Off the Clock

University Life

food insecurity

Off the Clock: Kim Paul makes a doggone difference at the animal shelter

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 14:35:51 +0000

Off the Clock: Kim Paul makes a doggone difference at the animal shelter Lauren Reuscher Thu, 06/27/2024 - 10:35

As an Institutional Review Board (IRB) compliance manager in ��AV’s Office of Research Integrity and Assurance, Kim Paul ensures that research projects involving human subjects comply with all regulations. Outside of work, one of her hobbies revolves around nonhuman subjects: dogs eligible for adoption.

Kim Paul volunteers at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, where she helps train both dogs and the volunteers who take care of them. Photo provided

As a volunteer with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, Paul, who has a graduate certificate in forensic science from George Mason, spends time taking care of the dogs—taking them for walks, offering socialization, and training them. After volunteering at the organization for more than four years, she also mentors new volunteers and has started spending time with adoptable cats, too.

How did you first get started with this volunteer activity? How long have you been doing it?

I have always loved animals and previously worked at a doggy daycare in New Orleans. When I moved to Alexandria in 2016 for graduate school, I wanted to get back into hanging out with dogs in some capacity. I am waiting to adopt a dog until I have a fenced yard of my own, but in the meantime, I wanted the opportunity to play and cuddle with some dogs.

What is the time commitment?

At the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, volunteers must commit to at least four hours of service each month. I average 8–10 hours a month. Outside of the standard dog walking and cat cuddles, volunteers also complete the never-ending laundry and dish washing. We also work at the front desk, do field trips, assist with adoptions, etc. There are a lot of things to do, depending on what interests you! Each opportunity is preceded by training.

It's not all playtime and dog cuddles—there is lots of laundry to do at an animal shelter. Photo provided

What has been the most meaningful or memorable experience you’ve had in this volunteer work?

Being asked by staff to become a dog volunteer mentor was incredibly meaningful to me. I love to teach and mentor people, so I am grateful that I can elevate my time at the shelter in an even more meaningful way.

I also love when I come to the shelter and see all the “I’ve been adopted” signs, meaning that these precious fur babies are finding their forever homes.

What lessons have you learned through this experience?

I have learned not to personalize interactions with shelter animals too much and not to take any sad emotions home. People often ask me if it is hard to not adopt every animal I work with, and to be honest, that was one of my biggest hesitancies before signing up to become a volunteer. Fortunately, I can separate shelter and personal time and not become emotionally attached to the animals—that is the biggest hurdle to overcome. Otherwise, I would have a house full of fur, and the shelter would be empty!

What else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love acting and have been soaking in the spotlight with community theatre. I have been doing theatre since I was a kid, all through college, and even did professional theatre when I lived in New Orleans.

I love going for long walks and listening to thrillers, suspense, and mystery audiobooks. I also enjoy spending time with friends and their pets, going on adventures to places I have never been, and new dining or social experiences. I recently went to Busch Gardens for the first time and went on many roller coasters that scared me, but what a thrill it was! I am trying to push myself further and take in new experiences while I have the energy.

Topics

Around Mason (E-Files)

Off the Clock: As a survivor, Evan Cantwell volunteers for colorectal cancer awareness

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 13:58:08 +0000

Off the Clock: As a survivor, Evan Cantwell volunteers for colorectal cancer awareness Lauren Reuscher Thu, 03/28/2024 - 09:58

Nominate a colleague for Off the Clock

Life is much more than time spent on the clock. In this series, we highlight the unique hobbies and volunteer activities of Mason's talented faculty and staff.

Evan Cantwell volunteers with Fight Colorectal Cancer. Photo by Brian Threlkeld

As a photographer in Creative Services at ��AV, Evan Cantwell spends his time at work capturing moments across the university. And he’s been doing it for quite a while.

“I started working at Mason in the previous century, when we still used chemistry to process our university image collection in black and white,” Cantwell said. The university has grown a lot since 1999, and Cantwell now collaborates with teams across the Office of University Branding, including writers, editors, social media specialists, videographers, and students to tell the Mason story.

