Tuesday, March 29, 2011

A Teacher of the 21st Century


Hi Readers, this week I interviewed Maritza Franco. A World Language Teacher at my school; Union Catholic Regional High School.

She’s funny, creative, and witty. Her name is Maritza Franco. She’s a World Language Teacher at Union Catholic Regional High School in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. 1.) Question: How long have you been teaching? Answer: I have been teaching for the past 12 years. This is my 3rd Year here at UC. 2.) Question: What did you do before teaching? Answer: Before teaching I worked in cargo sales, sold the spaces of cargo onboard passenger aircraft for American Airlines, and also was a Global Account Executive for Pharmaceuticals and fashion textiles. My sales territory was New Jersey, lower and mid Manhattan and Connecticut along with the Caribbean, South America and Europe. 3.) Question: Do you like this school? Answer: Definitely, UC is a community. It's like Family, a very BIG family. What I like most is, the fact that everyone is involved in the day to day at UC. I can't really say I like one particular thing, because I like everything about UC. 4.) Question: What other grades did you teach? Answer: I teach Spanish 1, 2, and 3, from Freshman to Seniors. 5.) Question: How many classes do you teach? Answer: This particular year I teach Six (6) classes, One (1) extra section, however I regularly teach (5) classes. 6.) Question: Which class/section do you like most? Answer: I can say I like all at different times, hence my classes are different levels and they all learn differently. Spanish 1 classes have their own style and my Spanish 2's have been with me since freshman year and, then I have my Spanish 3 who really have improved their Spanish throughout the years and I get to see that first hand. 7.) Question: What are your hobbies outside of school? Answer: Well, I do alot of things with my children. I like dancing, softball, tennis and a good game of Scattergories. I love to cook, travel, and go out (when I can) to the movies. 8.) Question: What's your favorite food? Answer: I like all kinds of food from Sushi to roasted pork, and the list can go on and on. 9.) Question: How was your school life when you were in High School? Answer:Well, I went from a catholic school in NYC, graduated 8th grade and had a scholarship to attend one of the best HS in NYC (Mother Cabrini), however moved to Puerto Rico and went to public school there. Although public school is somewhat like private (you do have to wear uniforms) it was different considering my friends were all here in the states. I got used to it though, I had my cousins and made friends. We didn't have many clubs back then, there was a Business and Marketing Association, Book Club and the graduating class committee (Pres, VP, Sec, etc) We had fundraisers and had voting for Prom king and queen, I was prom queen for my graduating class. ___________________ 10.) Question: How many kids do you have? Answer: I have 2 children. Loren, is my oldest, she's a junior and Jaview, he's 15, he's a freshman. 11.) Question: Are you married? How many years? Answer: Yes, I'm married, I've been married for the past 25 years, and I'll be celebrating my 26th year in July. 12.) Question: How hard is it to raise a family, work a full-time job, and be a supportive wife? Answer: It is tough, however nothing comes easy and I constantly repeat to myself, what my Mother always told me and my Father taught us, "Be true to yourself and others, with hard work and dedication you can do it, remember, to always give back to your community, and remind yourself that God, never gives us nothing we can't handle", so I live by those words and try to instill those in my children. My husband and I both work full time and it is at times exhausting, however we're a constant reminder ot each other that we're a team. 13.) Question: Where do you get your energy from? Answer: T0 tell you the truth, I enjoy what I do! I guess I get it from my foundation, prayer, faith and a little help from above (I guess my Mom watches over me). 14.) Question: What are your dislikes? Answer: I don't have many dislikes, one thing I don't like is the word HATE, its not a nice word and I don't take it lightly. 15.) Question: Who is your best friend? Answer: My best friend was my mother (she passed away 7 years ago). I have two very close friends, one of which is my high school friend and the other is my hairdresser. 16.) Question: Who is your hero? Answer: If you’re asking me to choose, I would say someone I would call a hero is Roberto Clemente, because he is one of the greatest humanitarians. He chooses to leave New Year’s celebrations to take relief items to the devastated in Nicaragua, which cost him his life. There are many heroes nowadays, especially those who choose to lay down their lives to save others, those I also call hero, so as you can see there are many. MY PERSPECTIVE: I think Mrs. Franco is a GREAT Teacher. She always there when her students need her and cares about her students. Thank You Mrs. Franco for letting me Interview you. I am experiencing some technical difficulties with my Account, my Apologizes if the Interview looks weird. Have a Great Day, Vashon L. Hill PRESIDENT The Leadership Project "Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders" In Assoc. with TLP Publications VLHill/TLPP

Monday, March 28, 2011

What's On Tap for Tomorrow


Hi Readers, Tomorrow on Plainfield: A Student's Perspective.


