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Schools of Hope AmeriCorps Member Spotlight

May 2012: Caroline Geist
After obtaining her Bachelors in Social Work, AmeriCorps Member Caroline Geist sought out an opportunity to gain more real life experience before returning to school for a Masters degree. "I liked the idea of spending a year dedicated to volunteering and serving others; as well as getting to know more about the city of Grand Rapids and the different agencies that are serving the community," Caroline shared. Caroline, who is a part of Schools of Hope's expansion into Cedar Springs, liked the challenge of developing a program from scratch and promoting to the community. She said, "It has been great seeing the Cedar Springs community members excited about the opportunity to get involved by reading with students in their school district." After finishing her year of service, Caroline will be attending Grand Valley State University in the fall to obtain a Master of Social of Work.

April 2012: Ashley Peterson
AmeriCorps Member Ashley Peterson has been a lifelong volunteer for the Grand Rapids community and wanted to continue to make a difference when she decided to join the Schools of Hope AmeriCorps Program last fall. Ashley says her favorite part about serving in the Schools of Hope program is working one on one with the kids. "I love getting to know each child individually and the way they look forward to tutoring makes me feel like I am doing something great with my time every single day," Ashley shared. Ashley is currently working on her Master of Social Work at GVSU right now and plans to finish the program within the year. Afterward she hopes to find a social work position in Grand Rapids where she can continue to provide services to families and children in our community.
March 2012: Leslie Young
AmeriCorps Member Leslie Young joined the Schools of Hope AmeriCorps program to make a positive difference in the lives of children in the community where she was raised. Leslie, who serves in the Brookside and Mulick Park tutoring programs, says she recognized the impact of reading in a student's education as well as their lives. Leslie says that one of the most rewarding aspects of Schools of Hope is witnesing the student's positive change in behavior. "Many students in the program at first were very shy and scared to ask for help. Now they are more confident readers and eager to ask for help," Leslie shared. After completing her year of service, Leslie would like to continue working in an organization that focuses on positive changes within the community. "I want to educate people on the resources that are out there, providing help to those that think their situations are hopeless."
February 2012: Maria Schmieder
Maria Schmieder first learned about AmeriCorps in the eighth grade when her older cousin was serving a year as an AmeriCorps Member in the National Civilian Community Corps. Maria says she remained intrigued with the program ever since and was excited to see the opportunity with Schools of Hope last summer. Maria, who serves as Shawmut and Congress Elementary, says the best part of her service has been seeing the dedication from community members who serve year after year. Maria has also enjoyed building her own relationships with the students at her tutoring sites and after school programs. After completing her year of service, Maria will begin a Master of Social Work program in the fall.
January 2012: Margaret Huizen
AmeriCorps Member Margaret Huzien joined Schools of Hope because it gave her an opportunity to serve her community and gain experience in the field she is most passionate about. Margaret, who serves at Grand Rapids Montessori and Burton Elementary, says Schools of Hope allows her to gain direct knowledge on the needs of an urban school district and witness the hopes and concerns of the people who are attending and working for GRPS. Two of the main projects Margaret has been working on this year are recruiting new tutors into newer Schools of Hope programs and creating healthy living lesson plans for her after school program. After her year of service, Margaret hopes to attend the University of Wisconsin to obtain a Masters in Education Policy. Her ultimate goal would to one day have influence in making positive changes in the public school system.

December 2011: Karen VanDyke
As a former GRPS student, AmeriCorps Member Karen VanDyke was eager to come back and serve the community she grew up in. Karen serves in the Campus and Coit Schools of Hope Programs and says that getting to know the students has been one of her favorite parts of the program. "They're extremely bright and thoughful; they have a real enthusiasm for learning," said Karen. "It has been a blessing to witness the academic and personal growth that happpens in this program - not only in the students, but in the tutors as well." After serving a year in AmericCorps, Karen will begin a Masters of Social Work program at the University of Michigan with the goal of becoming a school social worker or career counselor. "I would love to someday work in GRPS at one of my old schools in order to give back to the community that educated me and helped me discover my passion," she said.
October 2011: Marada Chau
AmeriCorps Member Marada Chau is an ambitious individual who serves at Dickinson and South West Community Campus. After graduating from GVSU, Marada says he decided to join AmeriCorps because volunteering has always been a big part of his life. He decided to take a year to discover more of his strengths and passions. Marada firmly believes in the mission of Schools of Hope and has become an advocate for their work. "Being able to serve in the schools with students has helped me become a better advocate for the program. I believe in its purpose because I was able to experience its impact with the students first hand." After serving in the AmeriCorps program, Marada plans to attend graduate school in Higher Education Administration and hopes to develop a career in counseling and nonprofit business development.

Learn more about Schools of Hope AmeriCorps.