What Does Your ACEE Participation Mean to You?

2007–2008 members were asked, "What has your ACEE participation meant to you?"

"I'm very happy with my decision to join ACEE and it has been a great 1st job, just out of college experience. I've been grateful for the thought and concern of the supervisors in my professional development and in my general well-being."

"My year in ACEE has been invaluable as a transition from college to the working world. I feel certain now that I will continue to working education and/or the non-profit sector, and that I always want service to be part of my life. More than that, though, I have become a more open, focused, driven person through my work with ACEE, especially through developing relationships (working and personal) with my fellow members, my co-workers, and my children. I feel ready to do good things in the years to come."

"ACEE has been one of the best experiences of my life. Its amazing to be in contact with so many high-quality people at once (from ACEE staff to my fellow tutors to my teachers at school). And, of course, my relationships with my kids are PRICELESS."

"It is something I will never forget; this experience has made me stronger and more confident. It has reinforced my decision to become a teacher and has led me to make many wonderful hopefully lifelong friendships and connections. ~Thank You!!~ the staff is wonderful and kept me strong through the most difficult time of my life."

"My experience with ACEE has given me a great appreciation for those individuals who work in education as well as nonprofit organizations. It is truly amazing how much time and energy is dedicated to helping students obtain the tools they will need to succeed not only academically but in life as well."

"I couldn't begin to describe what this year has meant to me. I have grown to know and love each one of my focus children. Seeing the results from the first PALS (reading) scores to the last hes been very telling. During our end of the year celebration I had parents thank me and hugging me! I was so moved. My improvement and comfort as a tutor continued to grow until the last day!"

"It has been a great opportunity for me to delve into education and community service, both of which are very important to me. A wealth of experience has made me comfortable in the classrooms and team activities/situations."

"Participating in ACEE has been an empowering, eye-opening, and challenging experience. For me, its been all about my focus children: learning how to teach and communicate with them, hearing about their lives and encouraging them."

"Reaching out to a community in need in a very rewarding manner. Self development in the 7 keys of AmeriCorps excellence. Meeting all the good generous people left in the world."

"Participation in ACEE has meant 10 months of service to others. I have been served as well, however, and appreciate the assistance provided by staff members in the realms beyond the classroom, i.e., life after AmeriCorps and other trainings."

"I feel I am much stronger teacher. I value the volunteer aspect of it. I know more about the education system."

"I could write page upon page upon page. This job has been an incredible, wonderful fit for me. Now that I am officially finished with the tutoring part of this school year, I find myself getting depressed knowing that I cant go to school, see my kids, and get that daily pick me up. More than the kids, I wake up every morning knowing that I'm going to make a difference in somebody's life, and that is exactly how I want to feel about any future job. This has been an incredible first step in my post-college career."

"A renewal in the importance of community service and the positive feelings it can spread."

"ACEE gave me the opportunity to understand the importance of literacy! I've enjoyed working with the children, staff, teachers, and school!"

"I have strengthened my teaching skills and ACEE taught me to be more patient."

"Participation in this program has been a blessing to me. I was fortunate to move to another state to become part of the lives of beautiful and interesting children and wonderful teachers and bosses."

"It has meant a great deal. I've have grown mentally and was challenged positively. I've gained more insight into teachers'/tutors' lives and can relate or empathize with children in uncertain situation."

"A lot. It has been an experience where I have been allowed to explore my own strengths and weaknesses in a very open environment. I feel like I have had a great deal of personal freedom and have been guided to open a lot of doors for myself professionally. I never stopped learning of loving. My days are utterly worthwhile."

"First major step into adulthood."

"ACEE gave me the opportunity to fully immerse myself in community service. I formed incredible relationships with my focus children, teachers, and co-workers. I was also brought face to face with social issues I had only known from a distance before."

"Literacy instruction, ESL empowerment/love of Hispanic community, social times, great way to learn way around Austin, excellent career exploration, adorable kids."

"It has been a great opportunity that has helped set the tone for how I would like to live my life as an adult. I have made friends whom I admire and look up to. It has been very valuable to gain an appreciation for the Hispanic culture."

"ACEE has been invaluable for me in terms of my personal and professional growth. I would never have thought that a two-year experience with this service organization would affect me so profoundly or would show me that I could be a leader, I could teach reading, and teach it well, or I could meet so many amazing people."

"I have learned more about life, adulthood, economics, and literacy than I ever expected to. I have been loved and adored by one hundred smiling little faces just because I cared."