Urban Views Weekly July 15, 2015

July 15, 2015

Scholar of the Week – Shakera Vaughan

College Prep starts now

Civic Beat FUNdraising Good Times

Summer writing

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seeking? Be specific.

Here are six things you should know before writing a proposal.

5. Where could the money come from? You can begin your funding research using The Foundation Center’s online resources (fconline.fdncenter.org/).

You can pay a small fee for access from your computer, or you may be able to use the database at your library as many libraries subscribe, providing you with free access. When you identify a potential funder, review their guidelines closely before you begin writing. Make sure that your project and organization meet the funder’s requirements.

2 1. What type of funding are you seeking? Do

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Summer reading is highlighted in Oprah and other magazines each year. A good read is great to enjoy on the beach or curled up on a lawn chair. But what about a good summer write? That’s right –start writing now to help the money come in at the end of the year, or perhaps next spring. That’s how it’s done. Writing proposals now prevents future complaints such as “how can I write that proposal in just three days?” It’s called planning ahead.

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you want a grant for a specific program, general operating support, equipment purchases, an advocacy campaign, or for a building (capital project)? Most organizations are looking for funds for multiple projects at the same time. For example, unrestricted or general operating funds are most coveted as they provide an organization with the greatest flexibility. But many foundations now seek to focus their giving more narrowly, and while they may want to support your afterschool health program, they may not be willing to fund outreach that helps ensure you reach the target group of children you want to engage.

2. How much money do you need to raise in total? How much do you expect to raise from foundations? Corporations? Government sources?

Individual donors? Many funders want to see a diversity of projected revenue and they look for it in your proposed budget.

3. What is your projected impact? What will be different if your organization secures the funds it is

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Urban Views Weekly | July 15, 2015

4. What types of written materials do you have that can help inform the proposal writing process?

Ideally you have a case for support that you can draw from. If not, you will need access to your mission statement, vision statement, organizational description, program description, projected evaluation method, impact and – again – budget.

6. Review the required attachments. Make a list of what you will need to provide. This often includes your 501c3 letter, audited financials, an organizational budget, a project budget, board list with affiliations, and sometimes a list of other projected funders for the project. The attachments alone can launch a mini-crisis if you try to pull these together two hours before the proposal is due.

Start now, and reduce future stress.

Copyright 2015– Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success. For help with your fundraising, visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

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University of Richmond summer program allows middle and high school students to explore STEM disciplines

Chelsie Motley

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The University of Richmond’s Math Science Investigators program encourages middle and high school students from Richmond City Public Schools to discover new methods of engaging with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines.

About 150 students, ranging from eighth to tenth grade, are participating this summer in the eleventh annual MSI program, which will run through July 23. The major goal of the program is to better prepare students to enroll in Advance Placement classes, the International Baccalaureate program and honors courses in math and science.

Instructors from schools throughout the region teach courses on everything from algebra to earth science to introduction to robotics. Participating students are exposed to math and science professionals through presentations and workshops, and take field trips to educational sites, including Johns Hopkins University, Duke University, Luray Caverns and the Math Science Innovation Center. Tenth graders are provided the opportunity to conduct research in a lab alongside a UR undergraduate student.

“We want to increase the number of urban students in the STEM pipeline who are preparing to assume responsible roles as math and science professionals,” said Waide Robinson, an adjunct education professor and director of the MSI program. “We are preparing these students for a brighter future by helping them understand what it means to work hard, but we have a lot of fun while doing it.”

Chelsie Motley participated in the MSI program for five years, three of which were in the mentor/mentee research program.

The recent Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School graduate will be attending Johns Hopkins University in the fall, where she plans to pursue a double major in neuroscience and writing seminars.

She aspires to a career in research, and would like to teach at the higher education level.

“MSI allowed me to work with UR faculty and students to conduct research in the fields of neuroscience on maternal behavior and microbiology on a bacterium known as Sodalis Glossinidius,” Motley said. “The experiences I gained through this program were invaluable. I developed a passion for science and research, as well as a deeper understanding for the value of education.”

“In my application essay to Johns Hopkins, I talked about my research experiences, which were made possible through the MSI program,” Motley added.

The MSI program is sponsored by Altria, University of Richmond School of Professional & Continuing Studies, and Richmond City Public Schools.