Beyond the technology used in his work, something else was drastically different about Cantwell’s life when he first started working at Mason. He was undergoing chemotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat early onset colorectal cancer. He was in his early twenties.

Cantwell is now a 25-year survivor of the disease, having been cancer-free since he underwent treatment in 1999. Since then, he has found ways to connect with other survivors and help spread awareness of colorectal cancer, which is now affecting more and more young people in the United States.

How did you first get started with this volunteer activity?

It was challenging to connect with other survivors before the existence of social media, so I went to group therapy opportunities, but could never relate since I was so much younger than everyone. Over a decade later, when I was exploring therapy again and dealing with a lot of health issues, I ended up at a surf camp for young cancer survivors, which inspired me to explore patient advocacy.

I was selected to be one of the first Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) ambassadors in 2016. We participated in public service announcement videos shown in Times Square and the NASDAQ marquee screen, posed for the Fight CRC magazine, Beyond Blue, and attended an ambassador retreat. We raised awareness and amplified Fight CRC’s mission by lobbying Congress in March for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. I took a break during COVID but was excited to join Fight CRC on Capitol Hill again this year.

Cantwell lends his photography skills to his volunteer work raising awareness for colorectal cancer. This March, volunteers with Fight Colorectal Cancer participated in a Call on Congress and installed flags and photo exhibits on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

What is involved in this volunteer work, and what is the time commitment?

Last fall, I volunteered to photograph the new Fight CRC ambassador class, which includes survivors, caregivers who have lost loved ones, and those undergoing treatment. We met in Missouri during ambassador training camp, and the weekend was full of emotion as they shared their stories.

No one knows why colorectal cancer is now the leading killer of young men ages 20–49, and the second deadliest among young women. This March, families, caregivers, survivors, doctors, and other advocates came together to plant 27,400 blue flags on the National Mall. In 2030, it’s estimated that 27,400 young Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Fight CRC partners with government agencies to identify and fund research and policies to bridge research and advocacy efforts, including early onset research.

Evan Cantwell (right) and fellow survivor Alecia Mandal (left) at the Fight CRC photo exhibit on the National Mall. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

What has been the most meaningful or memorable experience you’ve had in this volunteer work?

Over the years, I have met the most amazing and kind people from around the country. The type of people who really restore your faith. I would be remiss not to mention that some of those people have died. I am so grateful that I had a chance to meet them and to work with them when they were advocating not just for themselves, but for all of us.

What lessons have you learned through this experience?

I’ve learned that I’m stronger than I think I am. Especially when I can figure out when to ask for help. Choosing not to do it alone will open up so many pathways to healing both body and mind.

Also, it is so important to connect with your family about health. Know your body. You will be the only one in this life to take care of it. Ensure you spend more time researching a second opinion than researching a hair stylist, and to take full responsibility for your health.

If you are sure there is something wrong with your body, and a health care professional doesn’t think so, you can say, “No, this is not acceptable,” and advocate for your health by getting a second opinion. It might save your life—it saved mine.

Volunteers and advocates for colorectal cancer awareness gather on Capitol Hill. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

What is one thing you want people to know about awareness and prevention of colorectal cancer?

Colonoscopies save lives. There are new tools for screening, and you should consult with a doctor regarding the best screening for you. Know your risk factors; learn about your family history, considering grandparents and first-degree relatives, or if you have Lynch syndrome. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) lowered the recommended screening age for colorectal cancer in adults with average risk from age 50 to age 45. Don’t wait for symptoms to show up; get the recommended preventive screening.

What else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

You can find me outdoors—hiking, exploring nature, and mountain biking. I also enjoy doing yoga and taking care of our rescue dog, Molly, with my wife. I’m hoping to explore the American west (when it’s not hot).

Topics

Cancer Prevention and Control

Cancer Survivors

Cancer Screening

Off the Clock: Stacey Schwartz added a Free Little Art Gallery to her community

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 14:37:49 +0000

Off the Clock: Stacey Schwartz added a Free Little Art Gallery to her community Lauren Reuscher Thu, 02/29/2024 - 09:37

Life is much more than time spent on the clock. In this series, we highlight the unique hobbies and volunteer activities of Mason's talented faculty and staff.

