Friday, February 20, 2015

Final Reflection!

Saving Hearts!

     The Southern Utah University gave all students the assignment to create an EDGE-project, which is an experiential learning requirement to graduate. This experience is important for after graduation. When applying for jobs, it shows that we have life experience that benefitted our life skills, whether it was learning to work with others or planning, organizing, following through with something, and helping out the community, contributing, giving back to society or communicating.
      EDGE means that we have an edge on everything else around us when applying for jobs. It makes us stand out from all the other applicants, which is important nowadays because society is so competitive. Many people have a bachelor degree in this day and age, or so it seems. That’s why there need to be other factors or experiences on someone’s resume in order to look more impressive to your new employer, which is why this program gives you something extra that no one else has.
     In May 2014, I undertook a journey to the Central American continent with my husband, Vincent Noot. One of the reasons for doing so was to have a similar experience to that of my husband’s. His adventure was a 6 month trip to the exotic country of Thailand. There, he taught English and art to a group of children who were at risk of being trafficked into child prostitution. He also painted their walls in the library. Another reason I wanted to do this, was that I had a desire to improve my Spanish and learn more about the Latin-American culture. I also felt empathy for the victims of such a horrific worldwide issue, and felt the need to help out a little.
     In order to help out in the same way, I contacted organizations in Central America which helped girls that had been involved in child prostitution. Salvando Corazones was the only one who responded with enthusiasm. Maria, the head of the organization, directed us to come between May and July, 2014. Our purpose was to teach English and art to the girls at the center. There were 5 girls in total. They were between the ages of 10 and 18 years old.
     Our expectations were that we would have more time to teach English and art to the girls, but they had other studies that were so important to the organization and teacher that we did not have much time left to teach them a lot. Although we did teach a considerable amount of time, it was not nearly as much as we planned or aspired to do. Therefore, we filled our time with painting the walls of their living quarters and personal spaces at the safe house. In this way, we did not meet our original expectations but exceeded theirs by the initiatives we took through creating a better atmosphere for future girls that would come to the home. Another unexpected problem that came our way, was that the transportation was terrible, nearly non-existent. The bus that stopped near the center was unreliable and came every 2 or 3 hours, so most times we walked for more than an hour through hills and valleys in the rainy jungle climate. This added to our determination and reminded us why we were there.
     Because of the circumstances at the safe house, we discovered that it was more difficult to teach English than I thought it would be. The reason for this is that I thought the girls would have a basic knowledge and understanding of the English language before we went there, yet they did not know much English at all. Therefore, one of the skills I learned was how to break down English into basics and explain it all in Spanish, which was not always easy. Of course, I upgraded my Spanish language skills as well, since I had to speak it constantly. Most of the staff spoke little or no English. I also learned that I have a talent for painting walls. It took a lot of precise planning, outlining, designing, color mixing and patience. We approximately painted 20 murals, which took a little more than 4 hours each, which added up to 80 or more hours of painting.

     All in all, our adventurous journey to Tilaran, Costa Rica, was a success and an amazing experience. We made good friends, we had fun, we worked hard, we experienced challenges and we learned more about the Tica culture and language. Even though we had many good memories in Costa Rica, it was nice to fly back to home sweet home.

My Resume

Celestial A. Noot
332N 300W, apt. 4
Cedar City, UT 84721

Cedar City, UT, February 20, 2015

To whom it may concern:
     I am very interested in working with you. It’s my dream job actually. I have always loved young children and am excited to work with them. I will tell you why I am highly qualified for this position.

     I am great at organizing. I have a structured personality. I have organized dozens of activities for children in preschool. One activity in particular meant we made that 20 children each made their own kitten puppet. I helped them with their small motor skills by coloring, cutting and gluing the materials together. The activity went smoothly. Many of the co-workers and teachers I have worked with such as: Mrs. Clara at the south elementary preschool have commented on how organized my lesson plans were and how on time I was for their classes. They have also said that they depend on me to be there because some days they do not call a replacement because they know I will be there to fill in their spots.

     I organized an EDGE project for Southern Utah University where I went to TilarĂ¡n, Costa Rica from May 2014 until July 2014. Once we got to the airport in Costa Rica, Anna, from Salvando Corazones, picked us up. After we were settled into our house Maria found for us, we went to Salvando Corazones' safe house for blankets and some supplies. The purpose of us going there was to teach the girls. We taught for a whole week: English, art, and sports. We taught the five girls that were living at the safe house. We did so much more after that though.
    
     I taught English every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons we taught English/ Art, while the girls were doing their normal math, science and history study. Vincent and I painted the house with colorful pictures. We were also able to travel the country a little better to learn about the culture of their country. This home helps girls stay out of child prostitution through teaching them English and giving them the education and information they need to be able to be employed.

