Spring 2010

STEP DREAMER CONNECTIONS
April 2010
Jay Celin with a friend in Guatemala.
“For the month of January I went to Guatemala and fell in love with my group and the country. I went with my school to practice my Spanish and to experience a new part of the world. Guatemala is the most BEAUTIFUL country, filled with bright colors and lovely people. For a week, I stayed with INDIGENOUS MAYANS and lived in their community. I could not believe that these people still practice the rituals that were handed down to them years ago. It was an AMAZING experience that I am grateful to have been a part of :))) I would go back in a heartbeat.

For the third consecutive year I am being awarded the BLACK EXCELLENCE AWARD! The honor is given at a “high class” dinner that will highlight my accomplishments at Elon. JENNY and SADE HAD BETTER BE THERE!!! I am soooo excited, more than ever because my school is recognizing my HARD work, and all those weekend nights studying is finally paying off!!!

I have a job at Duke University this summer as a Residential Counselor. I AM SO EXCITED! This summer is going to be REALLY busy!

My school is organizing a walk for HAITI and I am on the executive board. I will be in charge of public relations. THIS WILL BE BIG! If you want to help (donations) please contact me at my e-mail jcelin@elon.edu.”


PEARISHA VAUGHN has worked for year and a half at Immaculate Health Care Services, Inc. She takes care of a disabled person in the woman’s home. Her comment on the job: “In this career, I look at life so differently, and I thank the Lord that I am blessed.”
JASON ROSEBAR attends the University of Maryland University College, and works at Toyota of Bowie.

ROLANDA BLOCKER:
I'm in Aveda Institute now, down in Chinatown. Wow, so much has changed in my life and I'm still pushing myself. It’s a five-month program, so after my months are up, I will work on the floor: facials, waxing, and everything. It’s longs days for me, but I'm moving along. I'm getting my license in aesthetics; o if you want facials or a waxing, hit me up. I will be networking to put my name out there soon!

KEISHA SCOTT doesn’t have any news, but she “looks forward to hearing about everyone else.”

SAM COLLINS shared his news: “Interning at McClatchy Newspapers has shown me a lot, and made me want to pursue a career in journalism even more. I've roamed Capitol Hill during my spring break and witnessed history, and I am using skills acquired in the classroom when I conduct interviews. Right now I'm working on stories about topics that have caught my interest and are very important. My blog, A Young Political Mind [www.ayoungpoliticalmind.com] has caught the eye of many people and is garnering much respect. At the same time, I'm reading books about the history of journalism in the District of Columbia, and it has made me more confident that I have chosen the right industry.

All this is happening as I prepare for my future. Senior year's coming up and as everyday passes, I am less anxious about whether I will end up in a good situation upon graduation, worries I've had since the end of sophomore year. My senior year, I want to move away from extracurricular leadership and taking steps to turn my dream career into a reality.

KEITH MCCORMICK is a student at the American Musical and Dramatic Arts Academy in Manhattan. He wants everyone to know that he “loves it.”

Unique Pinkney plans a career in nursing. She schedules both work and school in her life, and is succeeding.

Photos: Jenny in Ghana
Babajide at Hiram
Sam with Adrian Fenty at the October 2009 AIDS Walk


November 2009 S T E P “ I H A V E A D R E A M ” N E W S





DREAMER BULLETINS:

• SAM is spending his junior year at GWU on politics and journalism.
  Have you checked out "The Ace"? Sam heard President Obama speak at a Congressional Black Caucus Event, the Phoenix Awards.
  

• KRISTINA completed her course at American Beauty Academy on October 20! CONGRATULATIONS!!
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• STEP Volunteer Keri Peister is now a teacher at Truesdell Elementary!
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• JESENIA is a bilingual teller at Wachovia Bank downtown.
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• EDSON has two jobs: one in maintenance and the other in security.
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• VERONICA -- a junior at Hood College -- also works at Laurel Regional Community Hospital.
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• CONGRATULATIONS to DONNALE who has passed the GED at Job Corps.
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• KEISHA is installing cable for COMCAST.
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• JOSH recommends the "virtual wallet" account at PNC Bank. Check it out!
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• It's basketball season again in Hiram, Ohio where Jide is a Junior on the team.

