A Year of Service
AmeriCorps VISTAs serve nationally to build capacity at local organizations that serve low income communities. At Turning the Page Chicago (TTP) they are fundamental to strengthening relationships with families and school staff and by developing long-lasting partnerships with local organizations, museums, and universities. VISTAs play a unique role in most aspects of TTP programs including volunteer outreach, development, communications, student curriculum development, and supporting Carpe Librum bookstores.
Spotlight on India Daniels
Our VISTA spotlight goes on India Daniels, our Curriculum Development Specialist. She focuses on developing fun and engaging curriculum for student workshops for TTP events. While our programs are geared towards providing at home learning resources for parents, India makes sure that students are equally engaged. She has already prepared us for future programming by developing a three year curriculum series covering Identity & Self, Relationships, and Community.
Highlights
Name: India Daniels
Hometown: Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, IL
Favorite hobby: reading and cooking
Hats I wear at TTP:
student curriculum development, supporting parent and teacher engagement initiatives with Partnership Manager Keirstin McCambridge at William Penn, Legacy Charter, and Sumner elementary schools, and assisting with recruitment for TTP events
Why I chose to serve with AmeriCorps VISTA:
When I graduated from college last spring, I was interested in moving back to Chicago and exploring education. I liked that the position with Turning the Page was one year of tangible service in a low income community which is one of VISTA’s goals – eradicating poverty. The position also dealt with literacy development and lesson planning which I was very interested in.
As a kid, I remember going on field trips around North Lawndale with my friend and her father. Those are great memories. So, later in life I was able to reflect on those experiences and see firsthand community development and revitalization initiatives. I knew I wanted to be a part of those efforts.
Most interesting aspect of my service with TTP:
I liked the funny things kids would say and do. For instance at a Community Night during a spirit animal activity, a student said her spirit animal was her pet dog. She exclaimed, “When I’m at school I’m shy, but when I’m at home I be lit.” “That sounds cool, being at home, being yourself!” India responded.
I also enjoy going to Parent Action Council (PAC) meetings at William Penn Elementary. There’s Ms. Williams, the PAC president and a very dedicated parent who continues the work even without having support sometimes. “She brings a lot of food too which is awesome!” India adds. There’s also Ms. Washington, a grandmother who says exactly what she’s thinking. She is a great comical relief and a necessary voice for difficult conversations. It’s a joy seeing parents get involved and talk about their lives. It helps make our work that much more meaningful.
What I hope to gain from my time with TTP:
I’m excited to tie up the loose ends with the curriculum and see it as a whole. I’ve slowed down a bit, but the end is in sight so I’m preparing to finally bring it all together. I’m excited about looking back over the year. I also look forward to seeing what the program will look like for the next school year. I’ve gained experience that will help me think about my plans for the future and how I hope to continue to support education initiatives.
Its stories like these that propel our work forward. We could not have had the impact that we did with students this year without the dedication and hard work of India. Our organization is better equipped for the future because of her attention to detail, research, and careful planning.