Photos, University of Richmond Communications Urban Views Weekly | July 15, 2015

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ViewPoints

By Dr. T

County Clerks & the LAW “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.” ---Matthew 22:21 NAS

who has gone through a messy or painful divorce can attest to the physical nature of the contract of marriage.

Those are the words of Jesus Christ speaking to the confusion some people were having around God and government in the payment of their taxes. I think we need to be reminded, sometimes, that not everyone is a Christian; and, therefore, what is written in the Bible is not written to them and they are not bound by it. No matter how much you want that not to be true, it is absolutely true. Jesus in using a coin minted by the Roman government as an example, asked the people whose inscription was on the coin? They replied Caesar’s inscription and, therefore, they were to pay Caesar what he was due no matter how much they didn’t want to do it. You use what is Caesar’s, you owe Caesar his due. That’s why we pay taxes to the government, because we use services provided to us by the government. There is no way around it. In fact, if you try to get around it you are breaking the law and the government may be coming for you real soon, so watch your back.

County Clerks are sworn by their local and municipal governments to issue the licenses that allow couples to get married in their respective counties and states. We the people, through our tax dollars, pay the salaries and provide the facilities that house the offices in which these civil servants work. They are the employees of the people in the various towns, villages, and counties around the country. Since they are employees of the tax paying citizenry, they are obligated to uphold the laws that govern the constituents of their respective town or municipality. The SCOTUS is the judicial branch of the government that ALL the citizens of the United States of America are governed by.

We are ALL bound by the decisions that The Court renders because we are citizens. We do not get to choose what laws we want to obey and what laws we don’t. If we did, can you begin to imagine the type of anarchy that would ensue?

Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D.

Founder and Artistic Director The Conciliation Project and Associate Professor Virginia Commonwealth University DrT@Margins2theCenter.com www.theconciliationproject.org

We are a people, who are governed by the laws of the land.

We have a constitution that is supposed to provide us equal protection under the law and we pay taxes for that very protection. A few weeks ago, the Supreme Court of the United States of America issued a ruling that provided to samesex couples the rights and privileges that heterosexual couples are afforded through the legal act of marriage. More than a spiritual union, the act of marriage is a physical contract and there are legal benefits and consequences inherent in that contract. Anyone

On the other hand, are there any of us who work for an employer where we get to decide what functions of our job responsibilities we WILL or WILL NOT do? I don’t know of any job where that is the case. YOU, County Clerks, who have a religious conviction about NOT fulfilling the job requirements you were hired by the tax paying citizenry to do, YOU need to either SUCK it UP and DO your JOB or FIND Other Employment IMMEDIATELY. You’re Fired!

Up Next Week: The Flag Came Down, Now What?

TanyaFree.com/ Urban Views Weekly Poll

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A third grade teacher read a fable entitled “Kings & Kings” to his students after hearing some students bullying a classmate. The fable features a same-sex romance of princes who become kings after marriage. There were complaints by some parents who wanted the book banned and felt that the teacher was indoctrinating young minds and promoting homosexuality. The school board determined that the book should not be banned, but that teachers must now inform parents of every book they plan to read to the class.

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What’s your take? Should the elementary school curriculum include same-sex relationships and marriage?

Check out the story and respond to this week’s poll at TanyaFree.com and the Urban Views Weekly FACEBOOK Page. Listen to the Tanya Free and Friends Talk Show Wednesdays @ 2 p.m. on WCLM1450AM streaming LIVE @ TanyaFree.com and BlackTalkRadioNetwork.com.

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Delicious, Stay Cool Celebration Tips for Summer Parties and Picnics Beat the heat this summer with some delicious and refreshing celebration tips. It’s all about keeping your cool when preparing and enjoying fun meals.

Cool, Crisp Wine Stick with fresh and crisp white wines that complement lighter, warm weather fare.

Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are classic white wine varietals easily found at grocery stores.

Chardonnay, a medium bodied wine with notes of fresh melon and pineapple, makes an excellent pairing with BBQ chicken or richer seafood dishes, such as crab or salmon. A wine to try is St. Francis Sonoma County Chardonnay 2013, made from grapes handpicked in the cool of night to create a wine with delicate aromas, crisp acidity, and a rich, lingering finish.

