Interview Questions
Questions for Jaycee Dugard
- What were some of your favorite things to do with your friends and family as a little girl?
- How well do you remember your family?
- How often would you think about your family during your 18-year abduction?
- Do any moments from before your kidnapping remain in your mind? For instance, any significant memories that you had obtained?
- If so, did you use any of those memories to stay positive and strong during your situation?
- What do you remember from living in Garden Grove, Ca?
- Do you think that you were adapting well with making friends after your move to Tahoe?
- What, if anything, do you remember from your abduction on June 11, 1991?
- Can you take me step by step of what you remember from that day?
10. Did you ever resent your family for not rescuing you?
11. Did you ever try to run away?
12. Did you ever feel comfortable with your abductors and the situation?
13. What was your initial reaction toward your abductors?
14. What would like like to see happen to your kidnappers?
15. How did you feel about having your first child at the young age of 14?
16. What was it like to go through childbirth without hospitalization?
17. Was giving birth the second time easier for you?
18. After going through your pregnancy and child birthing, did you feel like the children were “yours” even though you have been told to consider them your sisters?
19. How have you felt toward your abductors since you have been reconnected with your biological family?
20. Are you happy to be back with your family? What do you plan to do next?
Print Writing
Class Drinking Troubles Reach 42% Participation
5 of the 12 students in David Morrow’s Journalism 107 class have admitted to being caught and cited by police for consuming alcohol.
Vanessa Browne, Amber Lewis, Sabrina Loureiro, Lindsay Toste and Kevin Vania have each received drinking fines, court appearances and community service. Lewis, 44, was arrested for a DUI in Texas at the legal age of 18 and had the charges dropped. Browne and Toste recalled paying the total fines listed on their tickets. Loureiro and Vania both paid fines, along with attending alcohol forums and information classes.
Vanessa Browne, 20, was 15-years and 17-years old when caught for underage drinking and believes she “was one of the unlucky ones,” while at a party with friends. Browne says that although she was given two Minor in Consumptions, the fine for drinking alcohol while under the age of 21-years-old. Browne’s rush with the law has not stopped her from “having a good time with friends and drinking.”
Lindsay Toste received Minor in Consumption and Disturbing the Peace citations.
Sabrina Loureiro, 21, was given two Minor in Consumptions in 2008, one month from the first. She too, agreed with Browne’s comment about being unlucky, “It’s not fair,” Loureiro said. “I was being smart and walking down the street instead of driving my car.” Loureiro was cited for underage drinking while walking home from a friend’s birthday party. She reported leaving her car at the party. Loureiro paid her fines and attended the Victim Impact Panel, a group of speakers who describe their experience or loss of a loved one, due to a drinking and driving incident.
Kevin Vania, 20, received a Minor in Consumption ticket for obtaining a beer in hand in the dorms. His second offense came when walking home from a bar and was stopped by police: “They (the police) threw me against the car and claimed I was resisting a breathalyzer.” For each offence, Vania paid the fines. Unfortunately for Vania, he was later pulled over for running a red light and was given a DUI after blowing a 0.082 on the breathalyzer. After going to the drunk tank, Vania paid the minimum fines, attended the Victim Impact Panel, completed 48 hours of community service and a level one DUI class. Vania no longer drives under the influence of alcohol.
Each alcohol related case had difference circumstances and outcomes, but each individual went through very similar life experiences. Whether it was underage drinking or driving under the influence, alcohol is a substance that is everywhere and can be abused by a variety of people. From the people interviewed, their citations did not stop them from continuing to drink.
Interview Summaries
Vanessa Browne was born in Houston, Texas and raised in Reno, Nevada. Her biological father is a native from Mexico, but she was raised by her stepfather. She wants to retire in Southern California and work at Disneyland. She is a journalism major and wants to someday join the peace corps.
Lucas Pakele was born in Bakersfield, Calif. His family moved to Reno, Nevada by driving through the city and his mother fell in love. Lucas’ father is from Hawaii. He has two half siblings, both in which are older than him. His hobbies include reading long series and “Fire Hooping”.
