The college football season is about to start, so there should be a lot of optimism and hope in the air. But to some less fortunate schools, there is a lot of doubt about this season. For one school in particular (the University of Miami), the whole football program could be suspended for an extended period of time. The Miami football team is under duress because some of the current and former players have been caught receiving money from a booster who has given multiple players large sums money, which is totally against NCAA rules. Because a small number of athletes took money, the whole program could shutdown. A similar scandal happened in 1980 at SMU when players took money from a booster and the whole football program was shut down.
This is a bad sign considering the fact that the football program brings in millions of dollars and is one of the most famed and recognized teams in college football. This will be a dark day in college football if the football program goes under.
These scandals really point to a larger ethical and moral problem with college sports: the unequal distribution of money. These players, who are often African-American with little or no money, are courted by the big name schools; and while the schools make millions of dollars off of these athletes, the only trade off for them is a meal ticket and a dorm room. Oftentimes, these schools do not have adequate tutoring to help these athletes to ensure graduation. The number of student athletes who actually graduate are terrible. It is unfair that the players are being penalized for such “violations” as taking money, because the amount of money that the players are getting from the booster is far less than the money the university is getting from the television contracts and merchandizing from the football team.
-Marcus Vincent
Junior Correspondent
*Marcus wrote this and sent it to me in the beginning of last fall. I just dropped the ball on posting it!
Friday, January 6, 2012
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Collective Bargaining and the NFL
For the first time since 1987, the NFL is facing a lockout, which means that there could possibly be no football for the 2011 season. And I do mean no football. No Sunday afternoon games, no Monday night games, and no Super bowl. How and why did we reach this point? The larger question is: What can be done to prevent the cancellation of the 2011 season?
The owners and players had been working well together under a collective bargaining agreement negotiated in 2006. The NFL’s collective bargaining agreement expired last week so there is a work stoppage. The NFL players and the owners cannot agree on how to divide up the TV and ticket revenue, which comes to about nine billion dollars per season. A large portion needs to be set aside for player’s health and retirement benefits.
The fat-cat owners opted out of the former collective bargaining agreement in 2008. The owners were feeling they weren’t getting enough of the money brought into the NFL. Under the old deal, of 9 billion dollars, the owners would get one billion upfront, and then the remaining $8 billion got split up 60-40, with 60% going towards player salaries. Here is where its gets dicey; the owners wanted to take an additional billion dollars off the top and then divide the remaining $7 billion of that 50-50. According to the owners, they need “this extra” money off the top because they need funds to pay for huge stadiums and updated facilities. The owners are also required to pay for retired players health insurance and other miscellaneous services. In order to generate even more money, the owners want an 18 game regular season, which will increase the $9 billion pot substantially.
On the flip side, given the outbreak of head injuries and other major health problems, the players have absolutely refused to play two additional games, so that is off the table. The players, however, have offered to split all the money 50-50. It is important to note that the players were content with the old collective bargaining agreement and wanted to keep it, but it was the filthy rich the owners who opted out. The players have been willing to work with the owners and give up a little for the betterment of the game, but again the owners have been refusing their offers.
So now we are at a standstill. Further, the owners have refused to give information about their spending to the players, and as a result the two sides have not been able to reach an agreement. I believe that the ordeal will go to court and the judge will rule in favor of the players because once the judge sees how unfair the owners are treating the players, and the players will win the encounter in court.
This case represents the worst of capitalism; both sides are successful and making tons of money yet unable to reach an agreement. The owners are the real culprits here; in the end, they really don’t care about the game; they just want to fill their pockets off the backs of athletes.
- Marcus Vincent
Junior Correspondent
The owners and players had been working well together under a collective bargaining agreement negotiated in 2006. The NFL’s collective bargaining agreement expired last week so there is a work stoppage. The NFL players and the owners cannot agree on how to divide up the TV and ticket revenue, which comes to about nine billion dollars per season. A large portion needs to be set aside for player’s health and retirement benefits.
