilling moments here at Stanford so far. Through the time I’ve spent thus far with these amazing people, I feel that I’ve gained a true family. Sometimes, that is not the easiest thing to come by.
I have learned so much from our Kapatiddees and my fellow mentors. I have learned so much about myself in the process…and it has helped me to smile with some more joy, live life with some more meaning. It doesn’t matter if we’re all doing something as seemingly trivial as grubbing on a lumpia roll (at Lag Late Nite, singing loudly to Total Eclipse of the Heart). I cherish the experiences and relationships I’ve forged with everyone here, and it means the world to me. As a group, I think we are unstoppable, no?
Thanks guys, more than you’ll ever know.
Janelle
AND EVERYONE, JOIN US FOR RELAY FOR LIFE!
I remember my first Kapatid visit back in October, when I tagged along with Paula to see what the whole thing was about. At the time, I thought that the mentorship program was a good cause on PASU’s behalf, and something that would be fun to do to kill a Thursday afternoon (i.e. procrastinate, you know how it is). But now as we’ve fast-forwarded to March, I find myself involved in something more substantial than just any fun mentorship program; I find myself surrounded by true brothers and sisters.
Echoing Paula’s reflection, Kapatid has given me some of my most fulfilling moments here at Stanford so far. Through the time I’ve spent thus far with these amazing people, I feel that I’ve gained a true family. Sometimes, that is not the easiest thing to come by.
I have learned so much from our Kapatiddees and my fellow mentors. I have learned so much about myself in the process…and it has helped me to smile with some more joy, live life with some more meaning. It doesn’t matter if we’re all doing something as seemingly trivial as grubbing on a lumpia roll (at Lag Late Nite, singing loudly to Total Eclipse of the Heart). I cherish the experiences and relationships I’ve forged with everyone here, and it means the world to me. As a group, I think we are unstoppable, no?
Thanks guys, more than you’ll ever know.
Janelle
AND EVERYONE, JOIN US FOR RELAY FOR LIFE!
Update on Relay for Life 2008
So we've decided upon our team name for this year: Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah! to fit with the Disney theme of the overall event. We'll be sporting a wardrobe of excess zippers - and we'll also have a team zip-up jacket for sale, as soon as possible.
So just to recap, Relay for Life is a 24-hour long event organized by the American Cancer Society to raise money and morale for the fight against cancer. Our local chapter's event will be held on April 11-12, from 5pm Friday to 5pm Saturday.
CLICK HERE to go to our team website to donate or join.
=====
~Richard
So just to recap, Relay for Life is a 24-hour long event organized by the American Cancer Society to raise money and morale for the fight against cancer. Our local chapter's event will be held on April 11-12, from 5pm Friday to 5pm Saturday.
CLICK HERE to go to our team website to donate or join.
=====
~Richard
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Reflections on Kapatid
For all the wonderful services and activities that PASU offers, for me, Kapatid, our high school mentorship program, seems to best embody the strong values of my experience of growing up Filipina, family and education. Being a part of this program has contributed to some of my most fulfilling and refreshing moments at Stanford so far. It has confirmed my childhood dreams of becoming a professor someday.
I'm really impressed with how much Kapatid has developed this past year. We started our first bi-annual scholarship, and we had our first annual winter charity show. In addition, this year, we have been able to make it to Fremont High School more consistently and have a stronger bond with the students. It will be hard this year, in a sad way, when their batch of seniors has to graduate, as we have all gotten to know them really well. It surprises me how receptive they are to what we have to say being that we are only a couple, if even, years older than them, and how much respect they give us. Saying that, it's not a one-sided relationship- I always come back having learned something new and unexpected about life in general.
Perhaps one of the reasons that Kapatid has been able to grow so much this year is because of the quality of our frosh interns. Paolo, Richard, and Janelle, thank you so much for your dedication and visions. Without your ideas, you guys MIGHT sleep a little bit more, but without them, Kapatid wouldn't be where it is today. Above all, I love all the times we spend together, whether it be cooking, baking, watching movies (sorry for falling asleep last time!!), sleepovers, shopping, running, singing..the list could go on. I'm so glad I got to know you three!