Renelle Pinero was born and raised in Tahoe. Her major is journalism. Both of her parents are from the Philippines and she has one younger sister. Renelle enjoys paying her guitar and writing poetry in her free time. She works at the font desk of Harrah’s in Tahoe. She wants to be a publicist for a non-profit organization.
Valerie Skinner was born in Sacramento, Calif. and raised in Grass Valley, Calif. She is a journalism major and is interested in broadcasting television. Her mother is from Costa Rica and her father is from Boston, Mass. Valerie’s hobbies include drawing, snow boarding, skiing and playing tennis. Her idol is Kelly Ripa because of her success at a television host.
Kevin Vania was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. He is an English major. He has a 14-year old sister. Kevin enjoys snow boarding and listening to music. He plans on going to graduate school and interning. He has not left the country and really likes Reno, Nevada.
Devin Seidel was born and raised in Reno, Nevada. He is 24-years old. Devin is a psychology major. He has one older brother. Devin’s hobby is staying positive and “sharpen the mind and body.” He wants to eventually travel the world, and he enjoys visiting his brother that lives in New York.
Stephen Ward was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is an English Literature major, but is very interested in journalism. His hobbies include writing music, swimming and bike riding. Stephen wants to go to graduate school in the Bay Area. He claims to not have had a “real” high school experience due to his involvement in a traveling music band.
Josh Intlekofer was born in Thousands Oak, Calif. and raised in Moore Park, Calif. He is a journalism major, with an interest in advertising. Josh has one older brother. His hobbies include snow boarding, skating, playing sports and working out at the gym. When he was 16-years old, Josh was hit by a car while on his long board.
Alexandra Zugel is 19-years old and was born and raised in Reno, Nevada. She is a journalism major and a Spanish minor. She attended Catholic school for the majority of her schooling. Alexandra’s hobby is fashion. In 2007, she was at a party with some friends when someone decided to pour gasoline onto a fire, which flew and cause her face, hair and eyebrows on fire.
Lindsay Toste was born and raised in San Jose, Calif. She moved to Reno, Nevada during her senior year of high school. She is a journalism major and a French minor. Her hobbies include playing soccer, basketball and surfing. She loves going to the ocean and being in the water. Lindsay wants to eventually move to San Francisco.
Amber Lewis born in Atlanta, Georgia and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. She lost her parents when she was 5-years old and was raised by her aunt and uncle. She is an English and journalism major. Her hobbies include hiking, photography, reading, and spending time with her sons and husband.
Broadcast Writing
MISSING 16-YEAR-OLD GIRL, KARAJMIT KAUR, WAS FOUND AT 5:45 THIS MORNING IN MERRILLVILLE, INDIANA. KAUR HAS BEEN MISSING SINCE WEDNESDAY EVENING. SHE WAS FOUND AT A HOTEL WITH HER BROTHER-IN-LAW, PARVINDER SINGH. KAUR’S CLASSMATES AT NORTH VALLEYS HIGH SCHOOL TOLD POLICE THEY RECALL KAUR SPENDING BREAKS WITH AN OLDER, MIDDLE EASTERN MALE. KAUR IS NOW IN POLICE CUSTODY AND IS SAID TO BE UNHARMED. THE DISAPPEARANCE IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION.
THREE AMERICANS HAVE BEEN AWARDED WITH THE 2009 NOBEL PRIZE FOR THEIR WORK IN MEDICINE. DR. ELIZABETH BLACKBURN, DR. CAROL GREIDER AND DR. JACK SZOSTAK SOLVED A PROBLEM OF CELL BIOLOGY THAT HAS SIGNIFICANT RELEVANCE TO CANCER AND AGING. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT THE NOBEL PRIZE HAS BEEN AWARDED TO MORE THAN ONE WOMAN. EACH WINNER WILL RECEIVE EQUAL SHARES OF A MONETARY PRIZE WORTH 1.4 MILLION DOLLARS.