The fat-cat owners opted out of the former collective bargaining agreement in 2008. The owners were feeling they weren’t getting enough of the money brought into the NFL. Under the old deal, of 9 billion dollars, the owners would get one billion upfront, and then the remaining $8 billion got split up 60-40, with 60% going towards player salaries. Here is where its gets dicey; the owners wanted to take an additional billion dollars off the top and then divide the remaining $7 billion of that 50-50. According to the owners, they need “this extra” money off the top because they need funds to pay for huge stadiums and updated facilities. The owners are also required to pay for retired players health insurance and other miscellaneous services. In order to generate even more money, the owners want an 18 game regular season, which will increase the $9 billion pot substantially.
On the flip side, given the outbreak of head injuries and other major health problems, the players have absolutely refused to play two additional games, so that is off the table. The players, however, have offered to split all the money 50-50. It is important to note that the players were content with the old collective bargaining agreement and wanted to keep it, but it was the filthy rich the owners who opted out. The players have been willing to work with the owners and give up a little for the betterment of the game, but again the owners have been refusing their offers.
So now we are at a standstill. Further, the owners have refused to give information about their spending to the players, and as a result the two sides have not been able to reach an agreement. I believe that the ordeal will go to court and the judge will rule in favor of the players because once the judge sees how unfair the owners are treating the players, and the players will win the encounter in court.
This case represents the worst of capitalism; both sides are successful and making tons of money yet unable to reach an agreement. The owners are the real culprits here; in the end, they really don’t care about the game; they just want to fill their pockets off the backs of athletes.
- Marcus Vincent
Junior Correspondent
Monday, January 24, 2011
The Ohio State Situation
Ohio State, winner of the 2011 BCS Sugar Bowl, has a major problem after such a monumental achievement. Five of Ohio State’s players were caught selling their Big 10 Championship rings from the 2009 season for an undisclosed amount of money. Four of the five players were starters for the Buckeyes, and they were expected to have huge seasons but now they are suspended for the first five games for the 2011 -2012 season. After their admission of guilt, the five players agreed to stay in school and play in last month’s Sugar Bowl rather than forgo their senior season and go to the NFL. This means that all the players agreed to miss the first five games of next season.
The players lost big time. The players sold their rings and other team gear for money. Thus, it was agreed by the NCAA that any profit the players made from the rings had to be given away to charity, so now, because of their thoughtless acts, these players lost their championship rings, and they were unable to keep the money. The NCAA suspended the players because the players received improper benefits by receiving the money. But, the question is raised, should players be able to sell their memorabilia for their own profit?
The NCAA believes that players cannot sell their gear. However, I would have to disagree with their logic and side with the players. Athletes should be able to give away and/or sell their own personal items for money. They are the ones on the field, giving their blood, sweat, and tears, and if they are short on cash, they should be able to make the decision to sell their personal items. It can certainly be argued that the players disrespected the team by putting a price on what they worked so hard to achieve. Understandably the team was upset at the players for their actions. Yet, it still does not give the NCAA the right to regulate what players can and cannot buy and sell. This is, after all, a free and capitalistic society, and we all should be able to make a buck.
- Marcus Vincent
Junior Correspondent
The players lost big time. The players sold their rings and other team gear for money. Thus, it was agreed by the NCAA that any profit the players made from the rings had to be given away to charity, so now, because of their thoughtless acts, these players lost their championship rings, and they were unable to keep the money. The NCAA suspended the players because the players received improper benefits by receiving the money. But, the question is raised, should players be able to sell their memorabilia for their own profit?
The NCAA believes that players cannot sell their gear. However, I would have to disagree with their logic and side with the players. Athletes should be able to give away and/or sell their own personal items for money. They are the ones on the field, giving their blood, sweat, and tears, and if they are short on cash, they should be able to make the decision to sell their personal items. It can certainly be argued that the players disrespected the team by putting a price on what they worked so hard to achieve. Understandably the team was upset at the players for their actions. Yet, it still does not give the NCAA the right to regulate what players can and cannot buy and sell. This is, after all, a free and capitalistic society, and we all should be able to make a buck.
