Loyola Cubs

Edgar's Blog

Ragade — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:01:35 GMT

During my trip to Appalachia, I had experienced an entirely different part of the country that I otherwise would have never known outside of books and the news. West Virginia opened my eyes to some of the underlying problems of other states. The first issue we came across was mining. Now, i've read and learned a lot about the detrimental effects of mining on communities, but to see the sort of destruction that open pit mining does has dramatically changed my outlook on net benefit of coal when it clearly hurts the land so much. My behavior and beliefs have changed quite a bit after the trip. I always used to believe that mining, with all of its negative aspects, was a necessary evil in order to create jobs for people, but after seeing the economic situation of the region, I realize that with mechanization that argument is moot. All of these numbers and statistics, however, are second to what I learned about the people of West Virginia and myself. One of my greatest fears going into the immersion was hostility from the people of West Virginia, probably just based upon socially conditioned stereotypes I carry.
My first experience in service at Loyola was HSPT tutoring, and so it was appropriate that the first form of service I did was participating in Freedom School. My first day was reading with younger grade students, mostly elementary school kids. I got to know a few, learn their interest, and all the while have fun. I even learned more about the persistence of flooding near the area, and an apparent stratification between those who lived on the island, those who didn't, and those who were outside of Wheeling. The day following, I read with middle schoolers, kids whom I could relate more with because of the small age gap, and even more so because I can relate to being within similar socioeconomic conditions. On the plus side, a good amount of the students in the middle school group were percussionists or interested in music in general, so we had a lot to talk about in between reading and on days that I did other services. I learned lot from getting to know them than my other services.
My low point on my trip, was humorously eating a milkshake and remembering after the fact that I am lactose intolerant. My high point was playing the Super Mario Brother Theme at hurambai, a musical cheer that Freedom School does in the morning. I shared the experiences with my friends and even made some new ones, some of whom I still now stay in contact with. My only regret was that we didn't stay longer and do more service. The final two day of our immersion felt too much like we became tourists for my liking. In the end, however, I feel that I learned a lot and learned a great deal more about the Grad at Grad than from any class. I learned very quickly to see the injustices going on, I felt the stronger spirituality there than within our own impersonal communities here, and I learned a great deal more about how to be a good leader. I would definitely recommend immersion trips to other people on the grounds of just having an excellent, introspective experience.

Forum: 2008 Appalachia

Assignments, Key Dates and Updates

stuhayes — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 20:44:16 GMT

Click to View Community Service Homework Assignments, Key Dates, and Updates

Forum: Key Dates, Homework & Updates

communityservice.smugmug.com

stuhayes — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:31:50 GMT

All Community Service photos can be viewed at communityservice.smugmug.com

How to Save and/or Print: These are large original files intended for quality printing and/or presentations. So save it now and print it whenever you like. To save any of these high resolution images to your personal pictures folder move your cursor over the larger selected image and click on the yellow "Save Photo" folder that pops up on the right side of the larger image ... and presto! It's yours ... for free!

Forum: PHOTO GALLERY

Henry's Blog

hcsotomayor — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:48:35 GMT

After having some time to recollect on my experience in Appalachia, I realized what a worthwhile experience I had on this trip. I worked mainly at the Catholic Neighborhood Center where I did everything from serving food, unloading trucks, packing fish, and planting a garden. I also worked at some of the other locations for a lesser period of time. Before going on this trip, I had worked at Union Station in Pasadena preparing and serving breakfast and lunches for the poor and homeless. Serving food at the Catholic Neighborhood Center was very similar. All the people receiving the food were very polite and gracious. I noticed that whatever part of the country you are in and whatever state of being the poor and homeless are in, people's intention will always be the same. These people, hungry and poor, seem always to be greatly respectful and gracious every time they are given food. It just goes to show that even the most basic things such as food can be taken for granted by us. We just have to keep our eyes open and realize that there are some people that don't even have the bare minimum. This trip was a great immersion experience and I had a great time being able to do community service in this area of the country.

Forum: 2008 Appalachia

aaaaapalachia 08

gmlondon — Thur, 26 Jun 2008 01:48:53 GMT

The Loyola Immersion to Appalachia cannot solve this problem alone but can serve as a small fraction for the struggle to make Appalachia a better place. During Loyolas time in Appalachia, specifically Wheeling, WV, students contributed by painting, building, gardening, organizing, teaching kids how to read, etc. Being a student on the trip I became more aware of the reality of poverty and how my help positively affected the people.