THE U.S. CENSUS BUREAU HAS NAMED NEVADA THE STATE WITH THE HIGHEST PERCENTAGE OF DIVORCED PEOPLE. THE SURVEY IS UNCLEAR ON WHY THIS IS, BUT PSYCHOLOGY PROFESSOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, ALAN FRUZZETTI, SAID THAT WORK ENVIRONMENT AND CULTURE MIGHT BE THE CONTRIBUTER. OTHER THOUGHTS INCLUDE NEVADA’S HIGH SCHOOL DROP OUT RATE, WHICH TENDS TO LEAD TO YOUNG MARRIAGES AND THE STATE’S LOW COST OF LIVING.
Magazine Writing
Millennials and Me
I was born in April of 1988, falling into the Generation Y or Millennial Generation. In Canada, this generation is called the Sunshine Generation. Children born between 1980 and 2000 are part of this generation. Majority of the young people in the generation were born to parents who are baby boomers, predominately born between the mid-1940s and the mid-1960s. The American society has a specific list of traits that represent the Millennial Generation, that include seven characteristics: Special, Sheltered, Confident, Team-Oriented, Achieving, Pressured and Conventional.
Growing up as the oldest daughter in the family, I was given plenty of responsibilities and punishments. Living in a suburb of Sacramento, in a middle-class family, I was able to experience a comfortable lifestyle and a highly privileged education. I grew hearing “I love you” from my parents everyday. I have always known how important I am to them. When it comes to being “special,” children like my peers and me were always told our importance in the world from our parents, family and teachers. I can remember a specific encounter with each of my elementary school teachers and how they praised my work and my potential. When adults tell me what I can achieve, I feel empowered to work my hardest.
I was highly sheltered as a child. My younger sister and I recall how we were never allowed to play in the front yard with the other neighborhood kids, unless we were being supervised. For high school, I attended a private, all-girls school, and was unfamiliar with certain phrases or sexual references that were common. I immediately felt sheltered when I moved away to college and was living in an unobserved atmosphere with promiscuous individuals and rampant underage drinking. I soon became familiar with such events due to the people I had surrounded myself with. I was the innocent girl from California. I am proud of having been sheltered and am still holding the morals I came to school with.
For the most part, I feel very confident in myself. Like all people, there are certain, silent insecurities that I have. I have always been involved with sports and am confident in myself when I try to achieve my best. My parents have always told me how beautiful I am, which has made me confident in my appearance. Confidence is a large part of a Millennial Generation. We are given high expectations and need confidence to fulfill those expectations. I found it very encouraging for my parents to raise my sister and I with confidence. I am now independent and feel confident when standing up for what I want or believe in.
Growing up, I was involved in a variety of sports and school clubs that taught me to be team oriented. I saw my parents as giving people and knew that I should obtain the same traits. I enjoy volunteering and working equally, if not the hardest, within a group. When I moved to college it all changed. I spent my freshman year giving so much to the boys and girls that were my new friends, but in the end I learned that it was only a one-way street. When necessary for school or work, I can work as a team and try my hardest just as I’d hope the rest of my group or team would. But when it comes to survival of the fittest, I am now confident that I can succeed independently.
As a Millennial, I can agree that goals and achievements are constantly rising. Expectations are shooting over the moon. Colleges expect outrageously high-grade point averages and SAT scores, along with extensive extracurricular activities. I think that it can be motivating to load young people with tons of work and activities, but if the expectations constantly rise, stress and anxiety is going to fly through the roof. An issue that I noticed while in high school and still do in college is the method of achieving our goals can result in not properly learning the material or the lessons.
Just as achievement levels have influenced my generation, it has influenced a high-pressured society for us. I grew up with a full-time school schedule, after school clubs and programs and numerous sports practices everyday. In high school, I worked out before and after school for two hours each. By the time I got home, I was exhausted but still managed to do my homework.