MRS. LAING CAN BE REACED BY CELL PHONE, TEXT, EMAIL, AND FACEBOOK.COM!!
STAY IN TOUCH!!!

College Dreamers,

• Check with your academic advisor to make sure that you have the credits you need.
• Go to the CAREER SERVICES OFFICE for summer jobs and internships.
  

JENNY: “Adventures of a Non‐Ghanaian in Ghana"

1. So on my arrival to Ghana, NO ONE WAS THERE TO PICK ME UP FROM THE AIRPORT!!! Some angel told me to write down the numbers of whom to call, just in case this would happen, but Satan, told me to not worry and just hop on the plane and I would be fine. So I'm at the airport at 11pm, tired after a 20 hour flight‐no sleep‐ and I'm looking everywhere for a sign that says “WELCOME JENNY TO GHANA” but instead aggressive taxi drivers who wanted to give me a lift bombarded me. FINALLY, a quite handsome security guard walked me to a café and I used the Internet and got to my destination about two hours later.

2. Just to let y'all know, the time difference is only four hours. We are four hours ahead of the US: if it is noon in Ghana, it is 8 am in the US.

3. The weather here is very, very, very weird. It is their “winter” season, and you can NEVER predict the weather. It may look like it is about to storm, and you should put your rain boots on, but 20 minutes later it will be hot and sunny. Humidity is part of life here; it is humid 27/4. It can be freezing at 2am and it is still humid.

4. I live in a hostel, a huge dorm, with about 500 people on it. It is all International people from all over the world: Asia, Norway, the Caribbean, all over the 50 states, France and all over Africa, and Australia.

5. Our dorm has not had running water for five days now and we have to walk to the neighboring hostel to shower and use the bathroom, which is part of the experience, I guess.

6. So far, I have been mistaken as a “Rasta” by a policeman. (Rastas are looked down upon on campus cuz they are known for causing drama and smoking that “GANGA,” aka weed.) That was a hilarious experience cuz he called me out in front of a crowd. I just busted out laughing, but he wasn’t. I have been called “Obama’s wife," everyone calls me “Black American.” Some random white guy thought I was his tour guide???? The list goes on.

7. This campus in HUGE. I literally walk at least 10 miles a day.

8. I am taking an African Dance class, which is fun, but you sweat like crazy. I am taking a Marketing class, where 80% of the population is males. The professor is hilarious! When a female gets up at any point of the lecture all the guys “hiss” at her or “whistle.” It’s quite amusing but so chauvinistic.

9. I got in a heated argument with a RASTA who called me rude and disrespectful. I gave him some words back, and he was shocked that I had the nerve to say something back. Then I noticed I was surrounded by a number of dudes, so I piped down and gave him the evil eye. IN CONCLUSION, he ended up giving me a nice African necklace for FREE.

10. I am really enjoyin' myself. No complaints. I miss you all, and be safe.

P.S. There are no hippos, but there is a monkey down the street on a leash, but we can’t play with him. I am not in a jungle.

KIM writes:
School is busy as always. Basketball season start October 15, and my first game is November 15. After fall break I will be hosting a Bible Jam (known as Bible Study) in my dorm.


STEP has been holding monthly luncheons for our Dreamer Moms.
Childcare is provided, while the moms share tips on taking care of little ones while working and studying. Speakers share information, and there are always special gifts for the Moms and the children. Transportation help is available. If you have missed these events, held at St. Columba’s, usually on Saturdays, think about attending in the future. Check with Mrs. Laing for dates and times.

SADE writes:
Hey dreamers, I'm doing great!!! God is working so many things out in my favor! I miss you all ...continue to do well! On the other hand, I’m working on my 3.0 GPA or higher. I’m happy to find out that I will have an on campus job next semester ...what a financial relief! I have been busy with an internship for my major, which was a blessing ‘cause I get
hands-on experience! My family is great, and I hope yours are the same. Stay strong. Signed, #1 Dreamer (SADE)

STACY wrote: “I work @ the Kellogg Conference Hotel on the Gallaudet University campus, where I take a sign language course, and I am a front desk associate.”


