UCASA 2011!

Hello, it's Ms. Valerie and I just wanted to say how much fun this experience has been for me. I am very proud to be a part of Urban Connection and can't wait to continue in 2012. CHOPS has been so much fun and I am looking forward to our next field trip to Sam Ash Music Center for our 3rd drum circle!!! Thank you Urban for giving me this wonderful opportunity. The showcase was so much fun and I think that all the kids did such a great job with their performances. Moving on now to 2012 and am looking forward to great new things to happen for Urban Connection!

Introducing:12 Days of a West End Christmas

New this year, UC-SA is providing 12 days of opportunities to give time, talents, or treasure during the 12 Days of a West End Christmas campaign. Beginning December 1 with 12 Adopt a Park Groups, start the countdown to Christmas by partnering with us to help fulfill our mission to "share the love of Jesus, strengthen relationships, engage individuals and families, and restore genuine community" in the West End of San Antonio.

All we want for Christmas is you. So make your list, check it twice, and let the spirit of giving permeate your Christmas season. We need your help to reach our goals of Healthy Kids, Healthy Families, Healthy Community. Here's a sneak peek to each of the 12 days:

12 Adopt-A-Park Groups (time)—commit to leading a small or large volunteer group to work half-day beautifying the West End Park.

11 Subscriptions (treasure)—purchase or renew a periodical subscription for children’s programs or adult resource center.

10 Homework Helpers (time)—spend an hour a week helping children correctly complete their homework during UCASA.

9 Corporate Sponsors (treasure)—commit your organization to sponsoring UC-SA events, several to choose from.

8 Angel’s Wings 2012 (treasure)—commit to sponsor children for next year’s Christmas gift program.

7 Kids Camp Volunteer Groups (time, talent, treasure)—commit to plan and implement a week of activities for 50-65 children during summer 2012.

6 Days of Camp (treasure)—send 30 UC-SA children to Camp of the Hills during summer of 2012: $50/child or $250/day, totaling $1500.

5 Transportation Partners (time)—donate your time and wheels to help transport neighborhood children and parents to periodic off-site events.

4 Desktop Computers (treasure)—purchase or donate money for new computers for the Family Resource Center.

3 Club Leaders (time, talent)—lead a one-time or recurring scrapbooking, sewing, or gardening class for adult neighbors.

2 UCOA Trip Sponsors (time, talent, treasure)—give resources to enable children to experience the joys and lessons of the great outdoors.

1 Yearly Fund (treasure)—help UC-SA start the year off on good financial footing.

Give now! Visit www.urbanconnection12days.weebly.com to give or for more information on each of the 12 Days of [a West End] Christmas.

FAMILY FUN!

Family Night, a new addition to UCASA, is a night where parents and family members can come learn, play, and grow with their child. Scheduled the last Friday of each month from 6pm-7pm, a themed activity is planned from games, crafts, cooking, and more.

This October we had a pumpkin carving extravaganza with prizes, treats and goodie bags full of great holiday recipes and activities to carry on the fun at home. A great step to HEALTHY KIDS...HEALTHY FAMILIES...AND A HEALTHY COMMUNITY!

Visit our Facebook page for more photos from our October Family Night http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150355888064093.361589.228426344092&type=1&l=c7d4bbfbaf

Giving Urban Angels Wings

"Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings."

Each holiday season, angels around the Westend neighborhood are getting wings and taking flight—parents give time through volunteering and service to their community to earn Christmas gifts for their children as a part of UC-SA’s Urban Angels program. Behind each gift earned is a partner “bell ringer” who generously provides the gifts for the program. The 2010 Urban Angels brought together five organizations giving gifts for 27 families (95 children in all) who contributed over 500 volunteer hours to participate in the program. At the heart of Urban Angels lies a pathway to empowerment, hope, and health in the lives of its participants. With wings, parents and children can soar through the holiday season, not only with the toys on their wish list, but with a heightened sense of value of their time and themselves.

Can you be a bell ringer? We need partners--individuals, service groups, church groups, families--to sponsor Urban Angels by contributing and collecting gifts, and partnering with parents to wrap the gifts. Please contact us if you can assist in empowering our neighbors this holiday season.

Hola!

Hello everyone my name is Janet!

I am one of the new AmeriCorps member for Urban Connection and very excited to be part of this team! First week was great and I hope for many more great ones. It has only been a week that I have spent time with these kids and I can honestly say I enjoy coming everyday. Everyday is something new, being a group leader to these young kids is quite interesting and fun. I am looking forward to my time here at Urban Connection, helping my community, and influencing these kids in a positive way.