I agree with my generation being conventional from the aspect that we tend to dress and do mainstream activities. I can understand that we think government programs are the answer. I once heard, “A young person is liberal and believes that a difference can be made, but as you grow older, you become conservative because you have lived and experienced.” I have always tried to listen to my parents and teachers. I think that my relationship with my parents is more like friends than anything else.
The characteristics of the Millennial Generation are extremely on target in my opinion. I feel very fortunate to grow up in a society that is normal for the parent to keep their children sheltered and tell them how important they are in the world. I think it is unfortunate for those families that are not close, which is far more common now than before. Although people may think that the Millennial Generation is too optimistic or unrealistic, I think that it can bring positivity back into society and future generations.
Online Writing
- The Pew Center for the States just released a new report that said 10 states are on the “brink of insolvency” due to economic and political problems. These 10 states account for more than one-third of the U.S. population in economic output.
Pew Center Releases New Report
The Pew Center for the States released a new report today, stating that 10 states are on “the brink of insolvency.”
- The Pew Center for the States in DC. Nevada is one of the 10 states included.
Nevada One of 10 States Near Bankruptcy
WASHINGTON — The Pew Center for the States released a new report today, stating that Nevada and nine other states are on “the brink of insolvency.”
- The other nine states are CA, AZ, FL, IL, Michigan, NJ, PA, RI, WI
Nevada One of 10 States Near Bankruptcy
WASHINGTON — The Pew Center for the States released a new report today, stating that Nevada and nine other states are on “the brink of insolvency.”
The Pew Center for the States released a new report today, stating that 10 states are on “the brink of insolvency.”
The 10 states, which include Nevada, Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Wisconsin, account for more than one-third of the U.S. population and economic output.
- Susan Urahn, the center’s director, stated state law makers reluctance to make politically difficult decisions for long term solutions
- Instead she said that the states in trouble are only making a quick fix to get them through the fiscal year.
- Unrah said that these short term solutions won’t work and will guarantee that the recession will linger longer in these ten states.
- Susan Unrah, the center’s director, said that the states in trouble are only making quick fixes to get them through this fiscal year.
- Unrah said in a report that the ten states are “barreling toward economic disaster.”
- Singling out Nevada, unrah said that these states politicians had wrongly assumed that since the states economy was based on gaming and mining, it was recession proof.
- Susan Unrah, the center’s director, said that the states in trouble are only making quick fixes to get them through this fiscal year. Unrah said that these states are “barreling toward economic disaster.”
- Unrah said that Nevada’s politicians had wrongly assumed that since its economy was based on gaming and mining, it was recession proof.
- Another problem specific to Nevada includes the state law that requires a super majority of the legislature to raise taxes.
- Susan Unrah, the center’s director, said that the states in trouble are only making quick fixes to get them through this fiscal year. Unrah said that these states are “barreling toward economic disaster.”
- Unrah said that Nevada’s politicians had wrongly assumed that since its economy was based on gaming and mining, it was recession proof. And another issues is that the state requires a 2/3 vote of the legislature to raise taxes.
- A spokesman’s for Gibbons said, “the governor believes it should be difficult to raise taxes on people. If the Pew Center has a problem with that, the governor believes that is the Pew Center’s problem.”
Nevada One of 10 States Facing Economic Disaster
WASHINGTON — The Pew Center for the States released a new report today, stating that Nevada and nine other states are on “the brink of insolvency.”
The Pew Center for the States released a new report today, stating that 10 states are on “the brink of insolvency.”
The 10 states, which include Nevada, Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Wisconsin, account for more than one-third of the U.S. population and economic output.
Susan Urahn, managing director of the Pew Center, said that the states in trouble are only making quick fixes to get them through this fiscal year. Urahn said that these states are “barreling toward economic disaster.”
Urahn said that Nevada’s politicians had wrongly assumed that since its economy was based on gaming and mining, it was recession proof. And another issue is that the state requires a two-thirds vote of the legislature to make changes such as raising taxes.
A spokesman for Nevada’s governor Jim Gibbons said, “The governor believes it should be difficult to raise taxes on people. If the Pew Center has a problem with that, the governor believes that is the Pew Center’s problem.”
