Just Loving in Wickatunk

Hello! Here we are in Wickatunk, NJ, reflecting on the year so far. We started the year really embracing the tenant of simplicity. We spent the first few nights hanging out by candle light and playing games. Instead of watching TV and using the internet, we spent quality time together sweeping a 1/2 mile drive way, cleaning the bottom of a pool, climbing rock walls, and crabbing. We reduced the amount of water we used by skipping showers, flushing toilets sparingly, and refraining from laundry. The food we ate was stored in coolers to save energy that the refrigerator would have otherwise consumed..... and then the power came on ;) Hurricane Irene really influenced the way we started the GSV experience! Although the storm forced us to live this way, we wouldn't have changed any of it as we got to spend time getting acquainted with our new home, our wonderful neighbors (the Sisters of the Good Shepherd), and our community. Since then, we've started volunteering at our work placement, Collier High School. We hit the ground running, all busy in different areas of the school. We thought we'd each share a little bit about what we've been up to!

Hey everybody! This is Anne (also known as Miss S.)! I came to GSV from Colorado after graduating from Colorado State University with a degree in interior design. You may ask how interior design correlates with an alternative high school. God has yet to reveal that to me, but I do know that I couldn't be happier and that I am truly where I'm supposed to be... My involvement in choirs, musicals and art classes in high school have all proven to be helpful with this experience, in addition to the many art classes I took and loved in college. While working at Collier, I've been in the music, drama, and PE classes. I also sneak into the art classes as often as I can and lead the art club. I truly love being in classes with the students. I think they express their true selves through the arts, and it has brought me such great joy to interact with them throughout the day. I feel so blessed to be in this place and to have met so many wonderful people. That's all for now-- thanks for reading and God bless!

Hi! This is Sydnie and I come all the way from Chicago. I graduated from Augustana College with a degree in Psychology and English. I feel so blessed to be spending my volunteer year at Collier High School. I knew coming into this year that I enjoy working with teenagers, and my experience thus far has only strengthened my hunch. As I spend my day in the office of Smith Hall (the home of social services, the new middle school, and classrooms) I get to experience an array of activity. From paperwork to interacting with staff and students the day is never the same. Whether it's making copies or listening to how a student is feeling, I always go home feeling accomplished. Although some days are harder than others I wake up the next day with one of Collier's mottos in mind; "wipe the slate clean. It's a new day!" Until next time, thanks for reading!

Hey, this is Aleks.  I am so grateful to be spending a year in Collier High School.  I'm shocked that it's already the end of October and know this year will fly by so I'm trying to embrace everyday.  My role in the school is pretty eclectic and I typically never know where the day will bring me. I am lucky to have my own little office in front of the principals and assist him in various tasks. I enjoy being able to do different things everyday and feel like I'm really learning a lot about myself this way.  The staff at the high school is really inspirational, and the students are as well!  Thanks for reading :)

Hello everyone--my name is Christina! I was born in Kentucky and studied Film Production at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.  It has been so amazing embarking on this new journey with the Good Shepherd Volunteers.  My time at Collier has been spent doing a wide array of things--helping out in the main office, subbing in the classroom, editing promotional clips for a website, creating my own animation and so much more.  Our supervisor at Collier has been  great about making sure that us volunteers are doing things that we are interested in.  I personally feel that I am able to blend my passion into the work that I am doing and it makes each day exciting!  On top of that I am surrounded by wonderful people! I feel blessed to be around the girls in my community, the staff at the school, the other volunteers in the area and of course the students that I work with.  Thanks for reading!

Hello lovely readers - I'm Malinda. I was born in the BEST state, yes you guessed it, Minnesota! I went to College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, MN and graduated with a degree in Chemistry...  I am sure none of you have heard of this place since it's in the middle of nowhere.  So I am feeling right at home here in Wickatunk on 260 acres of land!  So far, I am absolutely LOVING Collier High School.  It is such a unique place and my days here at Collier are all different.  I substitute in all sorts of classes, help out in PE classes, work in the office, work with students in biology labs, and help coach the soccer team.  I am really enjoying working with the soccer players.  Interacting with them, and getting to know them better outside of the classrooms has been such a rewarding experience.  We went on our first away game today, and won 4-1.. and to the competitive spirits out there, it is always more fun when you win, right? Anyways, I feel so blessed to be a part of this supportive community here at Collier and am so excited to what these next 10 months bring! That's all for now folks!

Well, for the VERY last time now, we would really like to thank you all for reading! :) Over and out.