     With my fun personality, I have learned to entertain and teach children at the same time. For example one time I had made a lesson where we read the book “STOMP, stomp a dinosaurs romp.” For a class of 18 kids about the ages of 3-5 years we learned ways to dance in fun silly ways. While we were also reading the book this kept the children engaged and having fun while learning.

     I would appreciate it if I could tell you more about myself in a personal interview, and receive more information about the job before I consider it. Please contact me any time my number is (801)-357-9611 or by email Celestialangell@outlook.com.

Thank you for your time!

From whom it may concern,

Celestial A. Noot


Resume

Personal data
Name: Celestial A. Noot          Address: 332N 300W Apt. 4, Cedar City, UT 84721                      Birth: April 13th, 1993 Texas, USA           
Cell phone number: (801) 357 9611  
Email: Celestialangell@outlook.com

Education
2013- 2015                               Cedar city, Utah, Southern Utah University, Bachelor degree In Family Life and Human development concentration in Family Services.
Aug. 2011- July 2013               Ephraim, Utah, Snow College, Associates degree of Arts

2008-2011                                Payson, Utah, Payson High School,
Graduated with my high school diploma

Work experience
Aug. 2011 – now                      Company: Southern Utah University
Title: Student
Job description: Student
Aug. 2014- Dec. 2014              Company: South Elementary Teacher
                                                  Title: Student teacher
Job description: teaching, art, organizing, cleaning etc.
May 2014 – July 2014              Company: Costa Rica, Salvando Corazones
           Title: Volunteer.
Job description: Teaching English and art, organizing activities, painting, etc.
Aug. 2013 - May 2014             Company: Southern Utah University preschool
                                                  Title: Student teacher
Job description: teaching, art, organizing, cleaning etc.
Feb. 2013- May 2013               Company: Gunnison Elementary
                                                  Title: ASL translator
Job description: Translate and teach boy that was deaf and mute
Jan. 2013 - Mar. 2013               Company: Ephraim Middle school
                                                  Title: Volunteer/ tutor
Job description: help kids with homework and reading
Aug. 2012- Dec. 2012              Company: Roy’s pizza
                                                  Title: Employee
Job description: Crew member and pizza artist
Aug. 2009- 2012                      Company: Papa Murphy’s
                                                  Title: Employee
Job description: Crew member and pizza artist
April 2005-2011                       Company: Milton Carrol and Family
Title: Nanny
Job description: Cleaned, cooked, and tended the children.
April 2005 – Aug 2010            Company: Burger stand
           Title: cashier
Job description: take orders and stock food items
April 2001 – Aug 2010            Company: lemonade stand
           Title: cashier
Job description: entertain and sell soda and water at parades and fire works
Languages
Fluent: English Good: Spanish, American Sign Language Average: Dutch

Computer skills                      
 Word, Excel, Power point, Photoshop, Windows Movie Maker, Publisher, Internet, Outlook, Google Analytics, Database, Website content, Kindle, IPhones, Mac.

Travel experience
Outside the United States        Netherlands, France, Austria, Germany, Belgium, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Costa Rica.
Inside United States                 United States (California, Nevada, New York, New Mexico, Maryland, Michigan, Delaware, Texas, and Utah)

Hobbies                                   
                                                  Tennis, viola, violin, piano, painting, arm knitting, organizing.


References                              

Brian Dea, Papa Murphies
1138 West 800 South
Payson, UT 84651
(801) 465-4177

Dr. Milton Carroll
675 S. 100 W. Ste. 4.
Payson, UT 84651.
Phone: (801) 465-8177.

Gunnison Valley Elementary
Nathan Buckland
nathan.buckland@ssanpete.org



Thursday, January 8, 2015

My Suu EDGE Project!


Global EDGE Project Proposal- Arts in Salvando Corezones- Costa Rica

Global EDGE Project Proposal
Goal: Propose your Global EDGE project for approval.
Purpose: To demonstrate your ability to plan a successful and educational Global EDGE project.
Instructions: Provide the information requested in section A, write an abstract in section B, write a response for all 5 items in section C, and describe your Plan B project in section D.
Respond to each of the prompts thoroughly, revise your work, proofread carefully (accurate spelling and adherence to standard grammar are important), give your document a file name that includes your last name and “3925Proposal”, and send it to me as an e-mail attachment: harrisk@suu.edu.
Please write each of your answers immediately following each prompt; do not delete the fields or the questions in the proposal form.
NOTE: This is an upper-level college course. Your responses must indicate your awareness that you are writing for an academic reader. In other words, your writing style must be relatively formal, and you must follow standard conventions of capitalization, punctuation, usage, etc. Proofread carefully.
A. Basic Information: Fill in the eight fields below.
1.      Full Name: Celestial Noot
2.      Major (& Minor): Family Life & Human Development (concentration in early Child Development)
3.      Title of Project: Salvando Corazones in Costa Rica
4.      Expected Project Start Date (Month/Day/Year or Month/Year):  May 13th, 2014
5.      Expected Project End Date (Month/Day/Year or Month/Year): July 13th, 2014