For a lighter bodied wine, Sauvignon Blanc, with a highly aromatic fruit profile, is perfect for salads, sushi and fresh, young cheeses such as goat cheese. For your next picnic, consider grabbing a bottle of St. Francis Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc 2014 that features crisp flavors and aromas of citrus, kiwi, and mango with a touch of lime.

Chilled Dishes In summer, the last place you want to be is in a hot, humid kitchen. The perfect solution is to make classic chilled dishes like fruit sorbets, tomato salsas, fresh green salads and seafood carpaccio.

For summer’s most refreshing meal, St. Francis Winery Chef Bryan Jones shares his recipe for Chilled Potato-Leek Soup with White Truffle Oil and Lemon. Pair with St. Francis Sonoma County 2013 Chardonnay or 2014 Sauvignon Blanc and serve with a light green salad and a baguette with goat cheese.

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Ingredients: • 2 russet potatoes, diced • 3 leeks • 3 cloves garlic, chopped • 3 tablespoons butter • 4 cups water • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 2 teaspoons salt • White truffle oil • 1 lemon • 4 chive strands • Salt and white pepper to taste Preparation: • Trim off the green end of leeks, slice in half lengthwise and rinse. Dice leeks. Heat 3 tbsp of butter in a medium sauce pan over medium heat.

Add leeks, garlic and 2 tsp salt. Cook until leeks are soft but not brown, stirring occasionally.

• Add diced potatoes to leeks and cover with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes fall apart.

• Add cream, bring to a boil and remove from heat. Let cool to almost room temperature. Purée in a blender until texture is creamy.

• Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl.

Adjust seasoning and place in refrigerator to chill.

• Divide soup into bowls. Drizzle with a small amount of white truffle oil. Zest a small amount of lemon and sprinkle with chopped fresh chives.

Enjoy.

For more wine paired recipes from Chef Bryan Jones, check out St. Francis Winery’s website: www.StFrancisWinery.com/culinary/recipes.

Celebrate summer this year with cool vibes, chilled food and crisp wines.

Urban Views Weekly | July 15, 2015

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Preparation for college com College Packing Checklist The checklist below will help make sure you get to your dorm or apartment with all the necessary items so you can spend moving night unpacking instead of running to the store for things you forgot.

Clothes, Bedding & Linens Clothes are likely the items you’ll remember because they are confined to one central location, making them easy to pack. It’s the little things like shoes and accessories that you have to worry about — along with the bedding and linens that will make your semester comfortable.

Athletic shoes Dress shoes Extra sheets and pillowcases Laundry soap Fabric softeners Under-bed shoe storage

Computer Items The onset of technology in classrooms means college students need to be connected at all times. Many of your homework assignments and lesson plans will be available online, so make sure to have a quality laptop and plenty of related tools at your disposal.

Power cables Printer ink Flash drive or external hard drive Surge protector Headphones Required software

Room & Desk Your best friend in maintaining quality grades in college will be organization. Keeping your room and desk area tidy will help you stay on track and ahead of schedule on assignments.

Dry erase board or bulletin board Pins, markers, magnets, erasers 6

Urban Views Weekly | July 15, 2015

Lamp Pens, pencils and office supplies Extra batteries Radio or television

Choosing a Major Business administration or law enforcement?

Teaching or technology?

Nursing or web developer? Choosing a college major is one of the most important — and challenging — tasks for the new student.

And doing so before you start your first college class can play a major role in keeping you on schedule for graduating.

A college major is a specific field in which you will specialize.

Most students will go through two years of general studies before taking on industry-specific coursework, but knowing which route you’d like to take can help you get involved in related clubs or organizations.

Assess Yourself As a high school student, your guidance counselor likely prompted you to complete a skills assessment test. These types of tests ask you questions about your personality, and give you a list of career options for which you may be suited. You also can take these tests on your own online. Share your test results with your guidance counselor or collegiate advisor to discuss major options. You may just open up some doors you never knew existed.

major can choose to become a full-fledged CPA, a bookkeeper or financial manager.

Make a Choice

Tips for Adult Learners

It is important that you commit to a major early in your college career to take the right credits for graduation, especially if your alternate strategy is sitting out a semester. Many students end up changing their majors, but you can at least stay on track by staying enrolled full-time.

