Project LINK Harper Bowman

The location I chose to volunteer my time at was Winthrop Think College where I am currently employed but volunteered 15 unpaid hours for this project. The service activity reflected directly to the HDFS curriculum because I worked directly with individuals with disabilities, the parents of these adults, and created projects that would be beneficial to them not just now but continuing into the future. I was able to network with my fellow coworkers to help me establish activities that would fit each individual student I was working with somewhat (but not solely) based on their disability. Networking with my fellow coworkers and boss allowed for me to expand on the ideas I had previously thought of. Everyday that I work with Think College I am able to network with my coworkers and learn from them. These experiences allow for me to become better at my job because I am not just having my point of view but also someone else's. Some of my coworkers may know a student better than I do so their input in highly beneficial in me aiding the student. Winthrop Think College is already having a huge impact on not just the Rock Hill community but the Charlotte, Clover, Chester, and York communities. We have students that are from all different areas and their grow at Winthrop is recognized by those in their area. Another HUGE impact that Winthrop Think College is having is the knowledge that all of the peer mentors are gaining. The peer mentors that work or volunteer with Think College are not just Special Education or HDFS majors but these individuals are from an assortment of my majors across campus. This has had a great impact and been something that is continuing to help WTC grow. By having so many different peer mentors in different majors, this allows for others to learn about inclusion and advocacy for individuals with disabilities. I enjoyed this experience because since I wasn't technically working like I normally do, I was able to take in more because I wasn't just trying to help a student with their homework assignment. From my HDFS classes, I have realized how closely my occupation as a peer mentor relates to all that we have learned. I now truly am able to understand what great significance my job has not only on these students but mainly our community/world.. not to sound dramatic. The different lives that are able to be touched and taught from a small program consisting of 16 students is incredible. These lives that are not even just those whom are related directly to the program.