All posts by Erika Halstead

Happy Hour, Half-Marathon, and More!

Special Feature:

Minds Matter NYC has 4 charity spots in the NYC Half Marathon. If you’ve wanted to run this race – through the Central Park, the streets of Times Square, down the West Side Highway, to a fantastic finish at Wall Street – now’s your chance! There’s no qualification requirement, but individuals must raise $1,000 for Minds Matter NYC. We’ll help you meet your fundraising goal. Email Hannah at Hannah.patridge@mindsmatter.org for more information.

Upcoming Events:

Date TBD – Minds Matter Happy Hour!
All-program Happy Hour at Amity Hall.  Happy Hour will be rescheduled due to the weather. You will receive an invitation once the new date has been scheduled!

March 20, 2016
NYC Half Marathon. See above, or email Hannah at Hannah.patridge@mindsmatter.org for more details about how you can earn a spot.

March 23, 2016
Leadership Opportunities event. Interested in taking a leadership role in Minds Matter? Join us from 7 – 9 pm to learn what opportunities are available and how you can get more involved. Email Julia at Julia.loonin@mindsmatter.org for more information.

Have ideas for other fun Minds Matter events? Email volunteer@mindsmatter.org with your suggestions!

Name: Caitlin Carlson

Profession: Journalism — Senior Digital Editor at Men’s Fitness magazine

Years in Minds Matter: 4

Position in Minds Matter: Writing Advisor (all 4 years)

Why did you join Minds Matter? I had been looking for a way to give back, and when a friend of mine mentioned she was involved, it seemed like a great way to marry interest in giving back with what I’m actually good at and what my passion is, which is writing.

What’s your favorite part of Minds Matter? I like the feeling of making a difference for somebody. It can be as simple as, on a Saturday a kid will say something that makes you good about getting out of bed and doing something more meaningful than just going to brunch with your friends.

For me, though, one of the most rewarding things was that a former student of mine reached out to say she got into Smith College (I stay in the junior program, so I’m not working with them senior year for their applications). Her getting into college – and such a great school – was the most rewarding thing. It really validates everything. She said “I thought you deserved to know that I got into this college and it was because of you.” You show up and work with these kids, and you don’t always see the difference you’re making at the time. But then someone remembers to send you an email about their accomplishment, and they give you credit for it, that’s really validating.

And these kids make you reassess what you’re grateful for. Some things are so easy for us, but these kids sit on a train for 2 hours to get to school. They really do whatever it takes, and that inspires me.

Any favorite Minds Matter memories? Last year, one of my mentees asked me to come to her school for career day to talk about journalism. I went to her school on a random weekday to talk to her friends.  (She lives really far into Brooklyn! That’s the other thing about these students, they make you really reassess what you’re grateful for. Some things are so easy for us; I have a friend who complains about her 40-minute commute, but some of these kids spend 2 hours on the subway just to get to school. They really do whatever it takes.)

Anyway, I’m at career day, and I was in a classroom, and there were rotating groups of students coming in, and I got to talk about my job and what I do. The student was proud to have me there, and I had such a good time. And it was all because of Minds Matter.

Fun fact: On February 28, I’ll run my last of the six World Marathon Majors. This one’s in Tokyo! (I’ve run London, New York, Boston, Chicago, and Berlin. And I’ve actually run New York 3 times!)

What her co-writing advisors and nominators said about her: “I have seen a lot of volunteers come through the program, and I can tell when a good one shows up. Caitlin is so dedicated to her students. And particularly in writing, it’s important not just to edit their essays, but to help them learn to edit their own essays. She really helps her students understand their mistakes so they can identify them (and fix them) on their own in the future.”

What her students say about her: “Caitlin is an amazing teacher, and her feedback always helped me a lot.”

“I so appreciate everything she’s done for me.”

“I look forward to staying in touch with her. I wish I could bring her to college with me!”

“I love that she’s a serious runner. She’s so inspiring.”

*             *             *

Do you know a rock-star mentor? Nominate them here!

Although we’re only halfway through the Minds Matter year, we’re always on the lookout for new leaders for next year. Serving as an Executive Committee (“EC”) member offers a wonderful opportunity to increase your participation in Minds Matter of NYC and serve a critical role in the development implementation of our programs.

