Monday, October 31, 2016

Halloween Party

This weekend one of our students was so kind and opened her home up to all of us for a Halloween Party.

It was so much fun seeing everyone outside of school.  The food was great, the costumes were awesome, and the company was even better!!





















Thank you Tory and family for hosting a fabulous party!  Your hospitality is appreciated more than you know.  Until next year.. Happy Halloween!!

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Week Nine

Penn State is constantly doing fun events on campus and offering the students tons and tons of free food.  We are lucky we all don't weight 500 pounds by now.

Tuesday there was a free BBQ lunch on campus.  The plates were absolutely huge and offered a variety meats, macaroni and cheese and apple crisp.

In class on Tuesday we spoke about thinking in pictures and drafted pictures of ourselves with descriptive adjectives added in around the picture.  We spoke about the benefits of putting these pictures somewhere that we could see them in our homes.  This picture will allow the students to have positive thoughts about themselves and give them ideas as to what to speak about in an interview.

On Wednesday the students completed a writing assignment about their dreams and their future.  They also continued working on their pictures and we spent some time outside soaking up the beautiful weather.

Thursday brought another day in the classroom.  The students were given real life scenarios that discussed job opportunities and personal schedules.  The students had to decide which job would be best for the student's current situation.  There were many differing views on what was the best choice for the student, so we realize that there was no right answer to



















May the dreams of your past,
become the reality of your future.




Thursday, October 13, 2016

Week Eight

We had quite an exciting week on campus!!

Tuesday was the Fall Festival on campus.  They were handing out free chicken and waffles, free candy apples, and they had a bunch of other fun activities including a giant inflatable climbing wall & slide as well as a mechanical bull.  We had so much fun watching all the students brave the bull and the climbing walll.


On Wednesday two of our students headed back to Member's 1st for another day of job shadowing.  Some of our students filled out their applications for the Blog writing position with the D..R.E.A.M. partnership.  They are very excited about it and now just need to submit their resumes as well as a sample of their writing.

The students also previewed the Spring Course Catalog that was released at the end of last week.  They began discussing their interests and what courses they would like to register for.

On Thursday, the students were given newspapers and asked to evaluate the ads in the newspaper.  They were then given the task to work in a group and create their own ads.  They did a great job but definitely had different ideas as to how the ad should look and how it should be created.  Group work isn't always easy, but they did a great job.

Another one of our students ran into an interesting situation during their practicum experience.  She was independently running the reception area when two deaf women walked in and instantly they both recognized the obvious communication barriers.  The student immediately took out a notepad and began writing to the customers.  She also shared the computer screen so they were able follow along with what she was speaking of.  We are so proud of this student and and how she handled herself in a stressful situation.  Our students are evolving into mature, independent adults and we are so honored to be able to help guide them through this process.














NEXT WEEK:  There will be a free BBQ lunch outside of Olmstead on October 18th

The school is also offering a trip to visit The United Nations.  Please see details below.

Guided Tour of United Nations (Students Only)
---------------------------------------------

October 21 - Only sign up if you are certain you can attend.
------------------------------------------------------------

Visit the United Nations! Their one hour guided tours offer an
exciting opportunity to discover and get a behind-the-scenes view
of the Organization at work.

Guided Tours offer an engaging way to explore the United Nations
Headquarters:

* Visit the newly renovated General Assembly Hall, the Security
Council Chamber, the Trusteeship Council Chamber, and the
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Chamber in the renovated
Conference Building.
* Learn about how the United Nations addresses issues such as
disarmament, peace and security, human rights, and the Millennium
Development Goals.

Bus leaving Olmsted Parking lot 10/21 - 7:00am, returning at
9:00pm (2.00 Tip for Bus Driver required)

MUST BRING YOUR IDENTIFICATION CARD/DRIVERS LICENSE and PSU ID

Signup in Olmsted E-131

Hosted by: International Affairs Association.Rotaract Club

For questions email: cjp5579@psu.edu

May the dreams of your past,
become the reality of your future.



Thursday, October 6, 2016

Week Seven

On Tuesday we wrapped up Chapter 1 in our Customer Service curriculum.  They students have learned a ton of valuable information that is transferring over to their job shadow experiences as well at their practicums.

Some of the students also attended the  Internship Fair on campus with their Peer Mentors.  They were able to see all the students dressed in suits and ties or dresses.  Their professional dress as well as their professional interactions with the various job representatives was a great experience. Some of the businesses that were at the Fair included PA State Police, UPS, Foot Locker, Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, PSECU, Whitaker Center for the Science and the Arts, Deloitte, Soccer Shots, and many more.

Wednesday brought about another day on campus for our second year students and another day at Chocolate World for our first year students.  Chocolate World is always a big hit, and they even got to sample some new products.  They are definitely reaching VIP status over there!!

Thursday, the majority of the students were back in the class room.  Two students continued completing their practicums on and off campus.  We heard about new opportunities for our students through the D.R.E.A.M. Partnership, and we also learned that we will be hosting part of the D.R.E.A.M. symposium on campus this Spring.  The students will have a huge part in this event.  We cannot wait!!











THIS WEEKEND: Student taking academic classes-  continue working on your Mid-Term papers and presentations.
Start  brainstorming what classes you may be interested in taking next semester. Continue working on your Independent Studies Projects.  You should be halfway finished with your projects at this point. The course catalog can also be accessed on Lion Path if you would like to look through it at home.

NEXT WEEK:  Be prepared for mid-term to finish up, progress checks on your independent studies, and more job shadows and practicums.


May the dreams of your past,
become the reality of your future.