Assignment 1
Nevada Ski Team Budget Threatens Future
University of Nevada, Reno ski team is raising money to keep its program afloat due to steep budget cuts that have threatened certain sports teams.
The University of Nevada, Reno ski team, established in 1936, has had its ups and downs. In the 1970s, the ski team was dropped from the athletic program due to finances and title nine regulations. Through most of the 80s and 90s, the ski team survived as a club team, with no financial assistance from the university or NCAA. It wasn’t until 1994 when the alumni skiers and booster club members came together to “breathe life back into the team,” according to head Nordic coach, August Teague and head Alpine coach, Evan Weiss.
University athletic director Cary Groth announced in July that the funding for the 2009-2010 ski season will be decreased substantially and entirely eliminated for the following 2010-2011 season. “It was devastating when I heard the news,” said David Apap, junior alpine skier. “I came across the ocean to ski. I love it.”
Weiss said that the team needs to raise $30,000 by Nov. 1 to support the current season and later raise $500,000 to continue the program for the next four years. “I am confident that we will have the $30,000 for the current season, with majority help from the booster clubs,” Weiss stated.
Together, Teague and Weiss have organized a strategy outline that includes: background information on the team, cash goals, equipment donation goals and housing needs. The outline was posted on the team’s blog Website. The two have also arranged fundraisers that range from the annual ski swap in mid-November and events held at the Little Waldorf Saloon.
The ski swap will be held at the Livestock Events Center in Reno, Nev. on November 13 through the 15. Twenty percent of the profits go to the team. Ryan Farmin, former Nevada ski team member, reminisces of his experience volunteering at the ski swap: “It’s great. It helps the community buy and sell their equipment. Parents can go and save money buying their growing children new gear and it beats retail price.”
The Little Waldorf Saloon will be holding two pasta feeds: Sept. 28 and Oct. 26. Also, there is a burger feed that lasts from Sept. 28- Oct. 2. The ski team members will be distributing coupons for the event and $1 of the purchased burger will go toward the program. On Nov. 13, a battle of the bands featuring five bands will donate 100% of proceeds to the team. “It’s going to be so much fun,” said Zach Fretz, sophomore alpine skier. “We are all inspired to get the word out about it.”
“We are all working together to save our team,” said Greg Berger-Sabbatel, senior alpine skier. “We are continuing to work hard in practices and are in good spirit about the situation.”
Coach Weiss spoke about the athletes and their positive attitudes: “The team looks great. We were lucky this year with all the athletes that returned. Although we had some difficulty recruiting this year, we are encouraging local skiers to prepare themselves for our team. We are fortunate with the closeness and abundance of resorts and the interest in the sport. I know that our goal exceeds us now, but Nevada has something special.”
While the team works to raise funds, together they know that the possibility of becoming a club team would be the best alternative if they don’t raise enough.
Assignment 2
UNR Campaigns Against Underage Drinking and Driving Sign Agreements with Local Bars
The University of Nevada, Reno adds Do the Ride Thing campaign to its alcohol and drunk driving prevention programs.
In 2004, the state of Nevada was chosen by the Strategic Prevention Framework, State Incentive Grant (SPF SIG) for a five-year program. Each year, the state would be awarded more than $2 million to prevent and reduce the progression of childhood and underage drinking, along with abuse-related problems within the communities. In 2006, the grant was reviewed and approved by the federal government.
A portion of the grant is divided and distributed to each county in the state. Washoe County and Join Together Northern Nevada (JTNN), a nonprofit organization focused on reducing the impact of substance abuse, granted the University of Nevada, Reno with funds to form a program to end substance abuse within the college atmosphere that focuses on underage drinking.
In 2008, UNR Department of Student Conduct began working with the university’s police department to buckle down on underage drinking. The UNRPD increased weekend enforcements and the Department of Student Conduct adopted the Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention of College Students (BASICS) program. UNRPD began writing Minor in Consumption/Possession tickets to majority of underage drinkers they came across, which referred the students to the Student Conduct office.