- Marcus Vincent
Junior Correspondent
Monday, November 1, 2010
Michael Vick: The Comeback Kid
The front-runner for the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year Award is Michael Vick. Vick, a star player for the Atlanta Falcons in the early part of the decade, has just returned to the NFL after a run-in with the law. Vick was in prison for two years and was out of the league. Now three years later, Vick has returned to his old form, for a new team and with a new purpose. Vick is now with the Philadelphia Eagles and is trying to re-write his image.
Michael Vick was the poster boy for the NFL from 2001-2006 when he was with the Atlanta Falcons. He was the best and most exciting player during that time. But in the 2007 season, Vick was arrested and was sent to prison on dog fighting charges in Virginia. Vick was sent to prison for 18 months and was facing numerous financial problems. Vick lost all of his endorsements and his contract with the Falcons. While many thought Michael Vick’s career was over, his persevered and broke through. He did his time honorably and suffered his losses, all the while trying to maintain a healthy attitude.
Two years removed from prison, Michael Vick is back in the NFL with the Eagles. Vick is the team’s starting quarterback, after beating out the front-runner Kevin Kolb for the job. Vick is back to his old form and is playing at a Pro Bowl level. Now the sky is the limit for Vick, who has the respect from his teammates, fans and the society at large.
Vick turned his life around and made the best of his situation. His story shows that anyone can do their best no matter what kind of mess they are in, and can do the work to get themselves back to their best abilities. Vick has shown that people deserve second chances and is giving hope to people who have made bad decisions in their lives. Further, his story illustrates that we can learn from our mistakes and become better human beings.
- Marcus Vincent
Junior Correspondent
Michael Vick was the poster boy for the NFL from 2001-2006 when he was with the Atlanta Falcons. He was the best and most exciting player during that time. But in the 2007 season, Vick was arrested and was sent to prison on dog fighting charges in Virginia. Vick was sent to prison for 18 months and was facing numerous financial problems. Vick lost all of his endorsements and his contract with the Falcons. While many thought Michael Vick’s career was over, his persevered and broke through. He did his time honorably and suffered his losses, all the while trying to maintain a healthy attitude.
Two years removed from prison, Michael Vick is back in the NFL with the Eagles. Vick is the team’s starting quarterback, after beating out the front-runner Kevin Kolb for the job. Vick is back to his old form and is playing at a Pro Bowl level. Now the sky is the limit for Vick, who has the respect from his teammates, fans and the society at large.
Vick turned his life around and made the best of his situation. His story shows that anyone can do their best no matter what kind of mess they are in, and can do the work to get themselves back to their best abilities. Vick has shown that people deserve second chances and is giving hope to people who have made bad decisions in their lives. Further, his story illustrates that we can learn from our mistakes and become better human beings.
- Marcus Vincent
Junior Correspondent
The BSC Core Principles: A Year Later
Hello everyone,
I pray all is well. Last year, I wrote about the four principles that we were going to focus on as a program. A year later (September 25th 2010), we asked scholars to reflect on how they "did" last year with regards to each of the principles (humility, proactivity, integrity, and maturity). Here's a quick recap of that discussion:
(1) The principle scholars said they wanted to work on the most this year was proactivity.
(2) They suggested that a fifth principle be added: stability (consistency). A common theme amongst some of the scholars was they they started out strong last year (or there were spurts last year where they were strong academically), and then let up and fell behind.
Hopefully this year we'll see increases in all the principles, especially proactivity and stability. By the way, has anyone received any further "clarity" on the issue of whether or not "proactivity" is a legit word, lol?
