Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Frisco Students Blossom in Mentoring Program
Byron Harris, WFAA
FRISCO — Caps, gowns and speeches are the biggest thing in North Texas this week as high school graduations commence.
But for scores of Frisco Independent School District students, the most memorable part of the school year may not be walking across the stage, but the months they spent in the Independent Study and Mentorship Program.
"There's so much preparation, it's crazy the amount of work you have to do," said senior Ally Calandro, who planned her own charter school as her final project in the innovative program.
ISM, as the program is known, is offered at all seven Frisco high schools. It requires a student to:
- identify a subject to study
- convince a mentor to spend time with them
- produce a "product" that summarizes what they've learned
Students then present a half-hour speech for their mentor.
Alina Naismith designed, wrote and illustrated a children's book as part of her study of pediatric occupational therapy. The book includes Naismith's artwork and unique dry erase panels that let children practice writing as they work through the volume.
Topics of study are diverse, and include everything from the exportation of wood chips to plastic surgery.
Some students say the most difficult part of the course is convincing a mentor to sponsor them, teach them, and spend several months with them.
It's not an easy sell.
"I studied pediatric endocrinology, and I had to call about 30 doctors," said senior Marissa Heintschel.
Sarah Meeks contacted News 8 producer Jason Trahan with a proposal to learn about investigative reporting. She succeeded in convincing him (and this reporter) to walk her through the essentials of reporting, investigating and interviewing.
Her final product was a TV news story about urban threats to wildlife.
Fortunately for the students at Frisco High School, there's Karene Goff-Owen to help guide them. "Their confidence grows exponentially throughout the year from the experience," she said.
Coach Goff, as she's affectionately known, is as much of a life coach as she is a teacher.
"Coach Goff is like my second mom," Meeks said.
Behind Goff's desk is her "Wall of Fame," which holds snapshots of dozens of her students whom she now considers her friends.
"They're my kids," she said. "Kids I've made a connection with, and hopefully impacted in some form or fashion."
As graduation arrives and the students move on with their lives, it's a bittersweet time for the life coach.
"I don't look at graduation as a goodbye," she said. "I fully expect many of them to keep in touch with me, and to come back and visit. I let them know that the door is always open here, and they're welcome to come back."
FRISCO — Caps, gowns and speeches are the biggest thing in North Texas this week as high school graduations commence.
But for scores of Frisco Independent School District students, the most memorable part of the school year may not be walking across the stage, but the months they spent in the Independent Study and Mentorship Program.
"There's so much preparation, it's crazy the amount of work you have to do," said senior Ally Calandro, who planned her own charter school as her final project in the innovative program.
ISM, as the program is known, is offered at all seven Frisco high schools. It requires a student to:
- identify a subject to study
- convince a mentor to spend time with them
- produce a "product" that summarizes what they've learned
Students then present a half-hour speech for their mentor.
Alina Naismith designed, wrote and illustrated a children's book as part of her study of pediatric occupational therapy. The book includes Naismith's artwork and unique dry erase panels that let children practice writing as they work through the volume.
Topics of study are diverse, and include everything from the exportation of wood chips to plastic surgery.
Some students say the most difficult part of the course is convincing a mentor to sponsor them, teach them, and spend several months with them.
It's not an easy sell.
"I studied pediatric endocrinology, and I had to call about 30 doctors," said senior Marissa Heintschel.
Sarah Meeks contacted News 8 producer Jason Trahan with a proposal to learn about investigative reporting. She succeeded in convincing him (and this reporter) to walk her through the essentials of reporting, investigating and interviewing.
Her final product was a TV news story about urban threats to wildlife.
Fortunately for the students at Frisco High School, there's Karene Goff-Owen to help guide them. "Their confidence grows exponentially throughout the year from the experience," she said.
Coach Goff, as she's affectionately known, is as much of a life coach as she is a teacher.