Until Next time! Bye!

-Janet

Hello my name is Valerie!

I am very excited to join the Urban Connection staff and look forward to hanging out with the kids and working hard for the organization. I love to play sports, do art projects, and learn new things everyday. I hope that I can teach the kids new things as well as learn new things from them. First week was great & ready for more :)

something about myself..

My name is Shontele Thrower and this is my first year working with Urban Connection. I am very excited to have almost finished m first week with the kids here at UC and the staff members. I love helping out the community and workin with the youth and different diversities that I have enteracted with so far. I'm excited to see what the rest of this year will hold as I continue to serve the community and work at Urban Connection.

IM AM HAPPY TO SAY THAT THIS SUMMER WAS AM ALSOME ONE GETTING TO KNOW THE SAFF AND KIDS WAS A GOOD DEAL. THE ONE THING THAT REALLY STOOK WITH ME THIS SUMMER WAS HOW EACH AND EVERY STAFF BONDED WITH THE KIDS.

8 weeks has flown by. I cannot remember a day that I did not have an incredible amount of fun. I am sad to say farewell.

I would like to thank everyone, both staff and children, for making this summer one to never forget. I already miss the individuals who have made this summer with Urban Connection so memorable.

Thank you, again. I'll be sure to visit soon.

Love,

Kirk

As promised . . .

. . . although a bit late, the picture that I reference in my previous post. :)

Esmeralda (l) and Karla (r) work together to do my job for me, along the way showing that friendship can blossom anywhere at anytime over anything.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-11

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?

Two Great Things

I want to take a bit of time to talk about two (of many) great things about the kids at Urban Connection. As a preface, I'd like to say that these are some of the sweetest, kindest, and most caring kids I've met - they are protective not just of their younger siblings, but also of each other. There's a camarederie that's welcome to see. :)

Thing one: the older kids do a FANTASTIC job of interacting with my little five- and six-year olds. I have seen so many priceless hugs between petite five-year-olds and sweet 13-year-olds more than twice their size. The game "Birdie on a Perch" facilitates those positive interactions, but the older kids are also genuinely caring. They care about setting good examples for the younger kids, and it's wonderful to see how the younger kids look up to them. A special shoutout to Smiley - several weeks ago the boys were being taught a military march and call-and-response, and Smiley took the lead for the boys and showed them how it was done. I've never seen such great listening from boys of all ages, and Smiley had a great smile on his face the whole time. :)

Thing two: the kids love to help. All I have to do is walk toward the kitchen and three kids run up to me shouting "can we help please?" It's hard to turn down so many voluntary workers, but turn some down I must. However, they have plenty of opportunities to help throughout the day, and thankfully we always have willing helpers. The kids love having that opportunity to be involved and to help their leaders, who give so much to them. It's really great to see.

I'm blogging from Urban right now, but once I get home I'll add a picture that I think epitomizes this relationship - Karla and Esmeralda working together to sweep up a pile of dirt. :)

Cheers!

Names

I know that I've definitely dropped the ball on blogging, but I have learned so much, now that it's time to write something down, my brain is going a mile a minute.

The past 6 weeks have gone by in a blink. I have been so blessed to spend my days with these teenagers that know more about the world than I did at that age. My kids are so funny. They're negotiators, and play makers. There have been days, that I have to pull my co-workers aside and tell them what my kids say! It's been so interesting to see them build relationships this summer too, especially with each other. I have loved getting to know them and their likes and dislikes, too.

As I've been praying for this summer, for my kids, for the neighborhood, and for God to enlighten my heart, I have been taught so much. I have seen in my kids such a since of perseverance. They never give up. Ever. Wether it's playing knock-out in the gym or trying to convince me to play dodgeball all day, they never give up. Sometimes it can get frustrating when I have to call them by name several times, but eventually, they listen. Even if I tell them "no", they attempt to negotiate with me. And they have faith.

The Lord reminds us in the book of Isaiah:

I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

It's like my kids know this truth. They know that God is before them when they're playing Dodgeball, or Wallball. And they have this confidence that is so admirable, I can only hope to be that secure in God one day.

My kids this summer have had good days and bad, and so have I, but yet, our Savior says that our hope to persevere from one day to the next comes from the fact that we are His and He goes before us.