Many perceived barriers can stand in the way of the adult learner, including fear of failing, time constraints or anxiety about returning to school. With the right mindset, these concerns can be shortlived.

Sometimes the choice is made for you. If you specialize in a field such as nursing or engineering, that’s what you’ll major in because you’re learning a specific trade. Other majors prepare you to enter a range of careers after graduation. For example, a health science major can use their degree to become a physical trainer, athletic consultant or owner of their own workout facility. An accounting

You are rarely pigeonholed into one specific career role because of the major you choose. And, remember, if you choose to change majors that it’s important to stay focused on the ultimate task: graduating.

There are many resources available to help with the educational process. And by the time your first class gets under way, your focus will turn to the task at hand.

mes in many different forms

By Bernard Freeman

finishing homework and studying for tests. You may find yourself participating less frequently in social activities and blocking off late weeknights. This may seem like a burden at first, but it’s important to place education as a priority if it’s something you truly want to pursue.

Fortunately, many colleges offer classes on timelines that fit with schedules of adult learners. Classes that take place at night, during the weekend or online can help make your new educational experience more convenient.

Take the time to build a master schedule in a calendar or on a dry erase board. And don’t forget to continuously update it with important deadlines. This can help you map out an effective schedule to keep your responsibilities under control.

Navigating High School If you’re waiting until after your senior year of high school to get ready for college, you’re going to be behind the curve. Now more than ever before, it is important to start preparing from your freshman year forward. The proof is out there. It’s possible for high school students to concurrently graduate with their diploma and an associate degree.

What student wouldn’t want a two-year head start on their college career?

Use Your Advisors If you’re returning to school as a non-traditional student, odds are you have some specific career goals in mind. Maybe you’re taking extra classes to become better qualified for an internal promotion.

Maybe you’re looking to pursue a passion and make a complete career change. Whatever your goals, your college advisor is there to help.

They have likely helped many professionals just like you in their journey to furthering their education. They can walk you through the course schedule and give you tips on how to find success as an adult learner.

Map Out Your Schedule Adult learners typically have more responsibilities than traditional college students: more financial obligations, children to provide for and even full-time jobs, in some cases. These extra stresses make for a tight squeeze on your time — time that is valuable in

Even high school may not be soon enough to start making your college plans. Many schools begin preparing their eighth-graders for high school by building coursework plans and schedules. If you’re the parent of an eighthgrader, check in with your school’s principal to see what is offered in terms of early preparation.

Freshman and Sophomore Years It’s never too early to become involved in community activities.

Volunteering at your local food pantry or helping non-profit organizations plan for an upcoming event make great additions to your resume. They also open your eyes to new responsibilities and help you make new connections.

In terms of coursework, opt for elective classes that match your interests. If you plan to work as a chef or restaurant owner, take home economics classes whenever they’re offered.

And don’t be afraid to venture into new and unfamiliar subject matter. Getting out of your comfort zone can help expand your educational horizons.

Junior Year One of the most crucial tests you’ll take as a high school junior is the ACT test. According to ACT, Inc., many of our high school students are ill-prepared for the test.

Only a quarter of the 1.8 million graduates who took the ACT college entrance exam in 2013 met readiness benchmarks in all four core subjects, according to annual reports by the corporation.

Those four subjects are English, math, science and reading.

That 25 percent mark was down from 2012’s 31 percent measurement. As a student, or parent of a student, you should be alarmed by these numbers. You also should choose to do something about it.

If you’re in your third year of high school, you should have plenty of the core subjects in class by now. One of the first steps to preparing for the ACT test is to know if you have a shortcoming in one of the subjects. Extra tutoring and problemsolving exercises can go a long way in readying you for test time.

Senior Year Senior year is not all about visiting campuses and having a summer job. Students should be concerned with partaking in career-related internships that could get their foot in the door with a target company.

Before senior year starts, look at past ACT or SAT scores to find where you could improve. Taking courses in theses areas can help bolster your knowledge and prepare you for college classes.

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Urban Views Weekly | July 15, 2015

By Nathaniel Sillin

Back-to-school spending isn’t just about clothes and markers anymore.