    Other Information: Fill in one or both of the fields below only if they apply to your project.
1.      Project Advisor/Mentor:
2.      SUU students collaborating with you on this project: none except Vincent Noot
3.      The organization you will be working with and a link to their website (such as SUU Study Abroad Summer Programs, International Language Programs, Global Volunteers, Rural Health Scholars, etc.): Salvando Corazones: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=145920492103580
B. Project Abstract: In a paragraph of approximately 200 words, provide an overview (or abstract) of your proposed Global EDGE Project. Please include in your abstract the following items associated with your project: who, what, where, when, why, and how.
   I will be traveling to TilarĂ¡n, Costa Rica, from May 2014 until July 2014 with my husband. Once we get to the airport in Costa Rica, Maria the director of Salvando Corazones will pick us up. Then after we get settled in an apartment Maria found for us and get settled in, we will go to Salvando Corazones, a house in TilarĂ¡n, Costa Rica. The purpose of us going there is to teach the girls English, arts and computers skills. Maria has also asked if my husband and I would be willing to have a group talk/discussion with the girls about marriage. This home helps girls stay out of child prostitution through teaching them English and giving them the education and information they need to be able to be employed.
     The reason I have a passion to teach these girls is to keep them from the dangers of child prostitution. My husband taught in Thailand to prevent this and I really want to do my part. Vincent and I are going to have a fundraiser for this trip through maybe a car wash or bake sale. We really do not want to use all our personal savings, and if I can find scholarships and other funding opportunities I will. But if we have to we have over 20,000 dollars in personal savings to use at our will. We will have to pay for two months of rent here in the United States so we can keep our apartment here in Cedar City at $350.00 per month.
C. Project Details: Provide responses to the five prompts below. If you are unsure how to respond adequately to any of the prompts, send me an e-mail (harrisk@suu.edu), and I will offer guidance.
1.      Personal: In a paragraph of approximately 100 words, explain how your EDGE project is related to your personal motivations or how it will promote your career aspirations or both.     

My major is Family Life and Human Development with a concentration in early child development. I want to become a preschool teacher and having the teaching experience with arts integration is valued by me. I will be more confident teaching children and adults. I can see myself coming back with an understanding of others' cultures, especially the Hispanic culture, because it is predicted that by 2050, more than 40 percent of schools' first language will be Spanish. It is most likely that I will not only be teaching English to my students but Spanish as well.

2.       Global: In a paragraph of approximately 100 words, explain how your project will demonstrate that you are a global citizen. Begin by describing characteristics of a global citizen as you understand the term, and then explain how you, in conducting your project, will be exercising the characteristics of a global citizen.

Respectful, open minded, peaceful, honest, understanding, empathetic, flexible, mindful of others, these and many more is my understanding of the term global citizen. In Costa Rica I will be flexible and learn their customs so not to offend others. I have done research on Costa Rican customs and beliefs, and through experience and practice I will be a proper global citizen. Being a global citizen means that you abide by the countries' laws and policies. Through exercising the characteristics of a global citizen the Costa Rican people are more likely to respect me and will be easier to have an open mind for different food, customs, and others beliefs.

3.      Timeline: In a bullet-point list, provide a step-by-step timeline for completion of your project. This timeline should list the specific dates by which you plan to complete each step leading up to the project, the project itself, and the completion of the project. If your project involves travel, be sure to include your dates of travel. Please also include the semester you plan to take UNIV 4925 EDGE Program Completion. List each step as a bullet point.
·         March 2014: Complete UNIV 3925
·         May 13, 2014: leave for Costa Rica
·         July 17,2014: Return to U.S.A
·         July 20, 2014: Complete EDGE project
·         Fall 2014: Complete UNIV 4925

1.      Budget: In the table below, provide a detailed budget with a breakdown of (A) the costs associated with your project and (B) the financial resources available to you to complete the project. You are encouraged to add (or delete) rows in the table as necessary. Some projects may require vaccinations, meals, special equipment, etc. Such items should be added to the “Estimated costs” column.
Column B must be ≥ column A; that is, your total resources must be greater than or equal to your total costs.
A.    Estimated costs
B.     Financial resources available
Passport: $0.00
Parent contribution: $10.00
Airfare (round-trip): $500.00x 2= 1,000.00
Personal savings: $ 500
Housing (2 months): $600.00
Student scholarship: $1,000
Resources: $1,400.00
Fundraiser: $1,000
TOTAL costs: $3,000.00
TOTAL resources: $2,510.00
2.      Positive & Negative Influences: In a bullet-point list, provide a description of the following items as they relate to your project:
 Personal strengths
·         Friendly- the ability to talk to others easily
·         Organized- our integrated arts lessons will be well planned
·         Practical- if there is a problem, I will be able to come up with a practical solution
·         Intellectual- I will be able to speak enough Spanish to communicate and understand
·         Flexible- I do not know our exact plans but I am flexible enough to do anything needed
·         Respectful- I will most likely not get into trouble
·         Open minded- I can listen and form my opinion around others beliefs and still hold my ground.

