[humanser] new volunteer opportunity could become paid!

[Ericka Short]

I figured this list needed some cheering up.  I witnessed the power of 
networking today.  I was at a local taskforce with the goal to improve 
education in our committee.  The group  is a member of the Gammeliel 
foundation, a group of interfaith advocacy groups that work on social 
justice issues.

Faith aside, I had a marvelous conversation with the principal from one of 
the low income schools in town.  I was saddened that she didn't have a 
guidance counselor in her building even though most of the students could 
benefit more so than a school with predominantly middle class kids.  She 
told us no urban elementary school in the city has more than a part time 
school counselor.  I offered to come to do be a TA and was willing to work 
with kids on social stuff too.  She was delighted and said I can work any 
day.  The principal took my name and other contact information.  Of course 
it's not a done deal, but my friend is one of the teachers there and I have 
another friend that  subbed there on and off for years.  I think I have a 
good chance to start helping at least with summer school.  I'll keep you all 
updated, but if this really works out and I decide to go to grad school to 
do school counseling, then it will be worth it.  I am sure she'd take me 
before I had the paper if the district would agree to it.  Of course I have 
to prove my weight in gold first or it doesn't matter.  Equal work, equal 
pay and equal heart into the job or you don't deserve it.  Where money comes 
from to pay for school, who knows right now.  I have to deal with my vr 
counselor tomorrow when I call to set up an appointment.  I am so excited!!! 
Prayers are always welcome!  I am hoping through this opportunity that I 
solidify  this career is a meld of two passions--education and social work. 
In college I couldn't' decide so I was there a long time.  I"ve also scored 
a meeting over the phone with a career counselor from my alma mater so I 
have plenty to talk to him about this coming Monday.  So crazy but it's 
getting me focused.  Never dreamed this would happen.  I never dreamed of 
going to grad school. I have to see if my old high school guidance counselor 
is still alive.  He would be tickled. Anyone remember Doso the dolphin that 
taught social skills to grade school kids in the 70's?  I loved the time we 
had.  I should have known if I remember this after 30 plus years.

Ericka J. Short
262-697-0510

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Philippians 4:13
"No hand is too small or too big to do good in this world." EJ. Short