In 2014, Forbes reported that Accenture estimated that nearly half of respondents reported they would spend $500 or more on back-to-school expenses, including not only clothes and desk supplies, but electronics as well.

Yet there’s one more aspect of back-to-school spending that’s growing and can add hundreds – and sometimes thousands – to a family’s overall K-12 education budget.

Since the 2008 economic crisis, many public school systems have tried to make up for funding shortfalls by adding first-time or expanded fees for sports, extracurricular activities and specialized academics.

This means that back-to-school budgeting, even for families with kids in public school, now requires a more holistic, year-round approach to all back-to-school expenses.

Given their potential dollar amounts, parents should examine school fees first. Public education has never been completely free of charge beyond local taxes – parents have traditionally paid extra money to support their kids’ participation in sports, music or other extracurricular activities. However, many school systems are adding fees for a broader range of offerings including after-school activities, top-level courses, lab-based instruction and even Advanced Placement (AP) classes. So, before you start spending money on clothes and supplies that can be bought off-season, on sale or possibly used, get a handle on how applicable instruction and activity fees might affect your budget. Parents in financial need may qualify for public aid or grants to cover such fees; if not, choices will need to be made.

Consider turning back-to-school shopping into a money lesson. Most kids like to have certain kinds of clothes, shoes or supplies. Those “wants” can be turned into a discussion about spending priorities, value, choice and comparison shopping. Using the Practical Money Skills Back to School Budget calculator with your kids can help them learn how to create a budget before shopping for essentials. As kids get older, the discussion can expand to cover bigger-ticket purchases like smartphones, computers and fees for special courses and activities they want to pursue. Some of these issues might evolve into a discussion about earning money through chores or a part-time job.

Once priorities are decided, every expense should be tracked, including a child’s round trip school transportation, meals, tutoring fees, or immunization and healthcare expenses not covered by insurance. And once that budget is set, it means a constant search for smart

ways to cut. Some ideas may include: Car pooling (track your costs to make sure you’re not adding significantly to your overall transportation budget) Packing lunches at home Working with school administrators to raise outside donations or grant funding to cover parents’ out-of-pocket costs Organizing school supplies in one place to avoid purchasing duplicates Renting equipment, supplies or instruments used until a child’s interests are established Scouting garage sales, thrift shops and online marketplaces for used, required-edition textbooks, instruments, electronics, sports equipment, clothes and other supplies you’d otherwise buy new; online resources shouldn’t charge shipping or return fees Reviewing school and classroom supply lists before buying essentials Bulk- and group-buying supplies and services with other parents to get volume prices Consolidating back-to-school shopping during tax-free days (if your state offers them) Swapping used supplies and equipment with other parents Checking retail memberships for any back-to-school savings they offer Watching for print and online coupons or special discount offers through your school Listening to your kids – they might spot money-saving ideas faster than you can One final secret budget item – rewards. Saving money on back-to-school expenses can help parents meet a number of financial goals, but kids’ academic or activity success deserves recognition. Consider setting aside a little of those savings for a reward they can enjoy.

Bottom line: When setting your back-to-school budget this year, think beyond the supplies. Consider every possible fee and expense associated with your child’s school year and plan accordingly.

Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney.

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Minority Banks Shut Out of New Markets Tax Credits Awards On June 15, 2015, the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund), an arm of the Treasury Department, issued $3.5 billion in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation to 76 entities across the country. Sadly, no funds were awarded to the nation’s minority banks, the institutions with the longest track records of deploying capital in the most unaderserved communities in our country.

The NMTC Program is designed to spur economic development in distressed communities across the U.S. The program provides a tax credit to investors who invest in projects or small businesses in those communities by funneling their investments through the recipients of tax credit allocation.

or larger institution applicants,’’ he went on to say.

“If not for the allocations that were awarded to our bank just after Hurricane Katrina, even less would have gone to minority banks,” stated Alden McDonald, CEO of Liberty Bank in New Orleans. “In spite of the experience we have gained, our successful NMTC investment track record and continued need in the communities we serve, we have not been able to win an NMTC allocation from the CDFI Fund since 2010,” he continued.