I interview Maritza Franco, World Language Teacher at Union Catholic Regional High School. Make sure you stop by and Read it.



Have A Good Day,


Vashon L. Hill

PRESIDENT


The Leadership Project



"Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders"

In Assoc. with TLP Publications



VLHill/TLPP

Friday, March 25, 2011

Multicultural Festival

Click the Image and RSVP. See You There!


MY PERSPECTIVE: Make sure you click the "Multicultural Picture" and RSVP your spot at the Event. That picture will sit there everyday until April 15th. Can't wait to see you there!


With You For Leadership,

Vashon L. Hill
PRESIDENT

The Leadership Project


"Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders"
In. Assoc. with TLP Publications

VLHill/TLPP

Monday, March 21, 2011

"Planning and Preparing



TLP will hold a General Membership Meeting on March 23rd, 2011 at Jefferson Elementary School in the Library Media Center. The time will be at 4:00pm.

If you would like to attend and learn more about TLP, please send me an e-mail to slhill.LP@gmail.com.

Have a Great Day,

Vashon L. Hill
PRESIDENT
The Leadership Project


"Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders
In Assoc. with TLP Publications

VLHill/TLPP

Friday, March 11, 2011

Updates

Hi Everyone.

Check out The Leadership Project's SchoolNotes Page for Updates on What's New!


Here's the Link:
http://new.schoolnotes.com/xpages/view/195380/0/1

Have A Good Day,

Vashon Hill
PRESIDENT

The Leadership Project


"Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders

In Assoc. with TLP Publications


VLHill/TLPP

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Read Across America

Good Day Everyone.

I am back in action, after a little Health Scare yesterday, where I had to go to the Hospital to stay over night.






Today, is Dr. Seuss' birthday. Which also makes today, Read Across America. The Student Leaders will be going to Jefferson School today to read to the students there. I am sure they are all excited to see everyone.



MY PERSPECTIVE: Thank You everyone for the Get-Well Wishes. Stay tuned to "A Student's Perspective." Enjoy this day of Reading and Fun.



Have a Great Day,


Vashon Hill

PRESIDENT


The Leadership Project



"Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders"


In Assoc. with TLP Publications

VLHill/TLPP

Friday, February 25, 2011

The Interview

Hi Readers. Here is the Interview from the Interviewer from Leadership Somerset. Here is the Introduction to it.



Vashon Hill: Community Leader

He has shared the screen with Academy nominees Laura Linney and Gabourey Sidibe in “The Big C”, taught kindergarten, and calls Tyler Perry and Anderson Cooper some of his heroes. His name is Vashon Hill, a young community leader and a Union Catholic Regional High School student with proven leadership abilities.

Vashon authors a blog called “Plainfield: A Student’s Perspective” (pstudentsperspective.blogspot.com). As a Leadership Somerset participant developing my own leadership ability, I became curious about Vashon after noticing the John Quincy Adams quote on his blog. The quote reads, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” In addition to this quote, Vashon’s blog offers his perspective on everything from the recent rash of Plainfield shootings to Plainfield Board of Education issues. His blog reflects his maturity and commitment to community involvement. At a time when most teenagers are struggling with identity issues and peer pressure, Vashon stands out as a confident role model and leader.

Since 2008, Vashon has clocked 300 service hours doing everything from student teaching to running the Jefferson School Leadership Project. As President of the Project, he and his board plan events, fundraisers, workshops, and offer support to the school’s teachers and administrators. Jefferson School Principal, Scott Burkholder, praised Vashon for the important role he plays and pointed out that because of his age, he can be a more effective role model than teachers. Burkholder also credits Vashon with helping to pioneer the upcoming Multicultural Diversity program, an event that aims to bring the diverse Plainfield community groups together. This program is just one of the many ways Vashon and the Project are reaching out to the community and collaborating with other agencies like the Plainfield Board of Education.