One aspect of Kapatid that I would love to improve is to encourage more participation from PASU Core and PASU members. It's unfortunate that some PASU members will never be able to meet these high school students. I feel that the visits can be very empowering. Thank you Rafael for all that you do for Kapatid.
Enough for reflecting for now though. Next week, we are having a visit on relationships and relationship abuse. This topic is particularly sensitive to this group of students, as one of the students last fall quarter, sent me his college essay, which revealed his personal struggle with domestic violence within his family. It will be a painful visit, but something even I have personal experience with. I think the unyielding strength of the patriarch that is so entrenched in many Filipino families is one of the reasons for this. Hopefully, we can end on a lighter note. I'll bring my basketball, it's beautiful outside.
That's all for now.
Love,
Paula
P.S. Update: Bb Alvarez (Stanford Professor/Fulbright Fellow) will be coming to Fremont High School with 5 of her other fellows (from Cyprus, Tanzania, India, Indonesia) to observe what an American classroom is. I set her up with EJ and Mr. Bo, the guidance counselor there.
I'm really impressed with how much Kapatid has developed this past year. We started our first bi-annual scholarship, and we had our first annual winter charity show. In addition, this year, we have been able to make it to Fremont High School more consistently and have a stronger bond with the students. It will be hard this year, in a sad way, when their batch of seniors has to graduate, as we have all gotten to know them really well. It surprises me how receptive they are to what we have to say being that we are only a couple, if even, years older than them, and how much respect they give us. Saying that, it's not a one-sided relationship- I always come back having learned something new and unexpected about life in general.
Perhaps one of the reasons that Kapatid has been able to grow so much this year is because of the quality of our frosh interns. Paolo, Richard, and Janelle, thank you so much for your dedication and visions. Without your ideas, you guys MIGHT sleep a little bit more, but without them, Kapatid wouldn't be where it is today. Above all, I love all the times we spend together, whether it be cooking, baking, watching movies (sorry for falling asleep last time!!), sleepovers, shopping, running, singing..the list could go on. I'm so glad I got to know you three!
One aspect of Kapatid that I would love to improve is to encourage more participation from PASU Core and PASU members. It's unfortunate that some PASU members will never be able to meet these high school students. I feel that the visits can be very empowering. Thank you Rafael for all that you do for Kapatid.
Enough for reflecting for now though. Next week, we are having a visit on relationships and relationship abuse. This topic is particularly sensitive to this group of students, as one of the students last fall quarter, sent me his college essay, which revealed his personal struggle with domestic violence within his family. It will be a painful visit, but something even I have personal experience with. I think the unyielding strength of the patriarch that is so entrenched in many Filipino families is one of the reasons for this. Hopefully, we can end on a lighter note. I'll bring my basketball, it's beautiful outside.
That's all for now.
Love,
Paula
P.S. Update: Bb Alvarez (Stanford Professor/Fulbright Fellow) will be coming to Fremont High School with 5 of her other fellows (from Cyprus, Tanzania, India, Indonesia) to observe what an American classroom is. I set her up with EJ and Mr. Bo, the guidance counselor there.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Relationships at Last
So Raj said at core meeting tonight that Jessa wouldn't be able to make it this quarter, so it looks like we're finally gonna be able to do the relationship visit. Hopefully it'll work really well with so many new faces to adopt into the pamilya.
=====
~Richard
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~Richard
Thursday, February 28, 2008
new blood
thoughts on the finaid visit
So this week's visit, we got a lot of new faces on the mentee side, thanks to after school practice for their upcoming PCN. Although I was tired enough to drop dead, I really liked seeing the younger kids rolling out for the visit and I hope that they weren't put off by the rampant midterm tiredness that I think might have been afflicting us all.
improvements
The FAFSA intro was so-so. I didn't really know what they might have trouble with; I wish I'd been able to show them the worksheets and the website earlier, so that they would be able to ask questions during a subsequent visit. Also, about other financial aid, we might want to make a handout that gives some tips on filling out the FAFSA and CSSProfile, along with a list of scholarship resources like fastweb, and general factoids about applying for that kind of thing. I feel like they would have had more questions if they knew more about the process and how important and helpful finaid can be.
plans
Next visit, we're going to have a Spoken Word workshop if Jessa is available - according to them we'd have good attendance again due to the PCN practices. If Jessa can't come, we'll finally get to cover relationship issues.