Outside assets (things that might help you complete your project)
·         Money- a way to purchase things
·         Maria (my mentor)- picks us up from the airport
·         My husband (Vincent) will accompany me and will support me.
·         Gear up Scholarship- funds to go on my trip.
·         Global Engagement center- allows me to complete a global edge project
·         Criminal background check to be able to work with Salvando Corazones
Your personal weaknesses
·         Impatient- I can be really impatient when I or others are running late.
·         Bossy- I take charge when it seems like no one has
·         I see imperfections of people or activities first rather than the good.
Outside threats (things that might hinder you from completing your project)
·         I am married so if I were to accidentally become pregnant I may need to choose a separate EDGE project.
·         not have enough funds to go.
·         Trip gets cancelled because Salvando Corazones is discontinued because of lack of funds.

D. Plan B: In a paragraph of approximately 50 words, provide a description of your Plan B project, or your back-up plan, in case something keeps you from completing the project you are proposing here.

     My husband and I will go to Thailand from June till the beginning of August 2014 to teach English to girls at high risk of child prostitution. We have connections with people at the DEPDC/GMS organization there and they would love to have Vincent and I come back. We decided Costa Rica would be better because it would be a new experience and it would be more cost effective, but Thailand is most definitely also a possibility.

Adventures in Costa Rica







Our home in Costa Rica was nice. We saw a cow walk up right to the door.
























The walk from our house was an hour walk away from the Salvando Corazones safe house.
The view was beautiful. The dog with the glasses was their watch dog. She is named Kaya; the girls called her Kaya Papaya! They were adorable!





 Teaching the girls was hard work and they were not always easy to get along with. They did not know much English and really needed to review the basics. We taught them English, sports, and art, such as drawing, painting, and crafts. The girls loved the cartoon drawings that my husband would draw to help them learn conversations in English. There were five girls between the ages of 11 and 15. Their names were Marcia, Julissa, Katia, Lady, and Karina.



Painting The Girls' Bedrooms


 Each girl picked their own picture that they wanted created on their personal bedroom walls. This was Marcia's choice.


 Lady loves pirates, especially Jack Sparrow. She chose this painting to go above her bed to dream sweet adventures.


This mural was chosen by Karina. She loves the danger and mystery shown in this painting. The heart was added to the picture because she knew she was now in a place where they loved her.















Sugar and spice and every thing nice, that is what these girls were made of. The youngest girl, Katia, was trying to be all grown up but she was only 11 years old. This painting shows that even girls that have to grow up fast have big dreams. This fairy tale mural was so much fun to paint. I hope it reminds her always that she can dream big and good things can happen.











This was painted for a girl named Julissa. She was so sweet and small but she had a great big heart of gold. On the outside she looked like a normal happy teenage girl. But on the inside you could tell how much pain and hurt she had experienced in her life. I think this mural was chosen because she wished someone could heal her heart and she knew that it would take some time.
 The rest of these paintings were for the staff, volunteers, and others to admire to bring smiles and color to the girls' lives. This was painted in the kitchen.
 We painted birds down the stair walls.

 Butterflies with rainbow music notes.




















A skyline to remind them that they can do anything and see everything from the rooftops of safety.
Love birds

 This mural was so special to me. I choose this one because they should always make a wish and help each other work together to achieve their greatest wishes.











All of these words were words of strength for the girls to remember that they need everything to be a strong tree.

This mural was painted in the psychologist's lobby to show the beauty of Costa Rica and have a nice picture of each girl playing and having fun. 









Putting up the School Roof







Day 1- This was quite the project. I helped by scrubbing and cleaning the roof before they put it on top of the school.












Day 2- Was a long day but it made a lot of  progress despite the wind and the rain storm.



















Day 3-  This was the final day of putting up the school roof. It looked amazing once finished!
These amazing women make Salvando Corazones possible!
The girls used gardening as a tool for therapy. 

Yoga with the girls was a fun experience. It was great for
them to be able to relax while at the same time excising.






We went on a walk to the nearby town to play soccer and kickball.

We love these girls. Their spirits are so strong; they are the strongest teenagers I have ever known. 
They have been through so much and to protect their identity, I have masked their faces,
but these girls are awesome. They are the best girls.
 I went to Costa Rica thinking I would be their teacher and role model, but it was so much more.
They became my family, my friends, and girls that taught me to love life.