Week Six

This week we:

Spoke about transition planning and positive self-esteem

Welcomed two new peer mentors to the group

Wrote papers for academic classes and prepared for mid-terms

Worked with Keystone Human services to prepare ourselves for interviewing and appropriate behaviors on the worksite

We attended an International Fair on campus and sampled a number of different foods

Celebrated Sam's Birthday

Rain through the rain on campus

Worked with making change and counting money

Enjoyed another awesome week at Penn State!!

OVER THE WEEKEND:
Complete assignments for classes you are taking for credit or auditing.

No homework for Career Studies Class

Work on your Independent Study projects

NEXT WEEK:

Get ready for your trip back to Chocolate World on Wednesday.

MAY THE DREAMS OF YOUR PAST, 

BECOME THE REALITY OF YOUR FUTURE!

Student of the Month - September

I am proud to announce that our Student of the Month for September is....

Noah Rinehart

This is Noah's first year attending Penn State Harrisburg.  He plans to complete the program in one year.  Along with his participation in the Customer Relations course, Noah is also auditing a class this semester.

Noah is not only busy on campus, but is involved in numerous activities off campus as well.  He served as the Co-Master of Ceremonies of the York County Special Olympics last Spring.  Noah recently traveled to Main Campus to give a speech there and also spoke at a local golf outing where he took the time to network with local meteorologist, Joe Calhoun, for a fellow classmate interested in meteorology. Noah is also very involved in the Best Buddies program in York County.

Noah enjoys volunteering at the library, singing, and playing the trombone.  Noah was recently featured on a local radio station.  They told Noah's story about his musical background.  They spoke about how Noah used to play the baritone up until his diving accident took away the use of his hands, and now he enjoys playing the trombone.  They noted Noah's resilience and his drive to keep learning and trying new things despite the road blocks life has put in front of him.

If you ask Noah what his dream job is, he will tell you that one day he would love to work as the bat boy for the Baltimore Orioles.

Noah is currently participating in our job shadowing at Hershey's Chocolate World and Member's 1st Bank.

The most impressive thing about Noah is that he is a true gentleman.  He is always ushering the ladies ahead of him with the simple, "Ladies first. No, I insist."  Noah is constantly in a great mood and always has a smile on his face.  He is a great friend to his classmates and is always offering support and a word of encouragement.

Noah's favorite thing to tell you is, "I like girls."  Whoever ends up claiming Noah's heart will be one very lucky young lady.  

Below is the email I received from Noah after the first week of classes here at Penn State.

Penn State Harrisburgh has taught me that dreams do come true. You have to do things by yourself and your peer mentor will help you, but it will require some long nights and days to work on college homework and papers for your own class and professor.

Noah

Noah.. we are so proud of you.  You are working  hard to make your dreams come true here at Penn State. We love watching you grow and gain more and more independence each and everyday.  We cannot wait to see the amazing things you do once you are finished here at Penn State!! 

Week Five

Last week seems like a bit of a blur.

We had a student start his practicum on campus with the Physical plant last week.  He is working in the mail room, helping in the athletic department, helping to hang pictures throughout campus, and this week will also start working outside.  Lets hope is doesn't rain too much, otherwise he may be a bit wet.

We also had another student continue her practicum off campus.  She has gained more and more independence and is reporting that she LOVES what she is doing.  She was given the responsibility to cover the entire front desk/reception area and did an outstanding job.

Last week was another visit to Chocolate World.  The students reported back that they had a great time.  They spent time both working on the new ride and also got the chance to enjoy it as well.  They spent time in the bakery, which seemed to be the highlight of the day.

Back here on campus we continued working hard both in the classroom as well as in our academic classes and while working on our Independent Studies.  The students also had the chance to attend an event on campus where they were able to make their own crystal key chains, and of course enjoy some ice cream from The Creamery.

One of our students was even lucky enough to work the crystal key chain event with her Peer Mentor. She did a great job and won a number of students and faculty over with her outgoing and friendly personality.

Each day we (the instructors/coordinators) are seeing less and less of our students.  They are spending more time with their peer mentors and are becoming more and more involved on campus each day.  They are navigating their schedules, managing their schoolwork, and socializing and meeting new people each day.

Next week we will welcome two new peer mentors to our program.  We love new faces and are still in denial that some of our original peer mentors will soon be leaving us to complete their field observation requirements for their majors.

Another big event past week was the D.R.E.A.M. Partnership event at the Hershey Vineyards.  It was so great to see so many of students and their families at this event.  We are so thankful to have the support of the D.R.E.A.M. Partnership and thank them for all that they do for us.

We were really impressed to see all of your dressed up and looking your best!!  A great night was had by all.

Below are some pictures from the event as well as some of the pictures that appeared on the slideshow throughout the evening.

MAY THE DREAMS OF YOUR PAST, 

BECOME THE REALITY OF YOUR FUTURE!