In the fall of 2008, UNR joined the REAL Campaign which is a program that joins local bars with the university to discuss issues, form solutions and teach proper work ethics, such as how to properly read fake and real I.D. cards. The bars currently involved are: Little Waldorf Saloon, Pub N’ Sub, The Isles, Studio on 4th, Wolf’s Den, and Divine. Each bar, or organization, has had a representative meet with the Coordinator of Student Conduct, Carol Millie, and sign agreements.
One bar that used to be incorporated in the program, but no longer has contact with the university is the Breakaway, located directly across the south end of campus. Due to new ownership, the Breakaway has yet to meet with any member of the university to discuss concerns. Owner Lee Gueffroy said, “Although I am not familiar with the University’s campaigns, I fully support their efforts and would love to talk to UNR to update our involvement.”
Gueffroy and co-owner Jan Moberg are working to improve the environment and atmosphere of the corner bar. They have revamped the dinner menu and repainted the walls. The ladies have plans to hire more staff, put in new floors and create a better system regarding in and out privileges at the door. “We want to enhance the environment,” Gueffroy said. “It’s not a fraternity or sorority particular bar. We want it to be a neighborhood bar and we want responsible drinkers to come and have a good time.”
When Carol Millie described the workshops the Department of Student Conduct had put together for the bar employees to attend, she also mentioned the necessary methods of reading identification. Millie wants the bars to know that they cannot rely entirely on the card reading machines: “Students can obtain fake I.D.s that scan,” Millie said. Another issue that the workshop focuses on is driving home. Lee Gueffroy agreed that drunk driving is always an issue when you own a bar. “I am entirely against young people coming to the bar and getting plastered then leaving,” Gueffroy said. “The bouncers know how to check for that and will cut them off and call a cab.”
Now, the university has come up with a new campaign geared toward safe driving. The program is called Do the RIDE Thing. Coordinator and creator, Charlene Rigdon, described the program as a method to prevent drunk driving. “Any student can sign the pledge form not to drink and drive,” Rigdon said. “They will receive a dog tag and right now we are working with the local bars to acknowledge the designated driving students. Anyone wearing a dog tag can receive a free soda and a chance to win prizes.”
Rigdon said that majority of the bars engaged in the REAL Campaign are also involved in the new program. “Other sponsors include Starbucks, Keva Juice, Pepsi, Morrey Distributing Company, and Cal Neva Beverages,” Rigdon included. Another benefit for students to sign up for the programs is the discounts at on campus locations, Starbucks and Keva Juice.
Freshman physics major, Kilinoe Ongoy, was enthusiastic about registering. “I am not old enough to drink, but I can drive. I would like to help others stay safe, any way I can help,” Ongoy said. “Plus I love Keva Juice; I’m excited for the discounts.”
On the other hand, senior engineer major, Cody Niggemyer, was skeptical. “I don’t see why the university needs to spend more money on programs like this,” he said. “When I was a freshman, we just used Campus Escort to get around.”
In response to Niggemyer’s comment, Rigdon explained that the Campus Escort program was stressed about their liability. Campus Escort cut their hours and would no longer transport students who appeared to be intoxicated. “Do the RIDE Thing is different from Campus Escort,” said Carol Millie. “It is an opportunity for students to hang out with their peers and safely drive each other home, along with being recognized for it.”
Any student at UNR or Truckee Meadows Community College can sign up for the program. Pledges and dog tags are available at the student conduct offices. Occasionally, there are booths around campus that provide further information about staying safe. Student do not need to drink and drive.
Assignment 3
New Grant Funds 4-H Program Expansion
Reno’s 4-H Afterschool Club has received funds to employ additional staff and continue to promote youth education.