Stacey Schwartz opened a Free Little Art Gallery in her community for her capstone project in the Arts Management Program. Photo provided

Stacey Schwartz works as a digital strategist for the Center for the Arts and the Hylton Performing Arts Center at ��AV. A Mason alum, Schwartz, MA Arts Management ’23, brought her capstone research project to life when she opened a Free Little Art Gallery (FLAG) in her community.

FLAGs are similar to free little libraries. They contain free pieces of miniature art, submitted by artists and meant to be exchanged.

The Free Little Art Gallery is similar to a Free Little Library. Photo provided

While completing her master’s in arts management, Schwartz read an article about a Free Little Art Gallery in Seattle, Washington. She noticed that early in the pandemic, these galleries served as community builders for both local residents and those following the galleries online. She decided to start one in her Arlington, Virginia, neighborhood.

“The Arts Management Program is the reason that I started my Free Little Art Gallery, which has connected me to artists locally, nationally, and internationally,” said Schwartz. “My arts management background helped me understand how to use this tool successfully to build and strengthen my community.”

When starting the gallery, Schwartz reached out to artists and invited them to drop off their work. When artists provide new pieces, Stacey uploads photos of the work to the gallery’s Instagram. Visitors are free to stop by the gallery and take the art home, whether or not they have something to add to the gallery.

Schwartz encourages artists who leave art in the gallery to include their Instagram handle or other contact information with the piece, so they can be recognized for their contributions. Artists all over the United States have mailed pieces to her for inclusion in the gallery, and she recently received her first international piece from an artist and FLAG founder in Australia.

Recently, Schwartz worked with a local community member to install a geocache, expanding the gallery's reach. In geocaching, participants use their GPS to find hidden containers, called geocaches—which, in this case, leads them to the art gallery.

Visitors are free to stop by the gallery and take the art home, whether or not they have something to add to the gallery. Photo provided

Schwartz has worked with arts organizations throughout her career, including Washington Performing Arts, Arlington Arts, and WETA. In her current role as digital strategist for Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, she combines her interests in the arts and technology. Schwartz is also the board chair for the Educational Theater Company in Arlington.

The decision to study arts management was an easy one for Schwartz. “I have focused on digital platforms and the arts throughout my career, and I was ready to see the bigger picture,” she said. “Many of my colleagues had gone through the program here at Mason and were so enthusiastic that it seemed like the perfect next step, and it was.”

Schwartz is planning to offer a summer internship with her FLAG.

Follow Schwartz’s Free Little Art Gallery on Instagram @freelittleartgallery_arlington.

Hear Schwartz talk more about Mason, her career, and the Free Little Art Gallery on the Embracing Arlington Arts podcast.

In This Story

Stacey Schwartz

Follow the Free Little Art Gallery

More about the Arts Management Program

Topics

College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) Arts Management Program

Around Mason (E-Files)

Alumni

Arts Management alumni

Off the Clock: Jneva Norfleet, a Toastmasters champion and spoken word artist

Lauren Reuscher — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 19:10:21 +0000

Off the Clock: Jneva Norfleet, a Toastmasters champion and spoken word artist Lauren Reuscher Tue, 09/26/2023 - 15:10

Life is much more than time spent on the clock. In this series, we highlight the unique hobbies and volunteer activities of Mason's talented faculty and staff.

Jneva Norfleet, employer engagement consultant with University Career Services, is a Toastmasters champion and spoken word artist. Photo provided

As employer engagement consultant with University Career Services at ��AV, Jneva Norfleet connects organizations with qualified talent from Mason, helping Mason students and graduates achieve their career goals.

Outside work, Norfleet hones other talents of her own—she is a Toastmasters champion and a spoken word artist who shares her poetry to inspire others.

