Project planning galore

Antonia D.

February 10, 2011 - 2:30 PM

Between launching buildOn, planning a service project for National Volunteer Week, and working on my study abroad application for the Buenos Aires program, my life is just full of projects, deadlines, and many sheets with meticulously drawn out timelines. It's a lot to manage, and I feel like I've had way too many 3 AM bedtimes this week. Luckily, my application to be a FIG Assistant was a success, and I made it to the interview, which I have next week! We'll see how that all turns out.

 

For my service project during National Volunteer Week, I'm currently in communication with the Volunteer Coordinators at the Relief Nursery and Sheltercare to work on those logistics. With my study abroad application, I've started to work on the essays and track down professors for letters of recommendation. I love being busy, so once I put everything in perspective, my 3AM bedtimes don't bother me that much.

[0 Comments]

Week Six already?

Antonia D.

February 5, 2011 - 10:30 PM

Wow, time is flying! Another busy Week Six is upon me. I don't know where the last five weeks went, but I do know that they have been busy. Lucky for me, I only had one actual midterm test in my 400-Level Planning and Public Policy seminar on Urban Revitalization. Boy, was it tough! I used up an entire green book to write my essays if that's any indication. What I've realized in that in the PPPM program, students tend to jump from intro level classes right into upper division concentration focused classes. In this case, Urban Planning is my focus so the seminar on Urban Revitalization has been a great fit. Now I'm onto another week of meetings, shifts at the Annual Giving program, and many a paper writing session. In a blink of an eye, I'll be packing my bags for the Alternative Spring Break trip to Negril, Jamaica. I can't wait!

[1 Comments]

The Pieces Fall Together: Bringing buildOn to UO!

Antonia D.

February 4, 2011 - 12:00 PM

Wow, I think I realized this week just how much work starting a new student organization on campus really takes. buildOn is a national organization that engages students around the country in a dynamic three part program: local community service, education about different global issues, and fundraising to build schools in developing countries.

 

My efforts to bring buildOn to UO have been on the radar screen for the past year and a half, with the planting of different "seeds" all over campus. I knew I wanted to bring buildOn to campus as soon as I finished the Holden Leadership Center's (HLC) "Leadership for the 21st Century" class as a young, eager freshman.

 

In the past year and a half, I have had many meetings with different staff on campus to share my vision and build support for it. John Duncan, the Executive Director of the HLC, has been an amazing resource, and a big inspiration in the face of challenging times. He's reminded to keep going when I was too overwhelmed by the prospect of handling all the nitty gritty logistical details, or when I was feeling discouraged by the low turnout at interest meetings.

 

Now I have big, exciting news: BuildOn just hired Tom Silverman to be their Global Chapters Manager. His sole job is to work with anyone who wants to start a chapter outside of the typical high school program model. This is a huge step in the right direction because it means that the organization now has the resources to support chapters in a more holistic and sustainable way. Me and my fellow Ducks are SO excited for Tom to help us kickstart buildOn when he visits during National Volunteer Week in April!

[0 Comments]