I have been fortunate to have interns through ASU’s Service
Learning Program that have become a huge asset to my organization, Barrio Nuevo
Phoenix. We are a community development non-profit organization that works with
multi-ethnic at-risk youth in South Phoenix.
One of my desires has been to get interns that reflect the racial
diversity of South Phoenix, which is Hispanic and African American. This
semester my “dream” came true in Nancy Ramos who lives in South Phoenix. She
was born in Wickenburg and grew up in a first generation Hispanic family. After
graduating from high school she joined the Army to see the world. Upon
finishing her commitment, she returned to Arizona and got a job at Boeing.
Nancy has become an amazing part of Barrio Nuevo. She is
very capable of jumping into any discussion with our teens whether it is in our
mentor or life skills group. She can easily relate to growing up around poverty
and racial prejudice. What causes Nancy to have such a huge impact are the
choices she made to succeed and her life experience. Nancy refuses to let our
teens make excuses about their circumstances but challenges them to take
initiative and be different.
I want to thank Nancy for her heart to serve our youth, and
ASU for having a Service Learning Program that is making a difference!
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