Appalachia truly let me experience and understand real conditions of poverty. But this I did not just observe, I truly believe I my consideration and care for other people. I have done community service before but this Immersion gave me an awesome experience of helping people who are truly in need. For example, one day I made a clothing inventory for the YWCA. She needed an inventory on a room full of clothing. I worked extremely hard all day in a hot basement room but finally was able to finish just before we had to leave. Mr. Contreras had the director of the YWCA came down to expect my work. I will never forget her reaction; she was so relieved and excited that she had a clothing inventory to give the IRS. I felt so good about helping this lady out and making her life a little better. Later on, a Wheeling local asked our group if we could paint her apartment. With some though we realized we did not have enough time. I felt really bad and felt a responsibility to paint her apartment just to make her life a little better. After doing so many things for other doing the trip I developed empathy for other people who are in need.

The purpose of the Immersion was to better the life of the people in Wheeling, WV. I believe Loyola made several effects on the city. First, I believe Loyola gave Wheeling one more example of people that truly care for Wheelings well being. If nobody visits Wheeling to help it out the citizens may loose hope of Wheeling getteing back on its feet. Second, Loyola literally made Wheeling a better place to live. Loyola helped people with their landscaping, painted building that were slowly peeling away, helped serve breakfast at community centers, etc. If everyone helped out like Loyola with small contributions like ours Wheeling would make great progress. Last, Loyola helped the people by advertising and making the huge devastation known. Now that we have had an Immersion to Appalachia other school may find out. Also I personally have told about 150 about were I was for the past week, what poverty there is in Appalachia, and what it needs to get back on its feet.

During Loyolas Immersion in Appalachia I became a better person and made Wheeling a better place. My contribution to Wheeling might be small but if others follow I will be part of a strong force that can uplift Wheeling out of its economic struggle. From this trip I strive to help people in need whether it be in LA or WV and help others to understand how they transform areas like Wheeling to be a better place.

Forum: 2008 Appalachia

Appl. Trip 08'

perille — Thur, 26 Jun 2008 01:03:04 GMT

Our immersion into Appalachia was a great way to complete out service requirements and widen our perspectives. By interacting with the kids in the freedom school, painting the columns of the YWCA and taking inventory of in the Y's cramped basement, I could see first hand the effect of my service. Nothing has been more fulfilling to me then hearing people thank me for my service. I was able to see the difference I was making in the lives of others and learn what it meant to be a man for others. In addition to the service, exploring Wheeling and learning about the history of the area, I gained a greater perspective of the plight of my fellow Americans. The experience was truly memorable and I intend to do another immersion next summer.

Forum: 2008 Appalachia

Shane's Blog

sriley — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:45:31 GMT

After landing in Pittsburgh, we made our drive to Wheeling, West Virginia. During our week at the Laughlin Chapel I was able to work at three job sites; the YWCA, the Community Shelter, and at the Freedom School. I was most effected by my work at the shelter. I got to come in close contact with those whom I was helping. The total trip was beyond a worhtwhile experience, especially after the speech made by Reverend Pitts.

Forum: 2008 Appalachia

gunnar's blog

gunnarmk — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:13:39 GMT

i had a great time in appalachia. i learned a lot about why wheeling was such a poor town and what it needs to be prosporous as it once was. I had fun hanging out with my fellow cubs and really want to do it next year.

Forum: 2008 Appalachia

chris mora's second blog

ChrisMora — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 02:01:18 GMT

this is the update i promised a little late but better late than never
in my last blog i briefly commented about the service projects i was doing in wheeling. we are now done with those service projects and our group has moved from Wheeling to a large city in WV: Charleston. we are staying in nicer beds and rooms and we were all happy about the new rooms. still it was difficult to leave wheeling behind and end our service the the people there. although i left wheeling reluctantly i do feel we all did make a change for the better in the lives of all the people we met. we spent today on a tour of a old mining site that had been set up so that people can safely travel underground and see first hand what the miners experience.

in my last blog i said i would describe in more detail about my service projects and i will do that in my next blog

thanks for reading

Forum: 2008 Appalachia

Thomas Sturma's Blog

tsturma — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:32:52 GMT

We have been in Appalachia for 5 days already. The weather has been great and I have seen almost no bugs here. I have been working at the YWCA since Monday and have gotten a lot done. I've painted the front of the building, painted the basement floor, and organized about 100 boxes of women's clothing. We have also learned a lot about the environment of Appalachia and the effects of mountaintop removal. It has been a really fun experience.

Forum: 2008 Appalachia

FREEDOM SCHOOL!!!

CaptainKyle — Thur, 19 Jun 2008 03:38:30 GMT

"P-O-W-E-R WE GOT THE POWER CUZ WE ARE THE FREEDOM SCHOOL...my name is Kyle...yeah..and im next on the list...ahuh...and i get my reputation cuz i do it like this..."

Hey everyone, this is Kyle Koker. I just wanted to check in and let you all know that i have been working at the "Freedom School" the past couple of days; helping the children going into 5th grade that have difficulties reading, how to read. So far i am having a blast and have built many great friendships on this service immersion. There are so many talented kids here that dream big, but are held back by many domestic difficulties. Damante, for example, is a 10 year old student who has an aptitude for drawing and already knows that he wants to major and pursue a career in architecture.

