This month we are delighted to honor our two Vanguard University interns as the May 2023 “Volunteers of the Month”: Siclaly Medina and Julia Metteer. They’ve each volunteered a remarkable 400 hours from September 2022 to April 2023.
“We are very grateful for our intern partnership with Vanguard University,” says Vanessa Hernandez, our Volunteer Manager. “This opportunity for Vanguard students is part of the College Corps program. Each College Corps Fellow completes service hours within his or her assigned community. We were blessed that Siclaly and Julia interned with us.”
Siclaly Medina
Siclaly is a senior at Vanguard University, where she is majoring in liberal studies with a focus on early childhood education. Her goal is to become an elementary school teacher.
“I experienced so many amazing memories at KidWorks,” Siclaly says. “One of my fondest is from my first week when a student drew a picture of me and presented it to me. I still have all the drawings the students have given me throughout my time as an intern.”
Siclaly has a heart for Santa Ana, so serving at KidWorks was a perfect fit for her.
“It’s rewarding to be able to make a difference in my community,” she says. “I grew up spending my weekends in Santa Ana and I know how difficult it can be growing up here.”
She adds, “Being part of an organization like KidWorks that provides youth with a space where they feel safe and have fun is the best feeling.
“I’ve gained so much experience from leading activities, to working one on one with students. This experience has shown me that I’m in the right field of work and I feel much more confident in my abilities after being at KidWorks.”
The KidWorks team expressed words of thanks for all Siclaly did during her internship.
Rosie Estrada, Program Assistant: “Thank you, Siclaly, for always being a volunteer I could rely on to help me with the students and always willing to connect with them, making sure they were all having a great time.”
Daisy Rojas, Program Enrichment Lead: “Thank you for always being prepared to jump into any part of our program and for the rapport you built with our students. It was amazing to watch you apply what you’ve learned throughout your time here.”
Rachel Cervantes, Volunteer Coordinator: “Upon first glance, one would believe that Siclaly is shy but I most enjoyed seeing her be assertive and commanding during reading and leading activities.”
In her spare time, Siclaly loves music, painting, writing and reading. She’s even written and illustrated a children’s book as part of a class assignment.
Julia Metteer
Julia is a freshman at Vanguard, majoring in liberal studies, with a career goal to become a teacher.
“The favorite part of my internship at KidWorks was the connections I made with the kids,” Julia says. “I absolutely loved the notes and drawings I got from them throughout my time at KidWorks. They are so incredibly talented and creative.”
She adds, “One of my favorites was a drawing I received from a third grader on my last day. On the back he wrote a note that said, ‘Never forget we love you very much, Ms. Julia.’ I have loved so many of the notes that kids have given to me, but this was one of my favorites.”
Julia benefitted in many ways as a KidWorks intern.
“I learned about myself and had the opportunity to talk with students of various ages and walks of life,” Julia says. “This was an incredibly meaningful experience for me; I learned about my passion for working with kids, including classroom management skills and ways to keep students engaged.”
The KidWorks team expressed words of thanks for all Julia did during her internship.
Rachel Cervantes, Volunteer Coordinator: “Julia's willingness to jump in and her joyful attitude made her a delight to have in programs. She brightened every space she came into.”
Daisy Rojas, Program Enrichment Lead: “Thank you for your positive attitude and welcoming smile. I greatly appreciate the heart you have for each of the students and our programs. You definitely created an impact, especially with third grade. You are a true blessing.”
Daisy adds, “Julia worked closely with our kindergarten and third grade students and was an incredible support during our homework time, especially. She was creative and encourage our students to continue to try their best.”
Rosie Estrada, Program Assistant: “Thank you Julia for all the help you were with the students and the connections you were able to establish with them, including during the times we played games.”
Julia is a Seattle, Washington native. In her spare time, she plays acoustic guitar and is in the Vanguard University choir.
All the best, Julia and Siclaly!
Jessica Ellis, Site Director for our Dan Donahue Center, expresses her thanks to both Julia and Siclaly for all they did on behalf of the students:
“The entire KidWorks team is grateful for the kindness and joy that you both shared with every student you encountered. Thank you for showing up every single day with an open heart, a huge smile and ready to love on our students every time you were with us.
“The impact you left on their lives was so amazing. We and the students would love to have you come back and visit. Thank you for opening up and sharing your heart. Thank you for being willing to learn with us. We appreciate you so much!”
Interning at KidWorks
“Our goal is to recruit 18 to 20 interns for the fall and spring, plus for summer as needed,” says Vanessa Hernandez. She said the requirements are:
· Be enrolled in a college, university or vocational school.
· Be willing to serve for a minimum of six hours per week for a minimum of one semester.
· Have excellent verbal, written and organizational skills.
· Demonstrate initiative and ability to perform functions independently.
Click below for more information and to apply.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer