Exceeding Expectations

[Editor's Note: Co-posted on http://stephaniewhiting.wordpress.com/.]

CreateAthon onCampus surpassed my expectations. Or perhaps it was the people involved… I did not expect the level of enthusiasm or participation that we received. When this project was first discussed, no one knew exactly what it was about. We watched The Lottery and Waiting for Superman, but I don’t think any of us really thought we could do anything about our educational system. But, I was wrong. We did a lot to improve Dalewood Middle School at least. Still, there were several moments of surprise for me.

1. The number of professionals who decided to get involved was absolutely incredible. I had no idea they would get so invested in the project, several of them staying up the entire night with us.
2. The students from Dalewood who attended the presentation on Saturday blew me away. It was 10:00 AM! Most normal kids are still asleep on Saturday mornings, and these kids had gotten up to come visit our school. It was clear that they wanted to be there too.
3. The teachers at Dalewood were unbelievably supportive. The art teacher, Ms. Belknap, showed up at 2:00AM to get involved with CreateAthon and to encourage us students. That’s dedication!
4. The amount of effort UTC students put in the logistics of the project was way above what I anticipated. The building was cleaned up immediately after our presentation on Saturday. Thank you cards were written. Packets were put together. More documentation was done. Everything was “wrapped up” pretty seamlessly.

Everyone was extremely motivated, and I think the reason why boils down to two things. First, the kids. We had an opportunity to make a difference in their school, and I don’t think anybody wanted to let them down. Second, the community. With so many people willing and eager to participate, it’s almost impossible not to catch the enthusiasm. I may not have expected much at the start of CreateAthon, but I sure am glad I was there to be a part of it. The response from the kids who sent us cards and thank-you’s was overwhelming and humbling.

Community Involvement

Dalewood students & UTC students during art class

CreateAthon is a huge opportunity for the community to get involved with education. According to CreateHere’s STAND survey, education is the number one concern of the Chattanooga community. It is our responsibility as citizens to act. The students who graduate will be future workers in Chattanooga; their performance in school ultimately affects us all. CreateAthon is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of these children, to show them the opportunities they have to succeed.

Each person and business is equipped to do this differently. As a designer, I am able to use my talents to improve the learning environment and Dalewood. Other contributors are using their skill sets to help as well.

Recently, I saw a school in Dalton that invited the community for an Open House. They used this connection to build partnerships between businesses in the area and their school. One dentist who attended saw the need in the school and wanted to help, and so he came back a few weeks later and taught the preschoolers about dental hygiene. This made sense for him since he was a dentist. He used his talents and resources to make a difference.

Each of us have an opportunity to do the same. To use our abilities to help our children. I am excited to see how CreateAthon can build partnerships between our schools and our community.