Crunc City Photos

I have been planning to create this blog for a little over a week but wanted to ensure I had everyone's permission to post their photos - also post-processing in Photoshop can be a little bit time consuming.

A little over a week ago, Kevin Money volunteered several days of his time to help teach the kids how to dance. It was fun seeing the kids' initial trepidation toward these odd-looking dance steps before eventually embracing it and enjoying themselves. On Friday, the kids who did not leave for the fishing trip gave a performance for the remaining adults and children.

However, before this final performance, I was given the privilege of watching one of my kids and resident dance champion, "Smiley", compete against Mr. Money himself! If only I had the foresight to carry my camera with me all day! After a lengthy and HIGHLY entertaining dance-off, it was concluded by all present that Mr. Money won - although there were definitely no losers that day :)

Posted below are some photos of children and co-workers that were present for the children's' final performance.


*EDIT* I apologize in advance for the quality of the photos. The image compressor on this site doesn't play too well with photoshop :(

East Texas Fishing Trip

I had the privilege of attending one of the outdoor adventure trips that Urban Connection has been doing for years now.  I found out just a few days before the trip was supposed to happen, but I immediately wanted to go since I grew up in East Texas and thought it would be fun to see the kids reaction to being there. On Friday afternoon, we packed up and began our journey with a group of 15 kids.  I was a little unsure of how everything was going to work out, but the trip was spectacular!  On Saturday morning we all woke up around 4:30 a.m. and despite the looming dark clouds foreshadowing a day full of storms, we were still able to make it out onto the Sabine Lake; the thunder storms unexpectedly shifted and the rain subsided throughout the morning.  We had eight separate boats with guides who took us all out on the lake. I was on a boat with Hector and Matthew and our guide was Stephen.  He kept calling Matthew by the name of Patrick for some reason, so when they boys got the line on the poles tangled up, they blamed it on invisible "Patrick" and we just laughed. It was amazing to see how generous these individuals were with their time and equipment.  The kids caught so many fish! Natalie and Lizbeth caught over 50 fish together with the help of their guides (I bet the boys were not expecting that!).  We also caught crab, a sting ray, and a vast array of other fish including croakers, ladyfish, red fish, and speckled trout. After eating bbq and swimming, we had an awards ceremony where trophies and prizes were handed out to the kids for the days catches. We even went on an airboat ride that afternoon in the swamp and were able to see some alligators and learn some history about the area. The kids also got to experience cajun food and even though they were hesitant, most of them really enjoyed the seafood boudin, crawfish etouffee, and gumbo.

I am so grateful that I was able to spend time with this group of kids that went on this trip.  I got to learn more about them and even meet some brothers and sisters of the kids I work with normally. As they described it, it was just peaceful.  There is something about being in nature that just has a calming effect and I was able to see this in our group.  We all can not wait for the next trip :)

Joy

I love my job. It's true. How can you not love your job AND your life when you walk in the door and children run up to you to bestow their giant hugs on you?!? These last five weeks have been such a blessing to me - I'm still coping with a death in the family this summer, but the joy of these children have kept my spirits and my hopes high.

These children are some of the most joyful children I've met. Jay's face lights up every single morning when we tell him breakfast is ready. Nehemiah sprints into the gym with a huge smile and limitless energy. Lexander smiles when you agree to play with him. Alex burst out into rapid Spanish when he learned I spoke advanced Spanish, and not just English. :) I know I've written about this before, but there is so much love and joy in these children, I'm absolutely blown away.

Kids always remind you to appreciate the little things. For instance: they love pickle day. I happen to hate pickle day, as I am a pickle-hater compelled to open countless pickle packages and to then pour out the odiferous pickle juice. The children are oblivious to my repulsion, but thankfully I am always cognizant of their excitement. They love pickles. They are very upset when their lunch does not contain a pickle. The lesson I learn: eating a favorite food can (and should) make your day.

Lesson number two: You should always try new things. Today I introduced two different yarn projects to the younger kids - braiding and basic friendship bracelet knotting. Some of them picked it up right away - Monica radiated pride and happiness when when she quickly moved through her bracelet. Others struggled but still felt a sense of accomplishment at creating their own bracelet and succeeding at something new. Don't be afraid to try, and don't be afraid to fail, because you can always have lots of fun along the way. :)

So on thursday we had the kids make houses out of the boxes. They had to build the things they would see in a house. The some of the five and six year olds built lad tops, love seats,bath tubs,sinks and more. It was so funny watching them actually work togeather and put all the ideas togeather. We had a really good time doing it!!!