Bob James, President of Carver State Bank in Savannah, GA, (L-R)Michael Grant, president, National Bankers Association; Preston Pinkett, CEO, City stated, “our bank has applied for NMTC allocations six times National Bank, chair, National Bankers Association; B. Doyle Mitchell, CEO, Industrial Bank and have been rejected each time, in spite of our participation in over $60 million in NMTC projects and 88 year track record deploying capital in the most underserved parts of Georgia. We According to the CDFI Fund’s own Award Book, only six awards (less than 8%) went to minority think something needs to change to give us a fair opportunity to compete.” controlled entities of any kind, and those groups received only $165 million, under 5% of the total dollar amount of allocation. “The absence of a single minority bank raises much concern,” said Michael Grant, “Our banks have tried hiring consultants, attending CDFI Fund training seminars, finding creative ways President of the National Bankers Association. “In 2009, the General Accounting Office issued a report to gain direct experience in the NMTC Program, and speaking to the CDFI Fund and Secretary of the detailing the disparity in NMTC awards to minority entities. The numbers have actually gotten worse, not Treasury, all to no avail,” said Michael Grant. “Consistently, larger banks are awarded allocations which better,” he continued. enhances their profitability at the expense of our banks,” he continued. “Another concern is the relatively new entities created specifically to participate in the NMTC Program that do not have the long track A 2009 study by the Government Accountability Office indicated that only about 9% of minority entities records of service to poor communities like our minority banks. These new special purpose entities have were successful when applying for NMTCs, while non-minority entities had three times the success received significant awards from a program that is supposed to benefit the neighborhoods served by our rate, winning 27% of the time. According to GAO, although the program is highly competitive, minority membership,” he added. entities have less than a one in three chance of any other type of entity to receive an award. Minority banks have had even lower success rates than minority entities overall.

“The NMTC Program has great potential to be part of a comprehensive economic solution in America’s inner-cities, most of which still have not recovered from the Great Recession,” said Preston Pinkett, “By our estimates, less than 2% of the $450 billion in NMTCs issued over the past [12] years has gone to CEO of City National Bank and Chairman of the NBA. “But the groups best equipped to make those minority banks,” said Doyle Mitchell, CEO of Industrial Bank of Washington, D.C. and immediate past investments, minority banks - many of which have been in service for over 100 years- have largely been Chairman of the NBA. “Some of our banks have been deploying capital in the poorest neighborhoods shut out of the NMTC program,” he continued. “We need our CDFI Fund to do more; we need a real in America for over 100 years, and we think the CDFI Fund should review the program to ensure that change that will allow us to receive allocations so we can use these resources to improve our communities,” applications by minority and other small CDFI banks are evaluated on criteria that reflects their position he concluded. as regulated institutions operating in distressed areas, which is significantly different from non-regulated

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Urban Views Weekly | July 15, 2015

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Scholar of the Week

By Janeal Downs Regardless of any financial hardships she may face, Shakera Vaughan is determined to be something. She wants to prove others wrong and said she believes you definitely can do anything you put your mind to and are willing to work for. As a current senior at Open High School, Shakera currently has a 4.56 GPA. “My unusual hobbies include debating topics at complete random that probably have no relevance to what I was talking about in the first place,” Shakera said. Though she always had an interest in law after taking a government class with a teacher she called amazing and very engaging, she began to grow an interest in government.

Shakera has a passion for politics and enjoys keeping up with it by watching the news and CNN.

Shakera Vaughan of Open High School

GPA: 4.56

College of Interest: Cornell University Major Community Service: Project Rousseau, Future leaders program Strong Interests: Politics and derivatives in calculus Favorite Activity: Volleyball, Building leaders of RVA

Recently she had the opportunity to intern in the Governor’s office under Anne Holton, the Secretary of Education. She said this experience made her interested in education as well. “I want to be head of an Education Department and I know you need to be knowledgeable of how the government and executed policies work,” she said.

because she will be a first generation college student. She said the biggest influence in her life is her aunt, who she currently lives with. “She influences me to definitely want to do more,” Shakera said. She said her aunt always teaches her to do something she is passionate about even if it is something which does not make a lot of money.

