Habitat for Humanity
H4H build on Nov. 2, 2012
My parents occasionally flipped houses when I was in high school to supplement their income; as soon as they took on a new project, my mother transformed into a savvy business tycoon, my father became an expert handyman, and my brother and I (a.k.a. free labor) soon became accomplished jacks-of-all-trades. So when I learned about an organization that builds houses for families in need, I felt I could make a difference. This particular photo was taken with a few members of LSU's Golden Key on a project for a local family near LSU.
One of the great things about Habitat for Humanity is that every recipient family is required to log 500 hours towards building their home. The organization endearingly calls it "sweat equity." This house was being built for a young single mother, who was there with us every weekend. Not only did she have more than 200 hours over the required amount logged, but she also helped to build a house in the lot next to this one (not shown) for another family. It was a privilege to work next to someone like that.
To learn more about this organization, click here. To learn more about current projects in Baton Rouge, click here.
One of the great things about Habitat for Humanity is that every recipient family is required to log 500 hours towards building their home. The organization endearingly calls it "sweat equity." This house was being built for a young single mother, who was there with us every weekend. Not only did she have more than 200 hours over the required amount logged, but she also helped to build a house in the lot next to this one (not shown) for another family. It was a privilege to work next to someone like that.
To learn more about this organization, click here. To learn more about current projects in Baton Rouge, click here.
Chemistry Demonstrations
Acid/Base Demo at Copper Mill Elementary School, Feb. 26, 2010.
Though no stranger to performing science demonstrations thank to SPS, I was introduced to "Chem-Demos" by Dr. George Stanley, who always incorporates community outreach with any class he teaches. I was lucky enough to have him for both Honors General Chemistry II and Organometallics with an Honors Option. Doing demonstrations for children is a great way to learn communication skills. You have to be creative, be able to think fast on your feet, and always maintain an upbeat attitude. In my opinion, you only truly understand a concept once you are able to successfully teach it to others. Over the years, I've performed at venues such as the State Capitol, Super Science Saturday at the PMAC, Copper Mill Elementary School, Zachary Elementary School, Baker High School, Plaquemine High School, and the 4-H Conference in Port Allen. The Acid/Base demo is being shown on the right, demonstrating how an acid (Sprite) can dissolve the major component of airplanes (magnesium). The liquid nitrogen ice cream demo has to be the #1 most popular with every audience, however. Even when doing Physics demos, I always incorporate Dr. Stanley's recipe for liquid nitrogen ice cream with a buffet of toppings and flavors (my personal favorite is mint chocolate chip).
To read more about my first ChemDemo, click here.
To read about the four demos done at Copper Mill Elementary School (one is shown below), click here.
To learn more about Dr. Stanley and his community outreach efforts, click here.
To read more about my first ChemDemo, click here.
To read about the four demos done at Copper Mill Elementary School (one is shown below), click here.
To learn more about Dr. Stanley and his community outreach efforts, click here.
Additional Organizations
I've had the privilege of working with several other wonderful organizations, such as sorting food in the warehouse of the Baton Rouge Food Bank, doing arts and crafts with the local Boys and Girls Club, volunteering with the Baton Rouge Hospice organization, and even working with Dr. Marybeth Lima in designing a safe playground for White Hills Elementary School. To learn more about these organizations, click its name.