Claire Manley: First Week With Artisans!

    During the week of October 2nd, the Setons Class of 2017-18 had the first sessions with our mentees at The Artisans Spokane.  All having our specific time slots during the week, mine came to be 2-4pm on Thursdays. Very nervous but even more excited, the handful of girls I would be volunteering with and I drove to The Artisans location in North Spokane. Talking amongst ourselves, we all shared feelings of excitement, but also of inadequacy. Were we prepared to be mentors? Most of us hadn't worked with those with disabilities before. Were there skill sets we needed for this job but were lacking?
     As soon as I was introduced to my mentee, Gabriel, this fear completely subsided. Talking with him was so natural. I quickly learned that Gabriel is an avid bowler, and we shared passions of hiking, camping, the outdoors, and most importantly, food. We spent our allotted time together playing games and drawing pumpkins to get excited for the fall season.
     One of my favorite things about Gabriel is his excitement and passion for life. Every topic we discussed, he had something to bring to the table. He has a passion for all sports and can rattle off names and stats of any Basketball, Football, or Baseball player of your choosing.
     Apparently known as the "Grill Master," Gabriel claims to cook a mean steak and hopes to obtain a job at a local Burger shop in Spokane. I can't wait to work with him this year on career and professional goals, as well as continue getting to know such an amazing and passionate person. I can easily see my time with Artisans being the best part of my week as it is a time to get off campus and focus on others while enjoying the genuine interaction in simple tasks. Thank you Gabriel for an amazing week!



Claire Manley
Setons Class of 2017-18
PR and Marketing Chair


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Molly Burns: This week as a Seton!

Image
As our year begins to wind down as Setons, we are busier than ever with selections! Many of our spring breaks were filled with good food, beautiful views, family and friends and of course reading all of the applications from this years Seton applicants. Immediately returning from break we have already begun the selections process with an incredibly inspiring and dedicated group of 89 freshman girls! With interviews well underway and exciting events coming up this weekend and next we are so excited to get to know the class better. With all of these new changes comes a sense of nostalgia and a lot of reflection on this year overall. Being a Seton has been such a positive experience. Through weekly service and getting to know my mentee Chad as well as the other mentees in my group, it has been incredibly inspiring. I walk though the doors of Artisans and am always greeted with a huge smile from Chad as well as his excitement in showing me some new gadget he acquired over the past we
Read more

Laura Ackerson: Reflection on Selections!

Image
Throughout our year of being part of the Setons of Gonzaga we have, as a group, further developed our passion and dedication for sisterhood, leadership and service. We have grown together through many laughs, dance parties with Artisans, cookie eating, and breaking tubing records to form bonds and friendships that are going to last us the rest of our lives. Reflecting on the memories and success of our year so far has been on my mind as we approach the season of Selections that is upon us.               Earlier this year, I was voted to be one of the Selections chairs, put in charge of organizing the Selections process to find the next group of 30 lucky girls to carry on the legacy of our organization. The rest of my Setons sisters and I are so excited to meet so many incredible girls that have chosen to apply. We look forward to the individuality, new perspective, and passion for our three pillars that each prospective girl offers, taking each of these into consideration when meeti
Read more

Annalise Ellefsen: On Leadership!

Image
They told me that being Seton President would be like having another class, and it is, except for it’s the best class ever and has been more beneficial than any of my real classes. I’ve held leadership roles before, but nothing like this. For the most part, Setons in entirely student run. While we have an amazing advisor who is really easy to work with, she steps back and allows us to take charge and lead the way we want to. I have the opportunity to meet with my executive board every Sunday to make sure everyone is on the same page, as well as facilitate weekly meetings with everyone. I’ve realized how many pieces of a puzzle there are to put on event, and how many people need to be involved and communicated to. Being the Seton President I have gained more self-esteem and confidence in my leadership abilities, as well as pride within the Gonzaga community. I am honored to be a Seton, and feel so incredibly lucky that I can be the face of such an amazing organization. Leadership i
Read more