Labradorescence.  That is the word i think of as i consider the voices and concerns of parents.  The Parent workshop at Oakland University provided another glimpse into the world of GEAR UP youth and thier families.  I heard concerns about costs of college, the value of their understanding the college experience, the group/social interaction value of safety (my child is with positive non violent youths and in a safe environment) and their struggles as parents to support their children at home and in the program.  Oh yes, i am a bit of an gem stone enthusiast.  Each gemstone has certain properties that make it something unique.  Labradorite is the stone that captures the essence of the northern lights Aurora Borealis--a beautiful phenomenon that occurs when solar winds cause molecules to collide. The stone itself at times appears gray or just ordinary but when it catches the light there is this mysterious  play of colors.  Our parents for the most part are working class parents who engage in all of the everyday responsibilities of parenting--no limelight or glory.  But when you consider their sacrifice of getting involved and supporting not only their children but wanting all of the youths to succeed--that labradorescense--the show of something wonderful something good. When the young people entered the room for lunch they gave a rousing hand clap and thanked the students for doing the right thing and working hard to succeed.

Quite a lot has been going on!  Great news is that we are still moving forward on the student data base process.  We have communicated with all of the University partners to ensure that the student evaluation reports were correct.  Chris and i had phone meetings with several of the partners to discuss discrepancies and updates;  revisions were made and partners received electronic copy of revised final evaluation report. 

We have added a new team members Asma Peracha, UM grad AmeriCorps VISTA;  already she has added an enthusiasm and creativity to the team.  She did a spectacular job with creating the VISTA newsletter, setting up times for phone meetings so that all of us VISTAs can share and discuss what's going on in our programs. Our other additional team member Paula, has been working on SPSS analysis of the evaluation findings using frequencies regarding programming and service delivery.  In addition she shared her interest in parent involvement and conducted some analysis of parental involvement of  UM AA.

Today Kelli, Chris, Asma and I attended the Saturday academy at Oakland University.  This was their last session.  Parent workshop consisted of  a parent sharing, a presentation by Mrs. Georgi, school counselor/consultant who shared with parents challenges, rewards and strategies to better understand how to support their children and mentors sharing their stories.  Great exchange and powerful stories by parents and the GEAR UP  (new) mentors.  Asma, Kelli and i also set in on one of the student life skills/academics workshop.  The other two sessions were post test for the EXPLORE. All in all it was a good day, rewarding.  We also introduced ourselves to staff , students and parents.  Good conversation with Tiffany (coordinator) and Mr. McCloud ( Director)  and good leadership as was evidenced by the relationship they have with students, parents and mentors.