Table Of Contents
TWO CBSL PROJECTS
 
AUDREY ABATE

I have been a figure skater since I was eight years old. When I was a sophomore I heard that Snoopy’s Home Ice was hosting a Special Olympics program. I decided to see what it was all about and I haven’t stopped volunteering since. Being a coach is the best because I am able to share my love for skating with others who either already love the ice or are deciding if balancing on quarter-thick inch blades suits them. At times it is challenging because the athletes are usually not capable of learning through conventional means. I have worked with deaf and blind skaters, as well as others with mental and physical disabilities. An athlete’s disability only presents an opportunity for the coach to become creative in conveying the message of the skating element. Creativity also comes in handy when dealing with the many types of personalities of the athletes. Some are intense, others withdrawn and reticent, but they all want to be on the ice. They also thoroughly appreciate that a coach is there to support them literally in every step they take. I have to admit that at first it took me awhile to understand how to act around people who are so different than me. However, solely through Special Olympics I realized that no matter what mental capacity or physical handicap one may have, the disability does not hinder one from experiencing an excellent quality of life. In fact, I sometimes think that the athletes experience life in a much more present and grateful way because they see the world with such wonder, beauty, and simplicity. The most important thing my athletes have taught me is that everyone is on a different journey, yet we are all united in our humanity and capacity to love. The best gift you can give someone else is acceptance of who they are. Different is beautiful. I have seen a population that society does not bother itself with, and these people are what make the world so lovely.
  
 

SEAN CAIN, AUSTIN JACOBS, SAM BERNARD.

Agilent After School Science

In developing an idea for our CBSL project Austin Jacobs contacted Jeff Weber, an employee at Agilent Technologies our initial mentor, in early August 2011. The subsequent meetings with Jeff led to the creation of our CBSL project, an after school science program at Kid Street Learning Center. Austin was looking for partners so Sam and I joined him. We have made a lot of progress and although it is not measurable, I believe that we have caused change in the students’ way of thinking and developed bonds with all the regular attendees. The most challenging aspect of the project is connecting with the kids and making the lessons applicable to them so that they will actually learn and absorb the science information, rather than just goof around.

Our rewarding experiences:

Austin- When everything goes according to plan!

Sean- getting a hug after every lesson from Evie, one of the students I have bonded with during the project!

Sam- the wonder in a child’s eyes when they understand a new concept!

We are working toward concluding our project by hosting a Science Fair at Kid Street. If you are interested in supporting Kid Street in any way or specifically our project, please feel free to contact Sean at seancain94@gmail.com or visit the Kid Street website.