Meet Gaby Behrns, a freshman Psychology Major here at CSU. Gaby participated in our Office of Civic Engagement America Reads program this year at the E. 131st Branch of the Cleveland Public Library, where she logged 108 service hours and engaged with 238 community members. Take a look below to learn more about Gaby's experience in the program!
Name: Gaby Behrns
Major: Psychology
Class Standing: Freshman
How long have you worked for the Viking Corps or America Reads program?
I worked with the America Reads program for 5 months.
After being part of Viking Corps or America Reads, what do you feel you have you been able to learn about the community or people you serve?
Each child I worked with had a different personality and a different learning technique. I learned how to work with both of these to give each child the best experience possible. Some days were harder than others, but in the end we always figured it out and the child was able to go home satisfied with themselves and their work.
What benefits do you feel you gained from being part of the Viking Corps or America Reads program and/or getting to work with the program's staff?
I never realized how much work libraries put in for after-school programs. I worked at the East 131st branch and they put in so much time and work into everything. During my time there, I saw so many new faces so excited to participate in the things that had been provided for them. I was so lucky to be apart of it all, the kids absolutely adored all the activities that they planned during my time there. Working there was such a rewarding process. In my future, I want to work with children and this was a great way to gain some experience.
What rewarding or special experiences have you had being a tutor or student worker in a non-tutoring position?
In one of the last weeks working at the East 131st branch, there was this fashion show that the employees had organized with the kids. It was such a big hit, every kid either watched it or participated in it. Even some of the kid's parents came to watch the fashion show. They made different accessories out of newspapers and other items that someone might just throw away. You really got to see every kid's personality as they walked down the runway. I got to sit in the front row and cheer on all the kids as they showed off their outfits. All of the kids were talking about it for the next week. It was one of my favorite memories while I worked there.
If you are a CSU student and would like to have a meaningful experiential learning experience in Viking Corps or CPL America Reads please contact Anita Ruf-Young at a.rufyoung@csuohio.edu for information about these programs. Click here to view more Viking Corps and America Reads students profiles.