Features: A Message from Claes Nobel A Message from Outgoing Student Council Advisory Board Highlights New Student Council College-Bound Advice The Value of Taking AP Classes Begin College Applications Now My Take on the SAT Getting a Head Start Never Hurt Anybody Spotlight on Service -- From your own Backyard to a Nicaragua Village The Power of Committed Citizens -- Helping the Poor in Nicaragua J.M.H. Academy Volunteer Effort -- Cordele, Georgia, Health and Rehabilitation Center Giving Back to Your Local Community Special Opportunities -- Students Take Advantage of Exciting Programs AFS Exchange Program -- Living in Brazil Summer Business Institute -- LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) Summer in Switzerland for Natasa Kovasevic Food for Thought For the Devout Carb-Quitters: New Bread that is Literally Nothing Living Successfully Giving Back to Your Local Community by Laura Jenkins Fort Dorchester High School North Charleston, South Carolina My community has done much for me. In return, I dedicate my time and my energy into making sure I give what I can back. One of my favorite ways of giving back is by volunteering for activities that help children and young adults adjust to new surroundings. For example, I am a volunteer for the Fort Dorchester High School Link Crew and the Summerville Takes a Responsible Stand (S.T.A.R.S.) "Believe" Program. Both programs strongly believe that by introducing peer mentors into the lives of younger students, these students will be better prepared for school, more willing to learn and more active in school organizations. As a Link Crew leader, I help incoming freshmen adapt to their new high school setting by playing interactive games that get the students involved with each other, the school, and the community. Periodically, my freshmen group and I get together and discuss school events and their personal experiences. During these sessions, I give them helpful advice and tips that they can use in order to make their high school year more enjoyable and less stressful. This program helps students feel comfortable and well adjusted while giving them a positive outlook on their school. Similarly, the S.T.A.R.S. Program is a program that is designed to help rising freshmen deal with the transition from middle school to high school. As a presenter, I travel to all Dorchester District 2 middle schools and talk with 8th grade students about avoiding drugs and alcohol, when to say no, and how to deal with peer pressure. I also answer any questions they may have about courses, clubs, sports, ROTC, cafeteria food, class sizes, teachers, etc. In doing this activity, I help middle school students cope with the transition to high school. Like many of my mentors, I have decided to help younger people cope with their situations and have realized that people learn better and are more active when they have someone to help them. << Back to Journal Home page