I pray all is well. Last year, I wrote about the four principles that we were going to focus on as a program. A year later (September 25th 2010), we asked scholars to reflect on how they "did" last year with regards to each of the principles (humility, proactivity, integrity, and maturity). Here's a quick recap of that discussion:
(1) The principle scholars said they wanted to work on the most this year was proactivity.
(2) They suggested that a fifth principle be added: stability (consistency). A common theme amongst some of the scholars was they they started out strong last year (or there were spurts last year where they were strong academically), and then let up and fell behind.
Hopefully this year we'll see increases in all the principles, especially proactivity and stability. By the way, has anyone received any further "clarity" on the issue of whether or not "proactivity" is a legit word, lol?
Sunday, September 5, 2010
New Links Section Added
Hello Fresh Scholar Family,
We've just added a links section to the blog. The first link added is for "Brightstorm", a SF-based company whose mission is to bring great teaching to the world. They have agreed to partner with Berkeley Scholars to Cal II (mostly Juniors and a few Sophomores), and providing them with free SAT Prep resources. Until next time, take care and keep it scholarly...
We've just added a links section to the blog. The first link added is for "Brightstorm", a SF-based company whose mission is to bring great teaching to the world. They have agreed to partner with Berkeley Scholars to Cal II (mostly Juniors and a few Sophomores), and providing them with free SAT Prep resources. Until next time, take care and keep it scholarly...
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Athletes and Gunplay from a Scholar's Perspective
The following was written by a scholar who, in addition to maintaining a 3.8-4.0 GPA, is an avid sports fan and analyst:
"Athletes are considered by some to be “super humans.” Athletes have million-dollar contracts and are loved by adoring fans everywhere. Athletes have it all, but some athletes make stupid decisions that cost them their fame and fortune. Former NBA forward, Jayson Williams, and Washington Wizards guard, Gilbert Arenas, have both been in trouble with the law because of guns. Both were good basketball players that have made a bad name for themselves, black men, and the NBA. Jayson Williams, a decent basketball player in the 1990’s, was playing with his guns, inside his house when he accidently shot the gun and killed his limousine driver in 2002. After the shooting, he immediately tried to “cover up” the incident by making it look like a suicide. After 8 years, he was finally convicted of reckless manslaughter. Unfortunately, this tragedy could have easily been avoided if he had been more responsible.
Unlike Williams, Gilbert Arenas brought his guns from home and put them in the locker room for protection. According to witnesses, Arenas began arguing with another teammate, Javaris Crittenton, over a card game debt. The facts are still unclear; however, it seems that one player wanted to collect on the debt, and to see who was the “bigger man” guns were drawn to “settle the score.” Presently, both Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton are suspended for the remainder of the NBA season. These three men represent the worst of manhood, being irresponsible and immature. Furthermore, the three men did not take responsibility for their behavior. At the next basketball game, Arenas using his thumb and index finger as a gun, jokingly “shot” his teammates. The fact that they were gun owners was not necessarily the problem, but it was that they were completely reckless and irresponsible in regards to the guns, which now makes them poor role models."
- Marcus Vincent, 10th Grade, BSC II
"Athletes are considered by some to be “super humans.” Athletes have million-dollar contracts and are loved by adoring fans everywhere. Athletes have it all, but some athletes make stupid decisions that cost them their fame and fortune. Former NBA forward, Jayson Williams, and Washington Wizards guard, Gilbert Arenas, have both been in trouble with the law because of guns. Both were good basketball players that have made a bad name for themselves, black men, and the NBA. Jayson Williams, a decent basketball player in the 1990’s, was playing with his guns, inside his house when he accidently shot the gun and killed his limousine driver in 2002. After the shooting, he immediately tried to “cover up” the incident by making it look like a suicide. After 8 years, he was finally convicted of reckless manslaughter. Unfortunately, this tragedy could have easily been avoided if he had been more responsible.