MERRY CHRISTMAS! PLEASE COME TO A STEP PARTY!

Time: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 20, 2009

Place: Home of KATHY & JACK McKAY
3333 Stephenson Place, N.W. Washington, DC 20015

R.S.V.P. Kathy McKay ( mckayz@aol.com or 202-966-1248)

August 2009 STEP Dreamers' Newsletter

STEP DREAMERS’ SUMMER OF 2009 IS OVER . . .
BUT THEY WENT PLACES AND THEY DID THINGS!
A LATE AUGUST REPORT

NOTICE – NOTICE – NOTICE – NOTICE – NOTICE
This is your last PAPER NEWSLETTER. After this, I will post them at STEPDREAMERS.BLOGSPOT.COM
(Exception made for Dreamers without convenient internet access – please let me know – cell phone: 240-481-8537.)

AND NOW FOR THE NEWS –
KIM went to Mozambique with a mission group from her Frederick, MD church.


From JAY: GREETINGS FOLKS! This has been one of the best summers EVER! I am working at Long and Foster [real estate] in Bethesda. It is one of the best jobs I ever had. I have found a new hobby and that is reading!
After 20 years of life, I now enjoy reading books (better late than never)
& Jenny's company (lol jk)! I am just loving life rite now :)
ALWAYS Remember ~No one can make you feel inferior without your consent- JFK P.S. Shout out to Josh he is 21!!! Xoxo


KENNY is working at Best Buy.

DONNALE has started in Job Corps.

On Thursday, July 23rd, Dreamers and STEP volunteers gathered at Mrs. Laing’s for a midsummer party. Kathy McKay coordinated with a committee of Dreamers. If you missed the party, you missed seeing:
JAY, KA, KENNY, DIANA, JESSICA, JOSH, JAY, KIM, STACY, and volunteers: Kris Moore, Sooz Mitchell, Ann Danner, Jody Schwarz, Julia, Pat Larson, Sondra Mills, Judy Smith, and Ron Wisor. Hope you will be there next time!

JAY AND JENNY visited Haiti, where they got to know their extended family.

SADE:
“Hey everyone my summer was great! I had a few ups and downs, but I’m hanging in there. As for a job, I worked at Truesdell summer school. The children are great. I think I might even become a counselor at the Dell, not sure yet though. I plan on do a lot this upcoming semester, such as campus ministries, 3.0 GPA and other lil things. I'm so READY for school to start!! I miss my Bennett belle's and I love my Dreamers dearly . . . I wish you all a successful year and may you see blessing all the way through the year. Signed: #1 Dreamer . . . LOL”

CHAO’s job this summer wasn’t too interesting, but he liked the four-day workweek.

JENNY: This summer has truly been overwhelming! From taking a summer class, Economics II, to working long and tedious hours, to having lack of sleep. I have to say this summer has really been an eye opener to see how hard you have to work to make it in life. I refuse to take anything for granted, even though I may go through trials and tribulations, I refuse to let that rain on my parade. We have one life, and I know I am going to live it the best way that I can.
So, I'm on my way to start a new chapter in my book in Ghana. I'm not looking forward to taking my daily malaria pills and the scorching heat . . . lol . . . but I am looking forward to meeting people that will soon have an effect on my life;)

BEN worked at Barney’s Senior Center, and took a class at Montgomery College.

DIANA: “Interning and working along with brilliant people in the field of medicine has really left me wanting more of what’s out there in science, biology, chemistry and life in general. I would definitely go back to NIH to see what else they can give me! :)”

CHRISTINA: “This summer I worked at Doctor's Community Hospital and the experience was once again amazing!!! It taught me to be passionate, considerate, and it even taught me how to handle a rude coworker!!! (lol) I'm happy to have worked there for the past two summers!! I'm really hoping to be somewhere else that coincides with my major next summer. Prayerfully it will happen!!”