George Mason Toastmasters is part of a worldwide network of clubs that help members practice public speaking and leadership skills. Norfleet, a first-year Toastmaster, competed in multiple competitions and advanced to the Region 7 International Speech Contest in June. Though Norfleet did not advance to the world championship, she made an impact and represented her club with her speech, “If You Can Declare It, Then You Can Achieve It.”

What brought you to Mason? Once you were here, how did you decide to join George Mason Toastmasters?

I came to Mason in October 2022 to work with University Career Services. I heard about George Mason Toastmasters from my colleague, and I immediately wanted to join. I’m an ordained minister and have been preaching at churches throughout the East Coast since 2018. I’m also a spoken word artist and perform my poetry for community organizations and events. Since I had prior experience with public speaking, I knew Toastmasters would be the perfect opportunity for me to hone my public speaking skills.

What took you down the path to spoken word art, and what do you speak about?

I began to write spoken word poetry at the age of 16; however, I stopped to focus on other hobbies. I started writing again in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. Most of my poetry is Christian content and addresses overcoming challenges through faith in Jesus Christ. I knew 2020 was a rough year mentally for many people, myself included, so I wanted my poetry to encourage those who were battling depression and other forms of mental illness. After posting one of my poems on social media, the post received a lot of positive attention and many people were encouraged by my work. It was in that moment that I realized spoken word poetry was a gift of mine, and I continued to do it.

How does spoken word art intersect with the type of public speaking you do for Toastmasters?

Spoken word art intersects with my public speaking for Toastmasters because I have the ability to express myself through speeches similar to the way I would in poetry. I generally gear a lot of my Toastmasters speeches toward overcoming challenges and inspiring people to keep going, because greatness is within them. My speeches give me a chance to be a blessing to others outside of my poetry.

Jneva Norfleet. Photo provided

You’re pursuing a PhD in higher education at Mason. What pushed you to continue your education?

I first desired to continue my education because I wanted to be the first member of my immediate family to obtain an accredited doctoral degree. That desire amplified when I started my career last year in higher education. I developed a love for this field. To accomplish my career goals, I continued my education by working toward my PhD.

How has being involved with Toastmasters impacted your overall experience working at Mason?

I developed a Mason family through George Mason Toastmasters. My Toastmasters club members continue to cheer me on in my speeches and were a huge support system for me throughout my contest journey. This club has been a tremendous blessing to me and has impacted my overall experience working at Mason, because it showed me that you can develop family outside of your home environment.

Learn more about George Mason Toastmasters

Topics

University Career Services

George Mason Toastmasters

Off the Clock: Liza Wilson Durant serves her community as an emergency medical technician

Shayla Brown — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 17:14:43 +0000

Off the Clock: Liza Wilson Durant serves her community as an emergency medical technician Shayla Brown Wed, 09/06/2023 - 13:14

Life is much more than time spent on the clock. In this series, we highlight the unique hobbies and volunteer activities of Mason's talented faculty and staff.

Liza Wilson Durant, associate provost for Strategic Initiatives and Community Engagement and a professor and associate dean in the College of Engineering and Computing. Photo provided.

Liza Wilson Durant wears many hats at ��AV.

Wilson Durant, who joined the Mason Nation in 2010, is an associate provost for Strategic Initiatives and Community Engagement and a professor and associate dean in the College of Engineering and Computing. Her particular focus is on Mason’s engineering and computing initiatives.

She is also the director of the Northern Virginia Node of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative, a role that helps Mason forge broad partnerships with other universities, colleges, industry and government partners.

Outside her work at Mason, Wilson Durant makes a different impact on her community—since 2021 she has volunteered as an emergency medical technician (EMT), licensed in the State of Maryland and with the National Registry of EMTs.

Wilson Durant's commitment to service began 45 years ago when she was a middle schooler, volunteering as an aid and companion at a transition house for those with mental health challenges. Those hours of service had a profound impact on her mindset, and she committed to community service as an integral part of her daily life.

In addition to providing emergency medical aid to those who call 911, she also drives the ambulance and supports other emergency operations with the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad in Maryland, and occasionally provides mutual aid to Virginia when needed.