Unlike Williams, Gilbert Arenas brought his guns from home and put them in the locker room for protection. According to witnesses, Arenas began arguing with another teammate, Javaris Crittenton, over a card game debt. The facts are still unclear; however, it seems that one player wanted to collect on the debt, and to see who was the “bigger man” guns were drawn to “settle the score.” Presently, both Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton are suspended for the remainder of the NBA season. These three men represent the worst of manhood, being irresponsible and immature. Furthermore, the three men did not take responsibility for their behavior. At the next basketball game, Arenas using his thumb and index finger as a gun, jokingly “shot” his teammates. The fact that they were gun owners was not necessarily the problem, but it was that they were completely reckless and irresponsible in regards to the guns, which now makes them poor role models."
- Marcus Vincent, 10th Grade, BSC II
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Reflection of CPA talent show
I arrived at the CPA talent show a little bit late. I sat down at one of the tables with my friends. After some food and laughs, out of nowhere, Mrs. Johnson came up to me and asked me if I wanted to host. I agreed, and then got up on stage to introduce the crowd and announce the first contestant. The first act was a group doing an Aztec dance. The next act coming up was a rap performed by my friend Dave and me.
Unfortunately, the instrumental we had on a CD didn’t play. The DJ said our CD must have been scratched or something. So we had to spit a cappella, cool. Dave forgot most of his words so he read from his note cards. His rap was good, but in one line he dissed the Raiders. So everyone got all upset. Next, it was my turn to rap. My very first two lines had everyone into rhyme. I kept going (reading something off of my arm) and by the time I was at the middle, my stage fright was completely gone. I finished with everyone clapping and cheering. I had to host the rest of the show but when I hopped off the stage everyone gave me pats on the back.
-Written by Jonah Hemphill
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The French Revolution from a Scholar's Perspective
Hello Scholar Family,
Below is an excerpt from a history essay written by Jamiah, a 10th grader in BSC II. She was one of few students to receive a 90 or above (out of 100) on the essay. take care and soak up the knowledge!
On the Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizens:
"This [The Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizens] leaves over 21 million "passive" citizens without the right of political participation; basically the right not to vote. The declaration of rights of man and citizens is supposed to create
equality. There is no such thing as half equal, it's either equal or
it's not equal. Equality is the condition of having the same rights
and privileges. How does denying the right for certain citizens to
vote, support equality? It does not! By denying the right for
certain men, it does not support natural rights that should otherwise be
given. Therefore the declaration of rights of man and citizens doesn't
show a successful example of enlightened government."
- Jamiah, BSC II, 10th Grade
Below is an excerpt from a history essay written by Jamiah, a 10th grader in BSC II. She was one of few students to receive a 90 or above (out of 100) on the essay. take care and soak up the knowledge!
On the Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizens:
"This [The Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizens] leaves over 21 million "passive" citizens without the right of political participation; basically the right not to vote. The declaration of rights of man and citizens is supposed to create
equality. There is no such thing as half equal, it's either equal or
it's not equal. Equality is the condition of having the same rights
and privileges. How does denying the right for certain citizens to
vote, support equality? It does not! By denying the right for
certain men, it does not support natural rights that should otherwise be
given. Therefore the declaration of rights of man and citizens doesn't
show a successful example of enlightened government."
- Jamiah, BSC II, 10th Grade
Monday, November 16, 2009
A Freshman's First Quarter Experience with High School Math
"High School. It has always been something that I wanted to be in. I was so excited the last week of summer unlike some of my peers who wished that the summer wasn't ending. A few weeks into the first quarter of the grading period progress reports were sent out. My Progress was pretty good except for the last grade on there. I had a D+ in IMP 2, which is the math program for my small school Community Partnership Academy. After seeing this grade my parents were a little mad but weren't furious.
The week after I had received the progress report, I went and talked to all of my teachers. They all basically said the same thing except for math. The math teacher, Mr. Goldman said " Eric, You have a lot of potential and I would like for you to come to my Tuesday and Thursday after school tutoring class." I figured I could go once a week. After going just one time after school and watching Mr. Goldman break down everything that we had learned since the first day of school, I began to understand how to work in his class. Now I am one of the 3 students passing his class. I successfully raised my grade at least by an entire letter grade. This progress makes me, Scholars [BSC II] and my family very happy.
