An
Interview With Our Volunteers:
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Name: Corrine F.
Ochipinti |
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Hometown: Mullica Hill,
NJ |
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Age: 22 |
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Favorite Books: To Kill
a Mocking Bird, John Grisham books
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Hobbies: reading,
studying foreign languages, sports -playing them, not
watching-, being outside, working with children |
1) What attracted you to
GSV?
Initially I was interested in the GSV International program, but
had the opportunity to serve with GSV in Los Angeles.
2)Where are you serving?
I am serving at Good Shepherd Shelter, a domestic violence
shelter for women and their children in Los Angeles, CA.
3)How have you seen
personal growth as a result of your experience (site
placement/community) with GSV?
Through my experience so far, I have learned how to better
express myself and share myself with others. Because of the
environment in which I am working, I need to be able to express
my emotions and to be open to those who need me. I feel as
though I am now able to handle more difficult situations that
may arise in a school setting, such as disciplining the children
or making them feel as though getting an education is valuable.
Because of some of the situations that these children have been
exposed to, I now understand why some kids feel like they have
no hope and why it is so easy for them to give up. I am being
challenged everyday to show these children that they are worth
it and that a bright future is possible for them, too.
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Name: Janet LaFrate |
| Hometown: Parkersburg, WV |
| Age: 23 |
| Favorite Books:
The Great Gatsby, Le Petit
Prince, White Noise, The Lord of the Rings, Alice in Wonderland,
Song of Solomon, Franny and Zooey |
| Hobbies: writing fiction,
watching "LOST" (AKA best show EVER!), painting, listening to
music, learning about social justice |
1)What attracted you to GSV?
GSV has a social justice component that I think is particularly
strong, and that is what initially attracted me. What really reeled
me in is the way in which GSV ties together social justice with
spirituality, community, and simple living. I feel like I am coming
into a deeper realization of how truly interrelated these things are
in our society. I am also overwhelmed by the amount of support I
receive from the GSV staff, and this is something I noticed rather
early on in the application process.
2) Where are you serving?
I am serving at PS 27, a K-8 school in South Brooklyn, the community
of Red Hook. I work at an after-school program and conduct
educational activities with the participants.
3)How have you seen personal
growth as a result of your experience (site placement/community)
with GSV?
I think I am becoming a more patient, confident, and compassionate
person. I am also realizing that I can never, in my life, not
volunteer in some capacity. Whether it is just one day a week at a
homeless shelter or being a home-room mom someday, I have to
volunteer, because doing something for nothing is, in my opinion,
what really keeps this world moving! Before starting this program, I
don't think I ever would have said that. Knowing that I've grown and
am still growing is a wonderful feeling, and I am so thankful to GSV
for their support in helping me to do that.
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