KIM: “This summer has been truly amazing. Going to chapter camp in Glen Spey, NY for a week studying scripture for seven hours a day and worship is intense but so worth it. Going to South Africa for two weeks on my first of many future missionary trips... was truly a blessing for me to go and I thank the STEP community for their support. Going to JHOP (Justice House of Prayer), a place by the Library Congress that I attend every Friday night. People from the District as well as people from other states come together to worship and pray for the Supreme Court about the laws, and really pray for abortion to end. God has changed me this summer in so many ways. Veronica and I are closer together because she's like my big sister and we go to church together as well as Bible study. I'm truly blessed that Veronica is in my life. Now I'm just getting ready for school, which I'm excited about: five classes, sixteen credits, women's basketball team, one of the leaders for Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and so many other obligations that I'll be engaging in this school year. I'M SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!
I love my job and this time I had a new look on what I do. I guess what I'm saying is that I'm truly not the same Kim that I was last year. Since this is my first of many summers with the Lord, my job is more fun than last year and I'm so thankful for that.”

CHARLETTE: “I completed both summer sessions @ Fayetteville State University. In speech I received a B the first summer session. The second summer session in Humanities I received an A, and in my intro to Clinical Psychology course I got a B.”

ROLANDA: “I’m not heading to UArts in the fall...ran into a lil bump . . .I’m trying to go to Montgomery College just to keep it up...College Coach ‘n’ Mama Laing helping me put the pieces together. The boutique this year was awesome...I had more privileges, like opening ‘n’ closing the shop. This will train me more for when I change my major to fashion.”

KA: “My summer was great. After my trip, I started working at Baldwin Graphic, near Metro Center for a couple of days and decided to switch another job because there wasn't much to do there. Now I am working for Montgomery Country, Account Payable Office. This job is not fun, but it helps; my day goes fast. Some of the tasks that I’ve done include scanning vouchers for fiscal years of 2009 and 2010, looking up TIN matching numbers for Vendors.
Also I was glad to see most of my friends this summer. It was fun catching with them. The ones (AKA JASON D. BURTON) LOL, that I couldn't get a chance to hang out with, it’s cool....I'm not leavin’ until Aug 25th...... So hopefully I’ll see more of my fellow Dreamers before I leaveeeee...”

RONNISHA worked, for the second summer, at Buchanan and Ingersoll, a law firm.

MICHAEL worked at the Montgomery County Government Department of Finance. He was responsible for checking bank statements

BEST WISHES AND GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE DREAMERS WHO WILL BE STARTING ANOTHER ACADEMIC YEAR!
BEST WISHES AND GOOD LUCK TO HARD-WORKING DREAMERS!
STAY IN TOUCH!! CONTINUE LEARNING!!
REMEMBER THAT STEP IS STILL HERE TO HELP YOU . . .
YOU JUST NEED TO ASK!!!

Latest newsletter

STEP/I HAVE A DREAM SUMMER SIZZLE 2009

80% of STEP Dreamers have earned either a high school diploma or a GED. Congratulations to Jessica Vasquez, our most recent grad!




“I didn’t give up, and I graduated!”
Hooray for all Dreamers, and let’s keep at it.





Summer news about work, school, and internships:
From Jenny: “Hello, America! I am officially a junior!!!! Got an A in Economics and I am so press!!!!!!! I worked soooo hard for it. Finished this semester with a 3.48. This semester was just lovely, but not easy at all.
This summer I am at Montgomery College taking another course in Economics. My family and I are taking a trip to Haiti for a couple of days and then OFF TO GHANA I GO for a semester!!!!! CAN'T WAIT:)
I am working in Rockville, MD, working on IT projects as a web portal assistant, and also working with my mentor [STEP volunteer Kris Moore] and her colleagues at Childtrends around the office.”

Jay is taking summer classes at Elon, and hopes to find a DC job for the rest of the summer.

Chou is working with the Chief Financial Officer of the Montgomery County Public Schools.

Keith is working in sales at Club Monoco in Georgetown. He is also developing a play with the Friends of Carter Barron. “We’re doing a show on Mike Malone, one of the founders Duke Ellington, and Debbie Allen may be the Dance Instructor for the program this summer!”