Ending the quarter on a good note lets me start the second quarter by putting my best foot forward, and focusing on improving my grade even more. I am still excited about high school! GO Yellow Jackets!"
By Eric Saddler, 9th grade, BSC II
The week after I had received the progress report, I went and talked to all of my teachers. They all basically said the same thing except for math. The math teacher, Mr. Goldman said " Eric, You have a lot of potential and I would like for you to come to my Tuesday and Thursday after school tutoring class." I figured I could go once a week. After going just one time after school and watching Mr. Goldman break down everything that we had learned since the first day of school, I began to understand how to work in his class. Now I am one of the 3 students passing his class. I successfully raised my grade at least by an entire letter grade. This progress makes me, Scholars [BSC II] and my family very happy.
Ending the quarter on a good note lets me start the second quarter by putting my best foot forward, and focusing on improving my grade even more. I am still excited about high school! GO Yellow Jackets!"
By Eric Saddler, 9th grade, BSC II
Monday, November 9, 2009
Scholars Love Dropping Eggs!!!
The lesson is simple. We begin by discussing simple physic concepts such as:
Acceleration, gravitational pull, impact, force and absorption.
Scholars are amazed that an egg can't crack if force is concentrated evenly all around the shell (i.e. squeezing an egg with your hand) but will crack when tapped upon the edge of a bowl. The scholars engagement is captured and channeled into introduction questions, where as a group of learners we unearth the definition and examples of the above physic concepts. Then the challenge: Scholars must get in pairs and build a device that when dropped from 50 feet won't crack it's passenger (the egg). Pairs strategize, create a blueprint for their device, build then drop the device with the egg.
Check out some of our cool devices and the aftermath
Hector and Malayka's egg survived.
This egg wasn't so fortunate
Before the drop, Erick and Bryant's device is looking GOOD.
Their egg survived and these two ladies worked VERY well together all day.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Berkeley Scholars' Core Principles
Dear Scholar Family,
Last year, one of the biggest mysteries of the program was figuring out how to identify the "essence" of the Berkeley Scholars (BSC) model. In other words, what type of disposition do we want the scholars to have once they graduate high school and enter college? What qualities do we want them to use as "weapons" against any obstacles they face inside (academic) or outside (life in general) the classroom?
After thinking long and hard about these questions, and taking a closer look at what it takes to excel at a top university, Lee, Carol, and I agreed that the answers to these questions could be summarized using four principles: Integrity, Maturity, Proactivity, and Humility. Below is a brief description of how each principle applies to the BSC model.
Integrity. To be a person of integrity is to be a person of your word. Therefore, it is important for scholars to follow through on their verbal and written commitments (e.g., as they pertain to schoolwork, studying, ASP and SA attendance, and so forth). In the event the scholar cannot follow through on something, we expect them to communicate with a staff member (e.g., mentor, coordinator, etc.) and let someone know.
Maturity. This principles was best summed up with Denzel's line in "The Great Debaters." Basically, scholars are expected to do what they have to do before they do what they want to do. It's weird, I've found that getting my schoolwork out of the way actually makes my "chill time" that much enjoyable!
Proactivity. To be successful in anything, scholars are going to have to be proactive with regards to seeking out help if they need it, and resources to help them navigate high school, college, and life in general. In addition, scholars are going to have to be "go-getters" with regards to making sure they achieve any personal, academic, and professional goals they set for themselves. One of the things we as a staff are becoming increasingly more concerned about is making sure we balance the amount of support and advocacy we give the scholars with encouraging them to advocate for themselves. We want the scholars to appreciate the support and advocacy they receive from their parents and BSC, without solely depending on it. Put another way, we want scholars to use the power and "know-how" they already have.
