3/9/06

By Jovan Frazier

Today, I went to go visit the preschool called the "Plaza De Niños." It's connected through the Guadalupe Center, and I was suggested by the director Alexis Delaney to observe the kids ages 3-5 yrs. old.  When I first walked into the building, the kids were really excited to have outside guests come and observe.  I sat in the classroom which was the "eagles." There ages were between 4-5 and they were so adorable!  They were all sitting in a circle going over all the activities they were going to do for the day. 

I sat and watched as the kids listened to their teacher Yolanda Ramirez give them directions on their next activity for the day.  The teachers made me feel very welcome and so did the kids, as they wanted me to play with them and do as they did.  It was really good to see that one of the teachers held a class for the girls where they did dance and the boys did P.E.

Reporter Jovan Frazier spent a day with some preschoolers. This is a video blog where she describes her experiences.

Day 1

3/9/06

By Brittany Drennen

I went to Alta Vista High School this morning to get a started on my project. It is connected with the Guadalupe Center.

As I stepped foot in the high school this morning, my stomach was a little nervous. I did not know what to expect. When I saw Robert Lopez and a smiling face, my nerves took a rest. Robert is the school counselor and gave me a five-star tour of the building. He was very factual and answered any questions I had. He made me feel very comfortable.

As we were walking around, I saw students peeking their heads out classroom doors to see what we were up to. I started to notice that the school did not have the nicest classrooms or things, but it did not matter. You could tell the students were just happy to be there and to be learning. We also ran into a group of five seniors who were working on their senior project. They were making posters on issues that were important to them. I was surprised to see that most of their posters were on pregnancy and drugs. I guess I was surprised because these things were never an issue when I was in high school. It really made me realize how different cultures are brought up with different concerns.

After walking around for about an hour I really began to realize how import this school is. All of the staff was very welcoming and they are all excited to see how our project turns out. I can't wait to go back and interview. I think this is going to be a really great experience.

Day 2

3/14/06

By: Brittany Drennen

  Today was the second day I went to visit Alta Vista.  This time going I was much more comfortable and had a good idea of what to expect.  As I walked in "Gracy", the secretary at the front door, remembered my face and welcomed me inside!  It was very nice to see that someone actually remembered I had had previously been there.  I meet with Robert Lopez again where he showed me classrooms that I could shoot pictures in.  I arrived in Mr. Brenner's, history teacher, classroom where I began and interview and took some pictures.  I was very thrilled to get to know someone on a personal level and get to know how he as a teacher felt about the high school.

   As the hours passed I began to notice some students I saw on the last visit.  They were shy but a few of them recognized me and said hello.  There were a couple of guys that would not stop staring at me...I just figured that they are your typical teenage guys and laughed to myself.  I had a really great time today.  When I was sitting in Mr. Brenner's class he told his students to act like I wasn't there so I could get some good pictures.  One of the guys in his class said, "How can you not notice she is here damn look at her."  I sort of got embarrassed but then realized I really did stick out.  I was the only girl in that entire high school with blonde hair and blue eyes.  I guess next time I will just have to expect the stares.

Other than those funny moments students were studying for exams because this week marks the end of the third quarter.  Man how the year flies by.  I can't wait for my next visit. I am going to shoot some video of the seniors working and presenting their senior projects.  Overall, a very productive and welcoming day at Alta Vista!

Reporter Brittany Drennen visits Alta Vista High School and shares her day and  experiences.

3/10/06

By Shontail Lewis

At home is exactly how I was treated today at the Salud Center.  From the time I placed my first contact call to Ms. Maria Reyes (Teen Pregnancy Program Coordinator) I felt like I was part of the family.

Ms. Reyes had invited me to attend an HIV/AIDS awareness meeting for teen girls at the Bruce Watkins Center today since she would have to be in attendance, but didn't hesitate to set up my tour at the Salud Center, even though she would be understandably absent.

Upon arrival I was greeted by two very kind women, the receptionist and Diane Rojas the Center Director.  Diane graciously gave myself and my husband a tour of the facilities like we were family coming to visit.  She apologized for things being in disarray due to the Center being under construction.  She shared a few compelling stories of the many people the Center helps and shared some of the Center's history and future plans of their space. 

Upon leaving Ms. Rojas told me that if there was anything I needed to let anyone there know and they would assist me.  She said that I was welcomed back anytime and she looked forward to my visits.

Needless to say, I'm very excited to be working on this project and am ready to help the Salud Center's light shine!