Other future plans which were brought up at the visit:
After the visit, we talked in the car about shifting away from social issues into more academic and cultural issues for Spring Quarter. Personally, I'm getting a little tired of the social issues, and also some of the mentees got really excited when I talked about having more culture-oriented visits in the future.
notes
So what is going on with Binibini and some of her fellow Fellows visiting Fremont? Apparently they need to have visitors' passes from the office, which need to be approved two days before. Although, I think it would just be simpler to just call up the school office and arrange something directly with the administration - especially if they're supposed to be observing the classes.
And also, getting lost is fun.
=====
~Richard
So this week's visit, we got a lot of new faces on the mentee side, thanks to after school practice for their upcoming PCN. Although I was tired enough to drop dead, I really liked seeing the younger kids rolling out for the visit and I hope that they weren't put off by the rampant midterm tiredness that I think might have been afflicting us all.
improvements
The FAFSA intro was so-so. I didn't really know what they might have trouble with; I wish I'd been able to show them the worksheets and the website earlier, so that they would be able to ask questions during a subsequent visit. Also, about other financial aid, we might want to make a handout that gives some tips on filling out the FAFSA and CSSProfile, along with a list of scholarship resources like fastweb, and general factoids about applying for that kind of thing. I feel like they would have had more questions if they knew more about the process and how important and helpful finaid can be.
plans
Next visit, we're going to have a Spoken Word workshop if Jessa is available - according to them we'd have good attendance again due to the PCN practices. If Jessa can't come, we'll finally get to cover relationship issues.
Other future plans which were brought up at the visit:
- presentation of the boards from the ASB Social Justice Fair
- PYLC
- Retreat (very possibly in conjunction with PYLC, much like LttS)
After the visit, we talked in the car about shifting away from social issues into more academic and cultural issues for Spring Quarter. Personally, I'm getting a little tired of the social issues, and also some of the mentees got really excited when I talked about having more culture-oriented visits in the future.
notes
So what is going on with Binibini and some of her fellow Fellows visiting Fremont? Apparently they need to have visitors' passes from the office, which need to be approved two days before. Although, I think it would just be simpler to just call up the school office and arrange something directly with the administration - especially if they're supposed to be observing the classes.
And also, getting lost is fun.
=====
~Richard
Monday, February 25, 2008
See Kapatid Run. Run, Kapatid, Run!
The Kapatid Running Team has come to fruition - our committee will be leading PASU's Relay For Life Team this year!We'll be doing laps around Roble Field for 24 hours on April 11. Come out to support those dealing with cancer, to celebrate the survivors, and to remember those we've lost. The event is organized by the American Cancer Society.
Click HERE to join us... it'll be an experience you'll never forget. PASU means Pamilya - you won't be left behind. We promise.
================
In more orthodox news, last week's visit met a similar demise to the Relationship Special - two consecutive cancellations. However, if the Kapatiddies want to get their vital Financial Aid info, they'll need to come this Thursday, as the FAFSA is already due by the end of this week.
Although we do a lot to try to get the mentees to communicate, we need to find out sooner if they're going to cancel. It's more of an issue of their disorganization, honestly, but maybe we ought to encourage them to talk to us on myspace or facebook, just to bridge these information gaps. Both weeks, we had people waiting at the Marguerite stop not knowing that there would be no visit.
Let's try to fix that.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Plans for the Financial Aid Visit
So we're going to be doing a financial aid-themed visit because the CA deadline is coming up very soon on March 1st.
The itinerary:
We also have the relationship visit on the back-burner to remember:
On a very special episode of KAPATID...
The Kapatid Mentors will be discussing relationships in honor of St. Valentines day. There's so much to talk about, and yet so little time! What will the kids listen to? What will they brush off? Romance can be a messy thing, and yet Paula and Shelly, with their sidekicks the Frosh Interns, dive into the mire in the hopes of saving the bright-eyed youth of Fremont High School. Is their plight the makings of real mentorship...or a complete disaster?