What is the time commitment like for this community service? How do you balance it with your work and home life?

As an EMT and private with the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad, I am required to volunteer one, 12-hour overnight shift each week, and 20 additional weekend hours every two months. So, I contribute more than 750 duty hours a year. It is a privilege to do this work and rewarding to have immediate impact; this makes it easy to show up, even when I am tired or have other competing demands on my time.

What has been the most meaningful or memorable experience you’ve had as an EMT?

Each week there are memorable moments. We are often with people at the lowest point in their lives, and if we can successfully improve their physical and mental health outcomes or support their families who are experiencing the emergency alongside their loved ones, the immediate impact is very rewarding.

How do you prepare for the intense and fast-paced environment, whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional preparation?

We undergo a significant amount of training, testing and certification. When we are not running calls, we are running drills, reviewing protocols, discussing our approach to various calls and supporting each other on our crews. Preparation, and constant study and drills, help ensure confidence at a difficult moment.

What lessons have you learned through this experience?

Although my tasks as associate provost and dean are very different than as an EMT charge officer, the roles are similar in terms of working in an ensemble of expert, dedicated individuals who are driven by the mission of incredible impact on the well-being and success of our community members. I've learned in both roles to trust in the power of a team and the power of the diversity of our approaches to a challenge.

I have had a lifelong commitment to community service activities that get me out from behind a desk and part of a team with "hands-on" impact in my community. I learn something new every day I show up for duty, from my crew and from the incredible health care providers in our hospitals and health care system in the region.

Apart from this volunteer work, what else keeps you busy outside Mason? What do you do to relax?

I love spending time with my beautiful family and especially running, playing golf and enjoying the land around the Potomac River where we live.

Learn more about the College of Engineering and Computing

In This Story

Liza Wilson Durant

Topics

College of Engineering and Computing

Community Engagement

Off the Clock: Kenneth Strazzeri, a duathlete who bikes to work

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 15:04:51 +0000

Off the Clock: Kenneth Strazzeri, a duathlete who bikes to work Lauren Reuscher Wed, 06/14/2023 - 11:04

In This Story

Kenneth Strazzeri

Life is much more than time spent on the clock. In this series, we highlight the unique hobbies and volunteer activities of Mason's talented faculty and staff.

Kenneth Strazzeri rides his bike on the Fairfax Campus on Bike to Mason Day. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services

As term associate professor of statistics, course coordinator for STAT 250 (the quantitative reasoning course in the Mason Core), and academic advisor, Kenneth Strazzeri stays busy teaching about 300 students each semester. He teaches courses both in-person and online and has worked at ��AV since January 2012.

Beyond his passion for teaching, Strazzeri discovered two new interests in recent years: running and biking. He has competed in duathlons (run-bike-runs) and even won two.

This hobby is now his major mode of transportation, as well: commuting to Mason by bike has offered Strazzeri motivation and an opportunity to improve as an athlete.

How did you first get started with running and biking?

I began biking regularly during the pandemic as a way to socialize and interact with friends safely outdoors. In addition, the City of Fairfax ran a pandemic promotion at many local businesses, and I purchased my first pair of running shoes for 50% off through a gift card. I decided to start running as well.

After about nine months of training, I competed in my first duathlon. A sprint duathlon includes a 5K run, a 20–25K bike ride, and another 5K run. I have competed in six duathlons since fall 2021, as well as several road running races.

How did you decide to bike to work? Do you take advantage of any of Mason's biking resources/programs?

Once my children graduated from Mason's Child Development Center, I decided to cancel my parking pass and ride my bike to work (since I did not need to drop off my child). I was now in far better physical shape and felt like it was a great way to get outside every day and save gas and the money I paid for parking. Once I discovered Mason's Bicycle Commuter Choice program where I would get paid to ride to work, I was hooked.

How far is your commute? What do you do on bad weather days?