Currently, Shakera is involved in numerous organizations; participates in community service; and also works as a hostess at Applebee’s. She has been active as a class council member, student representative, a member of the Young Adult Police Commission, Building Leaders of RVA, Future Leaders Council, Upward Bound, Honor and Scholar Club, Leadership Program, Debate team, and Key club. Her community service includes work with Project Rousseau, where she served as a mentor to students. She has also worked with the Parks Edge Community Center. Along with numerous other academic achievements, Shakera was a member of the Softball and Volleyball teams ™ at her former high school. ek

Scholar0 of the We

By combining her two passions of politics and education, Shakera said “even if I go out of state for college and I go out of state to get my master’s, I think ultimately I really do want to come back to Richmond and help out with the education system here.” Her college of interest is Cornell University in New York. Shakera hopes to go to college to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Politics. She also wants to go to Graduate school to get a degree in Public Administration. While in college she said she plans on completing a plentiful amount of internships within multiple different government departments.

Shakera said her entire family wants to see her succeed and are pushing her,

pass the time.”

Shakera is interested in derivatives in calculus.

“People look at me like I’ve grown a third eye once I tell them that sometimes I just do derivatives to

Shakera said she does not want to go to college because there will be late night parties and ample amount of freedom from parents and guardians, but she wants to fully develop her intelligence, strength, and character. She has always tried to get the most of any educational opportunity offered to her. “I know that my goals are a stretch but I truly do believe I have the determination and avid work ethic to fulfill them all,” Shakera said. “It’s not a matter of if they’re going to get done; it’s a matter of when they’re going to get accomplished.”

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How to Guide

How to Choose a Swim School Swimming is a fantastic way to exercise and have fun. It promotes a healthy lifestyle and gives bodies an all-around, low-impact workout. If your child isn’t a strong swimmer, a swim school may be the answer.

Office: (

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM

Check available class times. Morning classes may be best for toddlers who tire easily. School-age children may need late afternoon or early evening instruction.

Instructor Qualifications As you tour the facilities, ask the teachers or administrators about their qualifications. The staff should have CPR certification and swim instruction qualification. They should also be fully up-to-date on first aid techniques. You should also inquire about the history of the facility and find out if there have been any incidents that should concern you. You can also ask how much experience your child’s potential swim teacher has and with what age groups.

The right school and instructor will help your child develop a healthy respect for water. Obviously it is important to find a great facility that puts safety first. Visiting swimming schools will help you determine which one is appropriate for your family. When choosing a swim school, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Safety and Hygiene The swimming pool and locker rooms should be safe, clean and hygienic. A dirty facility is a breeding ground for injuries and bacteria, which can cause troublesome infections. An unclean facility will also tell you about the quality of the management.

Other questions to consider: Are safety rules enforced consistently? Is there a qualified lifeguard on duty at all times? Does the facility allow non-potty-trained babies and toddlers in the swimming pool? What procedure is followed if a baby or toddler defecates in the swimming pool? The answers to these questions will help you determine if the facility is safe for you and your family.

Type of Classes and Times Swim schools often focus solely on adults or children. You might, however, find a school that offers a selection of courses for both groups. For your child, try to find a class that matches age group, comfort level and swimming ability.

Class size is another aspect to consider. Nervous or shy children may benefit from private classes, while others do well in class sizes of 5-7 students. Some private instructors will allow you to accompany your child in the pool.

Additionally, some classes focus on learning specific swim strokes while others

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804.649.6868 concentrate on games and fun. The best lessons will incorporate safety procedures and drowning prevention techniques into their activities.

These classes will help your child learn critical swimming and survival skills. Even toddlers can benefit from swimming lessons, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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Recommendations Recommendations provide an excellent starting point for finding the best swim school for your family. Check with family, friends and neighbors to see if they can recommend a school or instructor. Your child’s learning institution might also have suggestions.

Your town’s park and recreation department may provide swimming classes or recommendations.

Location Going to and from lessons should not be a chore. Look for a facility near your home or child’s school. You can integrate the lessons into your child’s school day if the facility is located in a convenient spot.

Trust your instincts, as well as those of your child. If your son or daughter does not like the school, trust that feeling. Also, take the time to research your options thoroughly.

Swimming can be fun, when learned from trained professionals, in a safe and comfortable environment.

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Urban Views Weekly | July 15, 2015

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Urban Views Weekly | July 15, 2015

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