"I am a promise, I am a possibility, I am a promise"

That is a line from one of the songs the kids learned while participating in a DEFY (Drug Education for Youth) program this past week at Urban. The kids seemed to really love that song, and so did I.  After working at Urban for a month now (where does the time go!), I have come to personally know many of our kids.  They have so much potential!  The more I work with them, the more I uncover about each and every one of them.  This song definitely fit our kids, and I am glad I am able to know them well enough to say that.

After having outside groups come in for the last two weeks, I am excited to have Art Week with Mrs. Jennifer of Urban next week! I look forward to working with my 9-10 year old group on a daily basis again. (I hope they missed me as much as I missed them!)  There are so many more exciting things to come for the remainder of the summer, so we will continue to update y'all on those.

-Gayle

Sweet Moments at Camp

Hey everyone, Danielle here. I was so excited when I first heard that one of our job responsibilities was contributing to the Urban Connection blog, but I’ve somehow had a difficult time remembering to actually write an entry. Attempting to update everyone on the past four weeks would take up much more space than anyone is willing to read, so I’ll pick out some of my favorite parts from the most recent weeks.

I’m one of the leaders for the 9 and 10-year-old group, and I am so thankful that I was assigned to this group of kids. There are definitely challenges to it (they see no good reasons to try and get along with someone they don’t like), but they are such a fun group to be with all day. These kids are torn between growing up and being too cool for some things, but still really wanting to do other things, because they’re still little kids. They are interesting to watch, especially when they try new things. During the second week of camp, we had a lot of really cool lessons where they tried all sorts of new things: team-building activities, dance, drumming. I loved watching them discover something new that several of them were actually really good at it. Even if they weren’t immediately talented at the new activity, the whole group definitely enjoyed that week. Kids this age seem to be becoming more aware of themselves and who they are, and I love getting to watch them choose what defines them.

Last week, Springtown church of Christ brought their youth group out, and the kids had a wonderful time learning so many new things about God. I think my all-time favorite moment at camp so far came that week. It was actually after one of the outside activities, so Miss Ashley was just talking to the kids (bonding time!), asking them what they had learned about God so far that week. Suddenly, the kids were all really excited about sharing everything they had ever learned about God. They were throwing out facts and stories, asking questions, and then asking harder questions (I thought God died on the cross? Are God and Jesus the same person?). Looking around at those 25 kids, every single one with a hand in the air, excited to talk about God, was enough to make my eyes sting. God is so present in this neighborhood and with these kids. It was a really beautiful moment and one that I won’t forget.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (II Corinthians 12:9)

My mind goes to this verse multiple times a day, when I realize that I alone am just not capable of eternal patience and love and understanding. Thankfully I serve a God who is!

There have been several funny moments at camp this summer. I'm grateful that my self-esteem isn't too dependent on the opinions of the kids sometimes. So far, I have been told, "You look like you're 99!" and "Miss, you looked better when you were 20." The kids also enjoying critiquing my athletic ability, or lack thereof. Some of the kids in my group are determined to teach me how to play basketball before the summer is over. Good luck, sweet children.

An Update of Sorts

Why hello everyone!

We are two weeks into summer, and I definitely love my work at Urban Connection! I am not wearing my rose-colored glasses, as the work definitely has its ups and downs, but overall I find it to be a rewarding, fulfilling experience. Every day I smile as the kids enter the arts and crafts room and approach me (and all the other leaders) with hugs, smiles, and stories.

I think the main thing for me to remember is that I’m working at Urban to serve God and to spread His Love throughout one area of San Antonio. On the way to work today I heard the song “Everlasting God,” with the refrain “Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord . . . ,” and I felt that the song captured the attitude and mindset of our work at UC-SA. First, my strength, which is sometimes sapped by the hours, the drives to and from work, and the work itself, will rise and be renewed when I think about the Lord and ask Him to strengthen me. Second of all, I know I will get that strength because I am waiting on the Lord by serving others. As Jesus says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Mat. 25:40). My work is not about me and my contributions, but about GOD, and it has been a blessing to see God at work with all these beautiful children.

Speaking of children . . .

Today little Esmeralda greeted me enthusiastically as I walked through the door after my day off, “Miss Laura! We were so worried about you,” complete with adorable hand gestures. I was enjoying my assigned day off, but her genuine concern cheered me and started my day on a great note.

Cheers,

Laura

I am...