Join us next Thursday, 3:15 PM Pacific Time, and watch the drama unfold.
THE PLAN
Intro/Check-In - 5 min
Group Skits - 30 min
We'll break up into four groups and make a skit based on the assigned topics, then present and explain the motives behind the dramatic representation.
Group Discussion Round 1 - 10 min
After skits, mentors will facilitate group discussions on the same issues presented in the skits and mentees will choose which discussion they would like to join.
Group Discussion Round 2 - 10 min
Mentees rotate and join a second discussion.
Reconvene for Panel/Group Share - 15 min
Depending on our time limit and the inclinations of the mentees, we will reconvene into a large group and either share stories (similar to the Alcohol visit), or we will form an informal panel in which the mentees can ask about anything else which has not been clear or sufficiently addressed.
THE TOPICS
Here are the topics we'll be examining, with a skit for each grouping of topics as well as facilitated discussions afterwards:
Group 1: Long Distance Relationships, High School Relationships After Graduation
Facilitated by Shelly
Group 2: Pressures Involving Relationships, Balancing Love Life with Social Life and Academics
Facilitated by Richard and Sylvie
Group 3: Breakups, Cheating, Abuse
Facilitated by Janelle and Paula
Group 4: Limits, Boundaries, and Expectations Within Relationships
Facilitated by Paolo
=====
And here's the list of the remaining topics that are still left for us to cover:
SOCIAL
ACADEMIC
SPEAKERS AND SPECIAL VISITORS
OTHER
The itinerary:
- Check-in
- FAFSA Presentation and Worksheets
- Other Financial Aid (fastweb, CalGrant, community scholarships, etc.)
- FinAid QA Session
- SAT Practice Questions
- Announcements
- Make copies of the FAFSA worksheet (Richard)
- Brush up in general FinAid knowledge
- Food (lumpia?)--AT LANTANA, after the Total Eclipse?
We also have the relationship visit on the back-burner to remember:
On a very special episode of KAPATID...
The Kapatid Mentors will be discussing relationships in honor of St. Valentines day. There's so much to talk about, and yet so little time! What will the kids listen to? What will they brush off? Romance can be a messy thing, and yet Paula and Shelly, with their sidekicks the Frosh Interns, dive into the mire in the hopes of saving the bright-eyed youth of Fremont High School. Is their plight the makings of real mentorship...or a complete disaster?
Join us next Thursday, 3:15 PM Pacific Time, and watch the drama unfold.
THE PLAN
Intro/Check-In - 5 min
Group Skits - 30 min
We'll break up into four groups and make a skit based on the assigned topics, then present and explain the motives behind the dramatic representation.
Group Discussion Round 1 - 10 min
After skits, mentors will facilitate group discussions on the same issues presented in the skits and mentees will choose which discussion they would like to join.
Group Discussion Round 2 - 10 min
Mentees rotate and join a second discussion.
Reconvene for Panel/Group Share - 15 min
Depending on our time limit and the inclinations of the mentees, we will reconvene into a large group and either share stories (similar to the Alcohol visit), or we will form an informal panel in which the mentees can ask about anything else which has not been clear or sufficiently addressed.
THE TOPICS
Here are the topics we'll be examining, with a skit for each grouping of topics as well as facilitated discussions afterwards:
Group 1: Long Distance Relationships, High School Relationships After Graduation
Facilitated by Shelly
Group 2: Pressures Involving Relationships, Balancing Love Life with Social Life and Academics
Facilitated by Richard and Sylvie
Group 3: Breakups, Cheating, Abuse
Facilitated by Janelle and Paula
Group 4: Limits, Boundaries, and Expectations Within Relationships
Facilitated by Paolo
=====
And here's the list of the remaining topics that are still left for us to cover:
SOCIAL
- Faith and Religion
- Family Problems
- Gangs
- Filipino Culture and History
- Fil-Am Identity
- Depression and Suicide
ACADEMIC
- SAT/AP Prep
- Transitioning Academics from HS to College
SPEAKERS AND SPECIAL VISITORS
- Spoken Word
- Issues Collabo
- Career Day
OTHER
- Healthy Diets and Exercise
- Diseases that Plague Filipinos
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