Just as all of you have tangible impacts on your students, this is another way to make a difference within the organization. EC positions provide the opportunity to shape the future direction of the organization, both in the day-to-day as well as the long-term vision.

There are many types of positions:

• Program Directors: With help from staff, design, organize and facilitate each program’s weekly sessions
  • Sophomore, Junior, and Senior mentoring programs
  • Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Writing and Critical Thinking
  • Sophomore and Junior/Senior Test Prep
• College Advising: Work closely with Senior Program Directors to assist students in their college applications
• Alumni Program: Liaise with Minds Matter alumni – students who are in college
• Recruitment and Retention: Recruit and select the new class of Minds Matter students; develop and maintain relationships with students and volunteers to maximize student retention in Minds Matter
• Summer Programs: Organize, facilitate, and coordinate summer program application and financial aid process for students
• Volunteer Co-Directors: Lead recruitment, orientation, training, and quality assurance for all volunteers
• Public Relations and Marketing: Develop marketing materials and cultivate name recognition for Minds Matter

*Note, not all EC positions may be open during the 2016-2017 year. Openings will be posted in March, and applications will be accepted beginning soon thereafter.

We are also looking for new Team Leaders (“TLs”) for next year. TLs are the glue to our mentoring program. They guide the weekly sessions and make sure that students and mentors have everything they need to be productive during their time together.

If you’re at all interested in an EC or TL position, we’ll provide more details at a Leadership Recruitment session on March 23^rd from 7:00-9:00pm. Formal invitation to follow. All volunteers are welcome to attend this session learn more about the various EC roles and serving as a TL. If you have questions about being on EC in the meantime, you can email Julia Loonin, Director of Programs, at julia.loonin@mindsmatter.org.

Dear friend of Minds Matter,

My parents came to the United States from Bangladesh in hopes of building a brighter future for their kids. Despite being first generation, I knew the importance of a college education and how it could allow me to do things my parents were not able to do. And even though I was a good student, I sometimes felt that because of my background I was not the right fit for these higher institutions. I lost hope in going to a top-tier college.

My freshman year of high school, I learned about Minds Matter from my guidance counselor. I did not know there were people out there who dedicated their lives to helping people like me. Once I got into Minds Matter, and with the help of my mentors, team leader, and my peers, I started to realize that I had potential. My mentors inspired me to look into top tier institutions like the ones they attended. My team leader is another role model because he was a mentee in Minds Matter and after graduating he became a volunteer. He was one of us at one point and he gives me hope for myself.

Minds Matter has introduced me to multiple opportunities that I would otherwise not have access to. During the summer of my sophomore year, I studied psychology and public speaking at University of Massachusetts, and this past summer I studied in Spain. Minds Matter also introduced me to an internship at Columbia University Medical Center to research obesity in a lab. I will be continuing my research in January because I enjoyed it so much and worked so well with my mentor in the lab. I have even gained networking skills and business etiquette just by communicating with my mentors and other volunteers in the program.

Minds Matter transforms the lives of people like me on a daily basis. From academic to financial support, Minds Matter is looking to build the next generation and by doing this they are helping build a better America. They not only show us the value of education but have also showed us the importance of giving back so we can change others’ lives when we are successful. What is different about Minds Matter is it provides individual help and attention for each and every one of their students every session. They care for every one of us and this is apparent through all the work they do and the time they spend with us on Saturdays. Every volunteer is dedicated to helping their mentee and others in the program. Minds Matter is unique and an amazing organization that can really go far and become even greater with the help of your donations.

Sincerely,
Lamia, Minds Matter Class of 2016

Support students like Lamia. Donate today!

Where Are You Applying to College?

By: Leonel , Minds Matter Class of 2016

College is what I always envisioned for myself. My life has been leading up to that moment when my mother drops me off to the college of my choice. Success for me lies in going to college.

At first, college was a scary unknown that I shied away from. When I was a freshman, I was deathly afraid of everything concerning college. However, after almost four years of high school and three years at Minds Matter, I feel more comfortable. I am still stressed sometimes, but I have the power of knowledge at my disposal, and that makes me confident.