Hi, everybody!
I'm Jen and I'm a rising senior at Trinity University majoring in sociology. I am so excited to be here at Urban Connection this summer and can't wait to get to know all the kids. Here are a few fun facts about me

• I'm left-handed
• I am originally from Austin!
• I love animals
• I have 2 brothers- one older and one younger
• I spent last summer in Quito, Ecuador working in a shelter/orphanage
• I love Sour Lifesaver Gummies... so much
• I just got home from a semester abroad in San José, Costa Rica and miss the friends that I made there

God Works in Mysterious Ways

Hi! My name is Chris.

I recently graduated from Texas State University (December 2010) with a BA in International Business and Japanese, and am excited to be part of Urban Connection during this summer. I originally planned to be in Japan teaching English to grade-school children this fall, but God had different plans for me. I actually do not much like talking about myself on the internet so I will make a list of random facts about my life and personality:

1) I was born here in San Antonio, but have spent half my life outside of Texas - including California, Hawaii, Maryland, and Japan, among others.

2) I LOVE learning new languages, not just Japanese. My friends joke with me that if you put me in a room with someone that speaks a different language, I will be conversing in it by the end of the day.

3) I am a photographer that needs inspiration: if anyone has any suggestions or great locations please feel free to let me know!

4) I was once in 3 different countries within 1 week and have been to the North Korean border.

5) Please bring high-speed rails and subways to Central Texas!

Estoy...

Hello :)

My name is Gayle and I can not wait to see what this summer has in store at Urban Connection. I have learned so much about the Lincoln Heights neighborhood and the surrounding area in the past week of training and I am excited to learn more!

Here are a few things about myself:

1.) I recently graduated from UTSA with a Psychology major and Biology minor. Go Roadrunners!
2.) I want to work in the healthcare field and I am currently applying to Physicians Assistant school.
3.) Everyone deserves an equal chance no matter what their background is.
4.) I was called to be a part of this program, and I believe God has his hand on the work that Urban Connection does.
5.) Quiero mejorar mi Espanol durante el verano.

I am . . .

I am Laura Krull, a rising junior at Grinnell College in Iowa, a sociology major, an avid reader, a tennis player, and most importantly, a follower of Christ.

I am a thinker, a dreamer, a believer, and a writer.

I am passionate about what I do. If I’m making pancakes for fellow stressed-out students at 2 in the morning, then I give my all and find the energy to serve others. If I’m playing piano as part of the worship band at school, then I find time in my busy schedule each week to practice so I can better help my fellow Christians praise God. If I’m playing a team tennis match against a rival school, then I give 110% and start cheering for my teammates the moment I leave the court.

If I’m working with kids, then I channel my own inner kid and return to my younger days to better connect with them. I stop worrying about being embarrassed or what other people will think about me and just have fun with those beautiful, small, and innocent human beings. I leave the stresses that come with being an adult behind and to simply help kids have a wonderful time. I’ve done this while babysitting, while working at the church nursery, and while making little friends at the playground, and this summer will be no different. I am excited to finally meet the kids of Lincoln Heights and of neighboring communities next week and to do everything possible to make a difference in their lives during our short time together.

Cheers,

Laura

HhhhEeeeYyyy EVERYONE!!!!!

HERE SOME THINGS YOU MAY WANT TO KNOW ABOT ME....

1.I HAVE WORKED AT URBAN CONNECTION FALL AND SPRING TREM.(AND NOW FOR THE SUMMER)
2.IM IN COLLEGE TO BE A TEACHER FOR AT RISK CHILDEREN.(I FEEL LIKE GOD HAS GIVEN ME THAT PASSION TO DO THAT AND REALLY CHANGE SOME LIVES.)
3.I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN SAN ANTONIO TEXAS BUT GREW UP ON THE EASTSIDE OF TOWN FOR A WHILE.
4.I FEEL LIKE GOD HAS GIVEN ME DIFFERENT TALENTS THAT I CAN USE TO HIS GLORY AND I AM VERY EXICTED TO SHARE THEM WITH URBAN CONNECTION.

Hellooooooooooo!

Hi, everyone!

My name is Erin and I'm super excited to be working with Urban Connection this summer! So excited, in fact, that I trekked down here all the way from Kentucky (with wonderful Ms. Danielle) to be a part of this awesome organization, and more importantly, to spend some time with the kiddos!