Vashon credits his mom, former Jefferson teachers, and Project directors, Shawn Colletta and James Malkmus, with encouraging his leadership abilities. According to Vashon, a leader needs to be positive trustworthy, effective, and have experience. He considers himself a good leader but admits that he can learn to be more patient. He points to a couple incidents where he had to deal with an unruly student and a demanding parent and learned that patience is especially important in such situations.

Whether he becomes the next famous actor, teacher, journalist, or President of the United States of America, Vashon Hill will no doubt be out in front leading and making things happen. With the growing Plainfield shootings, more focus on positive young role models like Vashon is critically needed. While his story may not make front page news, more people need to know about this inspiring young community leader.

MY PERSPECTIVE: I like what was written. Please tell me what you think.

With You For Leadership,

Vashon Hill

PRESIDENT

The Leadership Project

"Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders"

VLHill/TLPP

In Assoc. with TLP Publications


Sunday, February 13, 2011

Happy Birthday TO Me!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have A Great Day Everyone,

Vashon L. Hill

PRESIDENT

The Leadership Project

"Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders"

VLHill/TLPP

In Assoc. with TLP Publications

Saturday, February 12, 2011

How did the Interview Go?

Greetings Readers.


My birthday is tomorrow! I had my interview with Leadership Somerset on Tuesday, It was so fun. I arrived at Jefferson about 9:00am that day. I got there, signed in and said, "Hello" to everyone. I spoke with a couple of teachers before going into the Leadership Office, when I went into the Office I prepared everything I will need for the interview.


Waiting...Waiting...Finally, with a smile the interviewer comes in and meets me at the Gymnasium. I shake her hand, and greet her, "Hello, I'm Vashon Hill." She introduces herself to me, while we are in the Gym; I introduced her to the Co-Director of The Leadership Project. After that, we started the tour around the school. I even introduced her to my Kindergarten Students. After that, she spoke with School Principal Scot R. Burkholder, who said some very nice and encouraging things about myself and the program. Finally, my actual interview, we went down into a Private Office to talk about myself. She asked questions like who are my hero's. My Mom, Anderson Cooper (TV News Anchor- something I am interested in doing) and Tyler Perry (who inspires all with his success). After the interview, Kindergarten and 1st Grade students were in lunch. So, I walked down to the cafeteria and saw my students. They all gave me a big group hug. I was so happy to see all of them.


MY PERSPECTIVE: I thought the interview went very well. I can't wait to share it with you all once I recieve it. I had a great time with her, and I was pleased over with the questions that she asked. I shared with her what are some of TLP's long term goals. Which she seemed excited about. She also asked, Where I get my energy from? I get my energy from helping people, knowing I have made a difference in someone's life make's me happy. Finally, tomorrow is my BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am excited, I'll be 17. Happy Birthday to me!


With You For Leadership,

Vashon Hill
PRESIDENT

The Leadership Project


"Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders"

VLHill/TLPP
In Assoc. with TLP Publications

Monday, February 7, 2011

Superbowl XLV

Hi Readers, recently I have been asked by a Leadership Somerset Member to interview me for her class. I was very pleased when I recieved the e-mail. My Interview is scheduled for Tuesday and I can't wait!! The Interviewer will be asking me questions about myself and gaining information about The Leadership Project.


And Now to the GREEN and GOLD- Congratulations to the Green Bay Packers. They won the SUPERBOWL XLV. It was a very competitive as I watch the game from my Living Room on our Projector Screen. I knew they would win, I am NOT a fan of either because; I am just not a fan of Football but I love the Superbowl. My family had a BIG party at my house. We had Food and Fun, it was a great day to end out the weekend.



MY PERSPECTIVE: I can't wait till my Interview on Tuesday!!! Once again, Congratulations to the Packers on their victory last night! I hope you all have a great week. I will have more about my interview with the Leadership Somerset. I can't wait to see what type of questions they are going to ask me about The Leadership Project and myself.


- Have A Great Day,

Vashon L. Hill
PRESIDENT
The Leadership Project

"Today's Youth becoming tomorrow's Leaders"

VLHill/TLPP
IN Assoc. with TLP Publications