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
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
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
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