I was led here from the University of Kentucky, where I just completed my freshman year. I had the opportunity to spend Spring Break here with some of the kids through the ministry that I'm a part of there, called Cats for Christ. (Cats meaning the Kentucky Wildcats... We don't work with animals, though we do get asked that a lot!) I'm currently studying Biology and Spanish at UK, and I aspire to be a doctor, particularly a pediatrician or a pediatric oncologist.

Beyond that, I love music, books, current events, KIDS, laughter, serving my Lord, spending time with my family (particularly my brothers, who also double as some of my best friends). If there were four statements that would teach you the most about who I am, they could probably be related to song lyrics (because what can't be?). For example:

1. The song "Jesus loves Me," because without that where would I be?

2. You've Got A Friend In Me, from the original Toy Story. I'd choose this song because it reminds me of the hours of Disney movies I watched with my twin brother, Brett, as a child. He is, and always will be, my best friend. I'm a fiercely loyal person, and once you carve out a place in my heart, you'll always have a friend in me.

3. Jump Rope, by Blue October. The chorus of the song talks about how life is like a jump rope; it goes up and down. I'm a pretty optimistic person and this song constantly reminds me never to take things for granted, but also never to be too discouraged.

4. Send Me On My Way, by Rusted Root. This song has the silliest beat and is sometimes difficult to make sense of, just like me. :) I grew up in a small town, and this song perfectly describes my desire to see and experience the world beyond western Kentucky. Also, its impossible to listen to that song and not be happy, and I feel like happy is my normal mode. :)

I'm so grateful for the opportunity to serve your kids this summer! Please feel free to introduce yourself and to ask any questions you may have. I can't wait to meet you all! :)

--Erin

A Long Way from Home!

Hi everyone! My name is Danielle, and I come from the Bluegrass State. That’s Kentucky in case you weren’t sure, though I think we’re better known for fried chicken than bluegrass. I’m a senior at the University of Kentucky, studying Secondary English Education and Spanish. My campus ministry/church at UK has been coming to Urban Connection for Spring Break and summer trips for several years now, which is how I found out about Urban. Ever since I came for the first time last year, I knew I wanted to spend a summer here if possible. I don’t know exactly what I want to do in the future, but I do know that I want to work with kids, whether that be teaching abroad or in the inner city, or working with a non-profit organization. Wherever I end up, I am so excited to be working with an organization that has such a strong God-centered base and a clear, hopeful vision for the kids, families, and community in this inner city neighborhood. I’ll just do four facts about me:

1. I have a “little” brother, who is now 17, though he’ll always be about 8 years old to me.
2. The best snack is definitely fried pickles and a strawberry limeade from Sonic.
3. I spent last summer in Peru and I’m crossing my fingers to go back as soon as humanly possible.
4. I love the sunshine, which is great since it looks like I’ll be seeing a lot of that this summer!

I hope to see you all around Urban this summer! :)

Danielle

What is Kirk?

I am Kirk Rodriguez, a new intern at Urban Connection - San Antonio! And my excitement levels are off the charts. But before we all get too pumped, us interns will have to further explain ourselves. Hopefully you've already met Mari (the post(er) below this one), so I suppose it is my turn to let people know what I am.

Simple.

I am a believer in humanity. I believe with the proper amount of both love and information, of both compassion and knowledge, that humanity can overcome greed, prejudice, and hatred. Zac Efron and the crew were right when singing "we're all in this together," and I believe that as more and more people remember the truth within that statement, the better a world we will live in.

And I am a total hippie who loves musicals and existence.

Good Evening, Alamo City!

Hi there!

My name is Mari! I’m a senior at the University of Texas at Austin majoring in Social Work. I have a huge passion for inner city work, which has taken me as far away as Seattle, Washington for the past two summers and as close to home as the St. John’s Community in Austin during the school year. I am also very active in my church back home. I love kids and watching them interact with the world around them. I enjoy teaching children with hands-on activities and empowering them to be able to problem solve on their own. To get to know me better here is a list of five fun facts about me:

1. I am CPR/ First- Aid certified

2. I love coffee!

3. My parents and younger sister (15 yrs) live in South Austin

4. I have worked at summer camps for the past six years!

5. I love to laugh and I’m usually very high energy

I’m sure I will get to know you all over the next couple of months and I can hardly wait! To the parents, thank you for entrusting Urban Connection with your children; that’s a big deal, and I am thrilled to have a chance to spend the summer with them! Feel free to find me at anytime and introduce yourself!

In His Love,
Mari