Due to the recent economic downturn, the University of Nevada, Reno, and its concurrent facilities have received cutbacks in financial resources. The UNCE (University of Nevada, Reno Cooperative Extension) office, including the 4-H Afterschool program, began to lack monetary funds to provide staffing and supplies. After applying for countless federal, state and county grants, a position became available. UNCE decided to hire two part-time community based instructors to continue the after school curriculum, rather than replacing the one full-time job opening.
Popular for its programs based on agriculture and horticulture, 4-H Afterschool also offers programs involving health, science, nutrition and community development for children, youth and families.
In 1902, A.B. Graham, agriculture extension pioneer from Ohio, began a youth program that focused on rural opportunities with new agricultural technology and home economics. Over the years, Graham’s program began to develop and in 1914, the national 4-H program was officially formed.
Also in 1914, Congress created the Cooperative Extension Service of the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) due to the Smith-Lever Act. This act is a federal law that established the Cooperative Extension Services connection to land-grant universities and encourage people to become familiar with technological developments and research in agriculture and home economics. The University of Nevada, Reno’s cooperative extension was created in 1914 and within two years, the 4-H program became well known.
Within 106 land-grant universities in the U.S., 4-H can also be found in more than 80 countries. “We have been around the longest,” said Sarah Chvilicek, 4-H Program Director. The 4-H community has reached more than 6 million young people and now includes leadership, citizenship and life skills. “There is a 4-H program in every county of every state within the U.S,” UNCE Human Resource Manager, Penny Jenkins said.
“I chose to work for the 4-H program because I wanted to give back to my community,” said Sam Mitchell, an administrative assistant. “I mostly do office work, but knowing that it benefits the children,” Mitchell continues, “to me, it’s the most important thing you can do.”
The University of Nevada, Reno Cooperative Extension teaches a variety of curriculum from renewable sciences and rocketry to nutrition and leadership.
The schools involved with the Reno office are: Bailey Charter Elementary, Desert Heights Elementary, Donner Springs Elementary, Duncan Elementary, Loder Elementary, Mathews Elementary, Maxwell Elementary, Mitchell Elementary, Sun Valley Elementary, Dilworth Middle School, Traner Middle School and Vaughn Middle School. Also included are Essex Manor and Stead Manor, programs of Reno Housing Authority (RHA).
“I joined 4-H three years ago,” said 6th grader, Ericka Hill. “I chose the program because I enjoy learning how to cook and I love the feeling of being involved in this club.”
“I couldn’t wait to join 4-H,” said Citloli Sanchez. “I saw my older sisters in it and I knew I wanted to be someday.”
Throughout the years, UNCE has hired an average of five Community Based Instructors II to maintain the lessons 4-H Afterschool has to offer. In the fall of 2009, only two staff positions were available, due to low finances. This caused the stress levels of the employees to rise high. According to Caroline Nuttall, Community Based Instructor II, “There were only two of us. There was so much pressure for us to find time to work at all the schools,” Nuttall continued. “We began to struggle juggling our [college] classes too.”
Soon, staff had to resort to asking the families of the youth to provide supplies and assistance. “It was nice to see the parents get involved,” said Cindy Smullen, 4-H Program Assistant. “The parents were proud to be apart of the program. It was their destiny of where the help and donations were going.”
Chvilicek and Smullen rigorously began to make a change. They put out emergency hire job listings and by mid-November, there were finally enough funds to hire two more staff members.
The UNCE office was waiting to hear from the grants they applied for and it wasn’t until the end of November that word about the SNAP-Ed Connection grant was approved. SNAP-Ed Connection is funded by the USDA and is geared toward nutrition and healthy eating. The money obtained from the grant will go toward staffing the 4-H program through June of 2010 and supplying foods and additional essentials to teach their nutrition curriculum.
The 4-H program has been a part of the nation for almost 100 years. Its importance in educating children and youth transferable life skills occurs in each area of its focus. The ‘learning by doing’ model is the basis of the program and its motto, ‘To make the best, better,’ continues to be passed on. “We offer services to all kinds of kids,” said Chvilicek. “We produce better engaged people. These children are the future of our society and if 4-H ever comes to an end, our society will suffer.”
