“Finding New Horizons,” Jake Medina ’16<\/p>\n
When I first came to Holy Cross, I had two big questions:<\/p>\n
I am proud to say that I know the answer to my first question. I will permanently be a more confident, intelligent, connected person due to my time at Holy Cross. The second question is more difficult to assess. How does one measure one\u2019s own impact?<\/p>\n
As I begin my senior year, my goal is to answer question two with a \u201cyes.\u201d I have no doubt that I put my best effort into changing the environment around me. I volunteered my time, redefined my understanding of morality, and constantly pushed myself to new limits. I see positive results from my work\u2014I know that I impacted lives and that is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.<\/p>\n
However, as I face the end of my time at Holy Cross, I must confront the fact that I will not be in Worcester for much longer. Now, the most important word in my second question is \u201clasting.\u201d Will my impact last after I leave or will the systems I put in place graduate with me?<\/p>\n
My passion during my time at Holy Cross has been working with Worcester students. They inspire me, make me smile, and provide solace on my most difficult days. As much as I love working with them, I also realize they are being failed by America\u2019s education system. The blame cannot be placed on anyone specifically as all the Worcester educators I worked with are amazing people doing their best in a difficult situation. Still, Worcester students deserve better.<\/p>\n
I am not foolish enough to think that I can change an entire system, but I want to make my mark before I leave. With a team of students, I fundraised for and purchased 17 tablets equipped with keyboards and headphones. Recognizing the need for access to technology and a fun, interactive way to learn, our team of students equipped each tablet with various educational games on subjects ranging from art and music to ESL, math, and science.<\/p>\n
The tablets went out to two after-school programs last spring\/summer and we hope to add over ten more sites in Worcester this fall. Our goal is that whenever a Holy Cross student leaves campus to tutor, they will leave with an educational tablet.<\/p>\n
So far, the results are amazing. I taught students how to type their name for the first time, watched a young boy smile as he learned multiplication tables to zap zombies on the tablet, and saw countless \u201caha\u201d moments as students connected with their education.<\/p>\n
We hope the impact of tablets will not end in Worcester and are preparing documents to file a nonprofit under the name \u201cStudent Empowerment Program.\u201d Our team plans to export our model to other colleges and universities in struggling school districts.<\/p>\n
Have I made a lasting impact on my home for four years? How does one measure one\u2019s own impact? I cannot say that I know the answer to either of these questions, but I certainly hope that when I come back for my Holy Cross reunions, I will see students getting ready to volunteer and make a difference, holding tablets in their arms.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
“Finding New Horizons,” Jake Medina ’16 When I first came to Holy Cross, I had two big questions: Would Holy Cross transform me into a better person? Would I be able to make a lasting impact on my home for four years? I am proud to say that I know the answer to my first … <\/p>\n