Diana: “This is my update on the end of my second year at Trinity, which I'm feeling such happiness about, since I'm officially a Junior, which is mind boggling to me since it feels like only a short while ago I was a Freshman! This second semester could have finished on a better note, but I tried my best, so I'm not beating myself for it. I know I can try again next time, and do BETTER. I have started interning at NIH at the Clinical Center where I partner with the most professional and not to mention BRILLIANT scientists and doctors. I'm very excited to see what I can learn from them and to see if this is the journey I'm willing to take as I begin to build my future. So far that is all that will be occurring now, but I would say it will be an eventful summer :)” [Diana is interning with Dr. Bob Danner who spoke to Dreamers at Emery Rec Center. He is Ann Danner’s husband.]

Chartlette: “Hello my STEP Fam.
I am attending summer school all summer. I finished up the semester with two A's, two B's, and one C, which, in other words, means I snagged a 3.0. Can I say proud of myself!!
The first summer session is almost over.
I was taking speech. In speech class I presented three speeches: introductive, informative, and, lastly, persuasive. I think I'm going to get an A out of the course.
I am also working at a day care center in the evenings after class. The kids there are soooo funny there isn't a second without laughter.”

Kim: “Second semester was tough but God helped me get through. I am going to Mozambique soon, and will be back on July 14. I'm now treasurer of my dorm.”

Jonathan has an internship at a basketball camp, Hoop Education. He hopes to someday be a P.E. teacher.

Joy: “I am working at my school [University of Maryland] as a CA for the summer while taking two classes. In a few weeks I'll be certified in First Aid and CPR, so I'll be able to save anyone when at their critical moment :). I am hoping to get to see everyone this summer through some type of STEP event to get an update on everyone’s lives.”

Cawayne is working at the Environmental Protection Agency.'

Courtney L. Is working at Teens Count.

Ayokunle: “I work at Woodberry, my old school. There is a sports camp for kids between 10-14 up here and I am a counselor.”




Ka: “I'm back in the U.S. I had a blast time in Hong Kong. I visited my family and, of course, went shopping every day. During my visit in Hong Kong, I went to Shanghai and Seoul, Korea for a six-day tour. I had an awesome time. I met many great people on the tour and visited many historic sites.
I didn't want to go back to U.S because I had so much fun and I wasn't done. I came back to the U.S to celebrate my 20th birthday with my bestie. We went to see Hangover. I definitely think you all should go and see it . . . if you haven't . . .LOL
This summer I will be working at Baldwin Graphics, starting on June 22. That means No MORE CAMPERS! . . . LOL . . . Well I hope I see you guys soon. Miss ya!!”

STEP ACADEMIC HONOR ROLL -- better than B GPA for SPRING 2009:
Congratulations to Veronica, Jay, Jenny, Sam C., Diana, Catherine, Melissa, Edwin, Ayokunle, Chao, and Ben.

Sam C.: “This summer I am at Jumpstart helping children prepare for elementary school. While it's different from my other summer jobs, it's a move don't regret and I am highly looking forward to. As for GW I travel back and forth sometimes to help promote the Black Student Union to incoming freshmen and help plan events. In July I'm going to start taking Bio at Montgomery College as well. Busy summer huh?”

Christina: “I'm working hard!! I'm working at Doctor's Community Hospital in Lanham, MD, and I've been so busy getting ready for the school year.”

Stacy: “I am a Supervisor @ the D.C. Dragons training facility and dance studio. STACY & JOSHUA play with the FULLY LOADED BAND EACH & EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT @ Tha G-SPOT 2245 Rhode Island Avenue N.E.”

Rolanda: “I’m working @ Metamorphosis @Silver Spring [a wardrobe and accessories boutique] – my second year.”

Dominick was there when President Obama spoke at the Arizona State University commencement! In his own words: “Obama at ASU was an event I couldn't miss. Luckily, my friend had an extra ticket to use. The wait to get into the stadium was about an hour or so with all the security, and while in the stadium some friends and I were lucky enough to see Air Force One landing in Sky Harbor Airport, which is about nine minutes away from ASU. “

A REMINDER TO ALL DREAMERS WHO PLAN TO BE IN SCHOOL FOR THE 2009 FALL SEMESTER – GET THE PAPER WORK DONE!
STAY IN TOUCH WITH MRS. LAING!!