2023 Summer Member Highlight: Kailah Hester

Kailah is a senior at UPenn, graduating in December 2024 where she majors in Design, and is hoping to pursue a master’s in Social Work after graduation. She served during summer 2023 and now is a mentor with our UPenn Village Mentoring chapter. In her free time, she loves to take naps, color, and also does hair for fun! 

Summer 2023 Wrapped: 

Kailah served a group of about 15 children at Lucien E. Blackwell in West Philly. She was on a team with 3 other Summer Enrichment Coordinators, and one Youth Service Manager.

What was the highlight of your service?

It was such a rewarding experience. Our team took a lot of time to be intentional about what we planned, with energy spent considering the things that the kids would get excited about. We got really into the themes and made the activities based on those themes. It was really fun to see it all play out and come together over the summer! One of the big highlights was superhero week. We partnered with the Free Library and they came every Friday to read a book connected to the theme and give out prizes. On superhero week, they brought a ton of superhero toys and made masks with the kids - there was glitter everywhere! 

What were the challenges you experienced? 

Sometimes it’s hard to figure out what to do when the kids get bored when you’ve planned an activity and purchased supplies for it. It’s important to adapt and adjust to what the kids are requesting, while also trying to keep the other objectives in mind. We were thinking, “How can we turn simple drawing into something that’s a little educational but also connects to their interests?” Working with kids in the beginning was sometimes a challenge to overcome because they all had to get to know one another, as well as set up processes as a team to make sure each child had a positive experience. To be clear, the kids were not a challenge - but it took time, effort, and intention to get to know them and address root causes of behaviors as the summer progressed. 

Are there any notable or special moments you want to share?

Me and Rinah (previously highlighted!) made a song for the kids that our group had a love/hate relationship with! It’s a parody of the Drake and 21 Savage song, haha! 

How would you describe your DREAM experience in a phrase or a few words?

1. Joyous! I was always laughing and smiling even when things needed to be serious - I couldn’t even keep a straight face because we were really just always having fun. 

2. Educational! The kids exposed us to so much, taught us about being a part of the community, and showed a different side of Philadelphia than what we usually see as UPenn students.

3. Valuable - I talk about it all the time! I am currently an intern at the Mayor’s office and I am constantly sharing my experiences with people there. 

2023 Summer Member Highlight: Zoeie John

Zoeie is a junior at Middlebury college, majoring in Psychology and Education Studies. In her free time, she loves to read, watch TV, generally work with kids, and ice skate! Zoeie has been an SEC for two summers (2022, 2023), and a Mentor Coordinator at the Middlebury Village Mentoring chapter for two academic years (22-23, 23-24)! 

Summer 2023 Wrapped: 

Zoeie served the Elm Street site in Northern Vermont. She served about 40 youth in the Elm Street community during Summer 2023 with a team of 7 Summer Enrichment Coordinators and their site manager. 

What was the highlight of your service?

Going to the beach was a huge highlight for me, the kids really enjoy being in the water and are very interested in learning how to swim. It was a great opportunity to mix fun with learning, and it often turned into a day trip because the kids want to be there for so long! We did that every Friday, and it was their routine to do weekday activities Tuesday-Thursday. The beach trip each week was something that was a great behavioral incentive, and it kept the routine consistent which supported their success in having positive behaviors even further. 

What were the challenges you experienced? 

When we took kids to the Echo Center, they were very excited and with lots of other people around, there was the possibility of some youth running away and creating a game of tag in public, which really isn’t safe. It became a matter of ensuring that we got their attention, grounding them by getting on their level, and setting boundaries by letting them know that it isn’t safe. It was also important for us to collaborate with our mentees’ parents to learn about the strategies they used, and ended up creating behavior plans for the youth who ran and they were pretty effective! 

Are there any notable or special moments you want to share?

We took kids to Winooski Library, which had a play section in the back that they loved! Our group enjoyed playing with the doctor kits and SECs were the patients, it was very engaging for them but it was also just really fun! The kids would check their knee reflexes and use the stethoscope to hear their heartbeats. They managed to work out a system where they could take turns with the kit so there was a rotating group of little doctors at the library! 

How would you describe your DREAM experience in a phrase or a few words?

I would describe it as mutually rewarding - as much as we are there to provide opportunity to the kids, we are also constantly learning so much from them!

Fostering Growth Through Connection: Dream's Commitment to Express Care

In the vibrant city of Boston, where opportunity abounds, there's a community-driven force working to bridge the gap and open doors for every individual. DREAM, in collaboration with esteemed institutions like Tufts University, is on a mission to use mentoring and social justice to close the opportunity gap. Today, we delve into a core element of our development framework: "Express Care."

Show Me That I Matter to You

At Dream, we understand that genuine connections form the bedrock of personal and academic growth. Every individual we mentor is more than a participant; they're a valued member of our Dream family. We go beyond program objectives to ensure that each person feels seen, heard, and truly matters.

Be Dependable: Be Someone I Can Trust

Trust is the cornerstone of any impactful mentoring relationship. Our commitment is unwavering – we strive to be a consistent and reliable presence in the lives of those we mentor. In collaboration with institutions like Tufts, we aim to build trust by being dependable and accountable at every turn.

Listen: Really Pay Attention When We Are Together

Effective communication begins with active listening. In the dynamic landscape of Boston's educational opportunities, we make it a priority to truly listen. Our mentors are attuned to the dreams, challenges, and aspirations of our mentees, creating an environment where voices are not just heard but understood.

Believe in Me: Make Me Feel Known and Valued

In a city rich with academic diversity, DREAM recognizes the uniqueness of each individual. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where every mentee feels known and valued. By believing in their potential, we empower them to navigate the educational landscape with confidence.

Be Warm: Show Me You Enjoy Being With Me

Connection thrives in an atmosphere of warmth and positivity. Our mentors, supported by institutions like Tufts, not only guide but also share in the joy of the educational journey. Through genuine enjoyment, we create a space where relationships flourish, fostering an atmosphere conducive to growth.

Encourage: Praise Me for My Efforts and Achievements

Recognizing and celebrating milestones is pivotal for sustained motivation. DREAM, in collaboration with prestigious partners, places a strong emphasis on encouragement. We acknowledge and praise the efforts and achievements of our mentees, instilling a sense of pride and confidence in their abilities.

In the heart of Boston's educational landscape, DREAM and institutions like Tufts are working together to champion the principles of Express Care. It's not just about closing the opportunity gap; it's about creating a community where mentorship, social justice, and genuine connection empower individuals to dream big and reach new heights. Join us on this transformative journey, where every dream matters and every opportunity is within reach. #Dreamprogram #ExpressCare #MentoringForChange #OpportunityForAll #searchinstitute