I am lucky that my commute is just under two miles, and on a good day, I can get to my office faster than I could driving (six minutes is my record). Bad weather days can be accommodated with the parking passes you earn from the Bike Commuter Choice program. I have enough warm wear to handle the cold for my short ride; however, there were very few days with temperatures below freezing this past winter.

Strazzeri wins first place at a sprint duathlon in Richmond, Virginia, in May 2023. Photo by California Triathlon

What has been the most meaningful or memorable experience you’ve had in this hobby?

Personally, I am accomplishing things that I thought I might not be able to do. It has kept me young, physically fit, and healthy.

With my family, I am far more able to keep up with my kids. We can take bike rides together or I can run next to them when they ride.

Lastly, I have met some wonderful people in the biking and running community, including our amazing bike transportation staff at Mason. Find me on Strava (an exercise tracking app) or even better, let's meet up for a ride. I would love to meet and ride with other Mason community members.

What lessons have you learned through this experience?

If I can do it, anyone can do it. It cannot be a fad, but a lifestyle change. For those who think you do not have the time, an evening ride around the Mason loop is quite enjoyable and very well lit. A sunrise run around Burke Lake is also a lovely experience. Whether you like running, riding, or any other physical exercise, do it for yourself, but also for your family and loved ones.

Any safety tips for cyclists and drivers out there?

Bike riders, wear bright colored clothes, and be safe while riding with cars around. Mason's loop does have bike lanes, but I do wish all drivers would stay out of them. Also, drivers, please use turn signals.

Learn more about biking resources at ��AV, including the Bicycle Commuter Choice program, bicycle/scooter registration, Patriot Bicycle Checkout Program, and more. Check out this video featuring members of the Mason community who bike to campus.

Topics

Parking and Transportation

Bicycling

Transportation

Statistics

School of Computing

College of Engineering and Computing

Off the Clock: Maria Uriyo started a nonprofit robotics group and competes in tournaments with her family

Shayla Brown — Tue, 23 May 2023 17:35:52 +0000

Off the Clock: Maria Uriyo started a nonprofit robotics group and competes in tournaments with her family Shayla Brown Tue, 05/23/2023 - 13:35

In This Story

Maria Uriyo

Life is much more than time spent on the clock. In this series, we highlight the unique hobbies and volunteer activities of Mason's talented faculty and staff.

As assistant professor and online Master of Health Administration coordinator in ��AV’s College of Public Health (CPH), Maria Uriyo teaches courses on Contemporary Issues in Health Systems Management and co-manages the Master of Health Administration Program's capstone research class.

When she’s off the clock, she coaches and mentors children in competitive robotics through her non-profit group, Abacus Robotics, which she formed with her husband. The non-profit provides STEM programs to children within the community and its competitive team, IronMechs, competes in various tournaments throughout the year.

How did you first get started with coaching robotics?  How long have you been doing it?  

In 2012, I was drawn into robotics by my eldest daughter who was interested in being part of her school’s robotics club. By 2015, my husband and I decided to create a private team. This initial team consisted of a child from another family and all three of our children. Our goal was to provide an environment that would nurture and allow full exposure to the various phases of building a robot and being on a competitive robotics team. This team evolved over the years to what it is now.

What is the time commitment? Does it vary at different times of year?

Our teams meet on Saturday mornings for four hours, and we focus on building, coding and driving sessions. The VEX Robotics season starts in August and ends in April with tournaments at local, regional, state, national and world levels. Teams aim to qualify to compete at the state-level championships, which will then open the way for them to compete at the world level. We typically register teams to compete at four local tournaments in order for them to qualify to compete at the state level, which last two days, and at the world level, which lasts three.

The IronMechs Middle School team won the Career Readiness Online Challenge Award received at the VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas, on April 29.

Maria Uriyo (second from right), her husband Newland Agbenowosi (center) and assistant coach, Julie Fant (second from left) with students from their robotics team.

What has been the most meaningful or memorable experience you’ve had in this hobby?  