These kids are an inspiration and deserve all the benefits most kids in Los Angeles receive. I think that is all for tonight, but tune in tomorrow and hopefully i will post another blog.

- Kyle Koker

P.S. Jeremy and Neil are the coolest and most awesome guys in the whole world!!

Forum: 2008 Appalachia

Neil Fasching's Blog

neil_fasching — Thur, 19 Jun 2008 03:21:47 GMT

Right now I am currently sitting in the cafeteria of our 'base camp' as I write this blog. This is currently my fifth day living in Wheeling, West Virginia. It is a completely different atmosphere then it is in southern cali. As we walked down the road in Wheeling for our tour of the town, it was extremely amazing how quiet it was. Except for the occasional passer-by, it seemed like a complete ghost town. Now, though, since it is during the work week, the traffic has seemed to have picked up a little. The weather is perfect here. Not to hot nor to cold, and it isn't humid at all. There is the occasional brief storm that passes through.

So far through this trip the work has been rewarding and fun. The first day of work my group sorted clothes at the YWCA and then went on to paint the railing on the stairs. On tuesday i worked at Freedom school. Today, wednesday, i went back to the YW and did some more painting. This trip as been fun so far and hopefully more to come.

Well I am off to bed now.....

PS Jeremy McLennen is the coolest, most awesome guy ever.

Forum: 2008 Appalachia

MIchael BB's Blog

mboninobritsch — Thur, 19 Jun 2008 03:02:18 GMT

I have been surprised by this immersion trip. It has been a success on so many levels. During the first couple of days, we (the first group) just acclimated ourselves with the weather and the atmosphere (in the figurative sense) . Then Monday came and we were sent to our first assignments. I got the Freedom School Level III, the middle school students, this is a summer program for the lower income youth of the area. It was a disaster, there was very little control in the classroom and I spent most of the time in the back reading a book. It could only get better. The next day we (Grant and I) went back and we, instead of staying in one large group, we split into smaller groups. This was much better. I was able to relate to these kids on a more personal level. This kids are just like I am only with fewer opportunities. through out this time we have met with local leaders who have allowed us to understand the situation in Wheeling better. These people are instrumental in finding a solution to the Economic "Elephant in the Room" I just hope that what we do makes a true difference.

On a more personal note, this is a very beautiful area and I believe that if West Virginia wanted to they could use their natural beauty to lure tourists and their money, helping revitalize this area. I am going to leave you tonight with a quote from Senator Robert Byrd, West Virginia's senior Senator.

It is the most southern of the northern and the most northern of the southern; the most eastern of the western and the most western of the eastern. It is where the East says good morning to the West, and where Yankee Doodle and Dixie kiss each other good night! It is the state that is 'wild and wonderful' and 'almost heaven,' with its beautiful hills and its law-abiding, God-fearing, and patriotic people."

Forum: 2008 Appalachia

West Virginia

alexruddell — Thur, 19 Jun 2008 02:56:04 GMT

We have been here for like 5 days now and we have got to do some good stuff. My group has got to cut some trees down and do some gardening. We also got to fill up a truck with gear headed for needy people in the southern counties. I'm doing my own laundry. Also check out Edgar's new youtube video which will be up in a little while. Its fantastic.

Forum: 2008 Appalachia

appalachia update

zrodriguez — Thur, 19 Jun 2008 02:31:52 GMT

As we flew into Pittsburgh, there was one word that crossed my mind. GREEN. I noticed that the land was pretty green. We got off of our plane and after that, we rented two big white vans. We loaded into the vans and made our way to Wheeling, West Virginia. The trip seemed like it didn't take very long but that might be because i was asleep the whole time. When i was awake, i noticed that the land was very hilly and there were many coal mines. So far we've done about three days of service. The first day i went to the Catholic Neighbors Rescue House. We painted a lady's office and cleaned the garden behind the building. Thankfully, she was nice enough to give us a Coca Cola, which i hadn't had in a while because all we've had is chocolate and regular milk and orange juice. The second day, i worked at a house and cleaned the streets and pulled weeds. After we cleaned the weeds, we went to lunch. After lunch, We went to a new site and we had to unload a 24 foot truck full of furniture and clothes and load it all into a 20 foot truck. Today, June 18, We went back to the same house as yesterday and cleaned and pulled some more weeds. I had to mow the lawn that was on a hill. I had to stop mowing the lawn because there was a thunder storm and lightning. Well, i can't wait to get back to Cali. Even though there is some pretty good food, i really really really really really really REALLY want an in-n-out double double animal style with a nice cold Dr. Pepper. uuuggggghhhhhhh and i really really really really really want to go to the beach. I will blog later because it's getting late.

good night and good luck,

zach

Forum: 2008 Appalachia