At Minds Matter, my summer programs on college campuses greatly affected my college list. After my sophomore year, I went to Iowa University for the Iowa Young Writers Workshop. I realized there that Iowa was my type of college. It was a small city that was slightly rural with an artistic feel. For someone who has always lived in New York, it was a breath of fresh air. I felt so free. I went to readings at book stores and visited museums. The entire city was in walking distance, littered with amazing street art and small shops. The campus itself was not large and felt like a personal community. I immediately felt comfortable. This is the type of college I want attend. In fact, I would apply to Iowa University if it was not for the far distance from my family.

After my junior year, I attended a summer program at the University of California, Los Angeles for screenwriting. UCLA was the opposite of Iowa. It was big with tall buildings and a campus that was so big it felt overwhelming. The first day at UCLA, I felt nervous and quiet, standing in the corner. While I wouldn’t trade my experience in California for anything, such a large school is not for me. However, this experience did make it easier to create my college list. Below is my current college list:

• Williams College
• University of Penn
• Yale University
• Hamilton College
• Middlebury College
• Wesleyan College

Learn more about Leonel in his next post!

Where Are You Applying to College?

By: Dineydi, Minds Matter Class of 2016

As my senior class and I begin working on our college applications, we know that the next couple of months are going to be slightly overwhelming. However, all of our hard work applying to colleges will be worth it when the spring comes along and our college acceptances arrive. Before any acceptances come to our doors, however, we all need to decide what colleges we want to apply to.

For me, it wasn’t very difficult to come up with a list. I started my list with my dream school, Brown University. I feel it is very important to have a dream college on my list because even if it seems impossible to get in, I still want to apply! Brown is my dream school because I went to Brown for my summer program after my sophomore year and I instantly fell in love with the school and everything it has to offer.

I chose my college list mostly based on offered majors and locations. Cost is not at the top of my list because I believe the price of a school shouldn’t stop me from reaching for my dreams. All of the schools on my list also have both of my intended majors, Education and Marketing. I would like all of the colleges on my list to be located in a city or suburban environment, namely because I want to stay in a similar environment to the one I live in now.

In a college I look for a strong community, small classes, study abroad programs and extensive internship opportunities. I hope to thrive both inside and outside the classroom in this type of environment through building a strong community. In these college environments, I hope to look for new opportunities to grow, explore, and become the best person I can.

Learn more about Dineydi in her next post!

Where Are You Applying to College?

By: Deborah, Minds Matter Class of 2016

For me and my fellow Minds Matter seniors, college is a step into a brighter future. It is a goal we’ve been trying to reach for the past three years. However, before we go to college, we have to be accepted. And before we are accepted, we have to apply. And before we apply, we have to choose what schools we’re going to apply to. And before we decide on these schools, we have to decide what it is we are looking for in these schools. And the process goes on and on and on.

Right now, most of us have a pretty good idea on what it is we’re looking for, but choosing from a list of over 2,000 four-year institutions across the nation is still pretty hard. It takes time and consideration in order to make these decisions. So, how did I break it down?

First off, I’m a city girl. I live in the city that never sleeps. When I began looking at schools, I knew right away that I was not a good fit for schools that are in rural locations. I also knew that when I step outside campus, I want to be in a city, and not have to travel two to three hours to get to the nearest major city.

I’m also a student-athlete. Being part of a team is what keeps me fit and on track with my school work, so athletics also played an important role when looking at schools. For the past three years, I’ve been part of a rowing team, and I know that I want to have the option of rowing in college, even if it isn’t competitively.

The third factor that plays an important role in the schools I select are the available majors, namely Film and Sociology. I’ve known for a very long time that these two things are at the very top of my list of majors. While I may change my mind while I’m in college, I want to at least have the option to pursue these areas of study.

These weren’t the only things that I looked for when selecting my college list. I thought about the size of the school, how far it is from my home, diversity on campus, travel abroad programs, and financial aid opportunities, among other things. Right now, at the top of my list are Columbia University, the University of Southern California, and Tufts University. All are very competitive schools, and all goals I intend on reaching. Over the past three years, one of the things I’ve learned with Minds Matter is that you shouldn’t be afraid of aiming high because often times, when you reach for the moon, you land amongst the stars.

Learn more about Deborah in her next post!