Humility. This principle really speaks to the type of impact we want BSC to have on a local and national level. We want scholars to realize that no one succeeds purely on their own. Everyone receives some kind of help and encouragement along the way. Therefore, we want the scholars to use their brilliance and the things they learn from their parents and through BSC in the service of others. Although there are only 21 scholars in the program, the goal of BSC is to show all youth who may think otherwise that it's cool to be a scholar and to handle your business in school. It's cool to be a person of positive influence amongst your peers.
Lastly, I want to emphasize that we as a staff know that how well BSC is able to help the scholars cultivate these principles depends on how well we as a staff embody them ourselves. Therefore this is not a "one-sided" thing, so to speak. We are holding our staff accountable to each of these principles as well.
So here are BSC's core principles moving forward. We are looking forward to seeing these principles manifest themselves in amazing ways, and for BSC to continue to soar to new heights! Thank you for your love and support during this process.
Last year, one of the biggest mysteries of the program was figuring out how to identify the "essence" of the Berkeley Scholars (BSC) model. In other words, what type of disposition do we want the scholars to have once they graduate high school and enter college? What qualities do we want them to use as "weapons" against any obstacles they face inside (academic) or outside (life in general) the classroom?
After thinking long and hard about these questions, and taking a closer look at what it takes to excel at a top university, Lee, Carol, and I agreed that the answers to these questions could be summarized using four principles: Integrity, Maturity, Proactivity, and Humility. Below is a brief description of how each principle applies to the BSC model.
Integrity. To be a person of integrity is to be a person of your word. Therefore, it is important for scholars to follow through on their verbal and written commitments (e.g., as they pertain to schoolwork, studying, ASP and SA attendance, and so forth). In the event the scholar cannot follow through on something, we expect them to communicate with a staff member (e.g., mentor, coordinator, etc.) and let someone know.
Maturity. This principles was best summed up with Denzel's line in "The Great Debaters." Basically, scholars are expected to do what they have to do before they do what they want to do. It's weird, I've found that getting my schoolwork out of the way actually makes my "chill time" that much enjoyable!
Proactivity. To be successful in anything, scholars are going to have to be proactive with regards to seeking out help if they need it, and resources to help them navigate high school, college, and life in general. In addition, scholars are going to have to be "go-getters" with regards to making sure they achieve any personal, academic, and professional goals they set for themselves. One of the things we as a staff are becoming increasingly more concerned about is making sure we balance the amount of support and advocacy we give the scholars with encouraging them to advocate for themselves. We want the scholars to appreciate the support and advocacy they receive from their parents and BSC, without solely depending on it. Put another way, we want scholars to use the power and "know-how" they already have.
Humility. This principle really speaks to the type of impact we want BSC to have on a local and national level. We want scholars to realize that no one succeeds purely on their own. Everyone receives some kind of help and encouragement along the way. Therefore, we want the scholars to use their brilliance and the things they learn from their parents and through BSC in the service of others. Although there are only 21 scholars in the program, the goal of BSC is to show all youth who may think otherwise that it's cool to be a scholar and to handle your business in school. It's cool to be a person of positive influence amongst your peers.
Lastly, I want to emphasize that we as a staff know that how well BSC is able to help the scholars cultivate these principles depends on how well we as a staff embody them ourselves. Therefore this is not a "one-sided" thing, so to speak. We are holding our staff accountable to each of these principles as well.
So here are BSC's core principles moving forward. We are looking forward to seeing these principles manifest themselves in amazing ways, and for BSC to continue to soar to new heights! Thank you for your love and support during this process.
Friday, August 14, 2009
A young student interviews the president
Recently, I was browsing the web and came across an intriguing interview between a 5th grade male and President Obama. This interview inspired me, because it points out the signficance of programs like Berkeley Scholars. Imagine if Mr. Weaver (the interviewer) continues to recieve adequate support from a college prep program as Berkeley Scholars. He will soar. He will do amazing things and will have the tools and perspective necessary to act upon his potential. Without such a program, his dreams are subject to the bludgeonings of his environment and is set at a disadvantage because of the lack of access of resources. Berkeley Scholars, hopes to be the answer by expanding its reach in the near future.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Dolores Huerta visits the scholars
Check the Scholars out in the International Museum of Women monthly newsletter!