In 2015, our team qualified to compete at the national competition in Council Bluffs, Iowa. One memory still stands out: witnessing our team helping another team from Garland, Texas, diagnose why their robot was not functioning. The children on the team from Texas couldn’t speak English. Despite the language barrier, both teams were able to communicate through their shared objective of fixing the robot, with engineering and robotics transcending cultural boundaries and allowing for cross-cultural collaboration. As a coach, it was a truly heartwarming experience to witness.

What lessons have you learned through this experience?  

I’ve learned many lessons from coaching robotics, such as success in a team comes from members who are willing to learn, adapt, and collaborate with others while being open to new ideas. Also, robotics provides an excellent platform for bringing the design process to life. It involves working within required specifications and regulations for building robots that have various capabilities. Lastly, as a coach/mentor, it is crucial to have teaching values/principles that you adhere to. Contrarian views that shift such values will negatively affect the team’s performance.

What else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?  

When possible, I enjoy road trips with my family. I enjoy nature and love taking photos of flowers—especially roses.

Topics

College of Public Health

Nonprofits

robotics

Off the Clock: Caroline Masakayan makes a difference as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) for children

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 13:15:12 +0000

Off the Clock: Caroline Masakayan makes a difference as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) for children Lauren Reuscher Thu, 04/13/2023 - 09:15

Life is much more than time spent on the clock. In this series, we highlight the unique hobbies and volunteer activities of Mason's talented faculty and staff.

Caroline Masakayan, student enrichment coordinator in the College of Education and Human Development and court-appointed special advocate (CASA) for children. Photo provided

As the student enrichment coordinator in ��AV’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), Caroline Masakayan helps organize a variety of student activities, including writers’ retreats, destress events, the CEHD Student Research Symposium, and the college’s Degree Celebration. She also supports student organizations and the college’s two learning communities. Before arriving at Mason in June 2022, Masakayan worked as a third-grade teacher.

Outside of work, Masakayan volunteers as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA), helping children experiencing tough living situations, abuse, and neglect. She has been volunteering since February 2022, helping kids in need and building strong relationships with them.

How did you first get started with this volunteer work? How long have you been doing it?

I learned about the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program years ago when I was in college. A mentor mentioned that she was a CASA and explained that CASAs work to advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. I remember thinking how difficult the work sounded, and honestly didn’t think about it again for years.

Then, in my first year as a third-grade teacher, I had a student who was living in a foster care placement. I was contacted by the student’s CASA to provide information about how the student was doing in school—socially, academically, and behaviorally. The CASA was able to add that information to her report and use it to shape her recommendation of next steps for the child and family. Again, I thought how hard that work must be, but something stuck with me this time.

When I started thinking about leaving the classroom in the early months of 2022, I knew I still wanted to be able to work with kids somehow, and being a CASA seemed like a perfect fit.

What is the time commitment? Does it vary at different times of year?

The time commitment varies depending on what is happening in the case. The work consists of home visits, writing up notes and reports, and continuing education. Generally, it only takes a few hours a month. That being said, report writing is a lengthy process, so the commitment is a bit more in months when your case goes to court.

What has been the most meaningful or memorable experience you’ve had in this role?

The most meaningful part of this work is the relationships with the kids. Once the relationships are established, it’s fun to see the kids light up when you walk in the door. Stability is often a challenge for these kids, as they can sometimes be moved multiple times throughout the duration of their case. Being a steady, friendly, familiar face can be a real source of comfort for the kids, and it’s special to be able to play that role.

What lessons have you learned through this experience?

This experience has given me a lot of perspective. People experience very real, very difficult things all the time. You truly never know what someone is going through and a smile or a little kindness can go a long way.

What else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Exercise is my favorite way to clear my mind and relieve stress, so I’ve been really enjoying my time at the gym. Lately I’ve also been reading a lot and watching lots of good documentaries.

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Topics

College of Education and Human Development

Children and Youth

Women's History Month

Off the Clock: Dominique Banville says curling is more than straight-up fun

Lauren Reuscher — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 20:21:59 +0000

Off the Clock: Dominique Banville says curling is more than straight-up fun Lauren Reuscher Tue, 01/17/2023 - 15:21

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Topics