I.M.O.W. and Dolores Huerta Visit Stiles Hall in BerkeleyHuerta inspires a group of at-risk youth | ||
 Huerta with B.S.C. students, | As part of our on-going commitment to reach out to our community, IMOW facilitated an event with Dolores Huerta at Stiles Hall in Berkeley last Tuesday, July 21. Huerta joined us, along with Global Council member Pat Martel, to speak to 15 students from Berkeley Scholars to Cal (B.S.C.), a program which gives at-risk minority youth the tools to pursue a college education by providing them with mentors and academic support from 5th to 12th grade. The students' enthusiasm was evident throughout her inspiring talk about community organization and the fight for social justice. Afterwards, Huerta chatted and posed for pictures with the students, many of whom wanted a photo and an autograph as a keepsake. We are deeply grateful to Stiles Hall, B.S.C. and Dolores Huerta for making this event possible. To get a behind-the-scenes look at Dolores' visit with I.M.O.W., be sure to check out our most recent blog. | |
Any amount you desire to donate can help us continue great programming. Scholars on the MOVE.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Donate to Berkeley Scholars
Choose whatever amount you are comfortable with. Your kind donation allows us to provide one-to-one mentoring for black and latino youth for 8 years.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Significance of Working with the Little Ones
Recently I and a few other BSC II scholars were given a chance to teach BSC III about middle school life and give tips that worked for us, and share experiences in which we learned from. Working with the younger scholars was a mutual benefit. For BSC III it was a chance to learn about a new chapter in their life, middle school. For us, it was an opportunity to step up and be the ones passing on our knowledge to people who look up to us. It’s very important for BSC III to interact with the older scholars, just as it is for all the scholars to interact their mentors, for the same reasons as well. We use our mentors for people to look up to and for guidance. Not only do the scholars get a role model who is in college, but they also get role models who are halfway there, in high school, getting ready for college. So, BSC III has everything laid out for them; how to get through middle school, examples of how to get through high school, example of the process of preparing for college, example of how to get through college, and how to strive in all areas. Working with BSC III helps us to build life skills such as learning how to interact with a younger group of children and how to plan a lesson, which was a lot more challenging then I expected. In a less academic aspect, having interactions between both age groups is a golden opportunity to build a relationship; BSC II scholars gets a chance to serve as big sisters and brothers, and BSC III scholars more role models for guidance. I really loved working with BSC III, and look forward to many more future interactions with them.
- Super Scholar Shantel
Monday, July 6, 2009
Summer 2009 - BSCII Summer Scholars
Hey All,
This is Julian speaking on behalf of the Berkeley Scholars 2 about how the summer is going so far. We are most definitely benefitting from the Math SAT prep from Celeste and hope that the English part will be just as beneficial. Even though the Math portion may not be my particular cup of tea, I know that it will help me for the PSAT we will all be taking in October this school year. That is only the first hour and fifthteen minutes. Around 5:15 we have our break and move on to the "big project". We are still in the beginning stages of choosing our topics and planning the way we want to organize our poster board. Overall, there haven't been any major problems with any of our peers and everyone is working with each other. There have been many group activities with each other which I feel is great and I think I am getting the same vibe from the other scholars. All is well on the Scholar Front.
-Julian Morris-Walker
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Day 3 Trip to Boston--A Day in Pictures
MIT Informational
MIT Tour
The Funky Architecture on MIT's campus.
Outside lobby 7...
Our handsome young men
Our beautiful young ladies
Meeting the Mayor of Cambridge
After the Award ceremony for the Keys to the City of Cambridge, Mass.
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