"Coach Goff is like my second mom," Meeks said.
Behind Goff's desk is her "Wall of Fame," which holds snapshots of dozens of her students whom she now considers her friends.
"They're my kids," she said. "Kids I've made a connection with, and hopefully impacted in some form or fashion."
As graduation arrives and the students move on with their lives, it's a bittersweet time for the life coach.
"I don't look at graduation as a goodbye," she said. "I fully expect many of them to keep in touch with me, and to come back and visit. I let them know that the door is always open here, and they're welcome to come back."
Friday, May 29, 2015
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Former FHS ISM Student Interviewed by Textbook.com
Informational Interview: So You Want to be an Architecture Intern?
When Travis Schneider was deciding where to apply for his architecture internship, he didn’t have to look far. His high school mentor – Michael Malone – heads a top Dallas architecture firm, Malone Maxwell Borson Architects. Three summers later, the University of Texas senior keeps returning as an architecture intern for two main reasons he says: “the work is diverse and compelling, and the environment is supportive.”
Another reason? His continued dedication has meant a full-time job offer upon graduation. “Having a clear, stable, enjoyable option for my post-college future is a wonderful luxury,” the Frisco, TX, native says.
Curious about Travis’s architectural internship experience and advice for fellow architecture majors? Read on for our Q&A.
Q: What is your day-to-day like?
A: My main tool is the computer; I use programs like Revit, AutoCAD, Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign to make architectural drawings, 3D models, and construction documents based on the design decisions of the firm’s principals. I also visit our clients at the project sites to take measurements of existing conditions, and build a good number of building models by hand.
A: My main tool is the computer; I use programs like Revit, AutoCAD, Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign to make architectural drawings, 3D models, and construction documents based on the design decisions of the firm’s principals. I also visit our clients at the project sites to take measurements of existing conditions, and build a good number of building models by hand.
Q: What’s the most challenging thing about your architectural internship?
A: Deadlines are a constant, looming reality in architecture firms. I like to work at a natural pace in order to have a consistent level of effort and focus; so, deadlines can lead to some very stressful afternoons. Learning to increase the efficiency of quality work, and finding a compromise between “perfection” and productivity, is a career-long challenge.
A: Deadlines are a constant, looming reality in architecture firms. I like to work at a natural pace in order to have a consistent level of effort and focus; so, deadlines can lead to some very stressful afternoons. Learning to increase the efficiency of quality work, and finding a compromise between “perfection” and productivity, is a career-long challenge.
Q: You’ve continued to return to the same internship three summers in a row. Have you considered interning elsewhere, for a different mix of experience?
A: Considering the modest size and capabilities of the firm I work for, I could not have asked for a more positive internship experience. However, I think that a summer or semester working for a large and/or renowned architectural firm, one that does museums, concert halls, high-rises, and other large cultural infrastructure, would also be an important asset. Gaining experience with large-scale projects while still an intern makes it much easier to get a job doing that sort of work in the future, be that your desire.
A: Considering the modest size and capabilities of the firm I work for, I could not have asked for a more positive internship experience. However, I think that a summer or semester working for a large and/or renowned architectural firm, one that does museums, concert halls, high-rises, and other large cultural infrastructure, would also be an important asset. Gaining experience with large-scale projects while still an intern makes it much easier to get a job doing that sort of work in the future, be that your desire.
Q: What personality traits do you think best serve architecture interns?
A: You need to be adaptable because the work can be different and unpredictable each day. You need to be a good communicator because you will be working closely with co-workers on the development of designs, models, and drawings. Do not be afraid to ask questions (no matter how simple), but also use these questions to improve your self-sufficiency. Finally, a true passion for architectural design is essential; it will get you through the endless days of gluing pieces of chipboard together and staring into computer screens.
A: You need to be adaptable because the work can be different and unpredictable each day. You need to be a good communicator because you will be working closely with co-workers on the development of designs, models, and drawings. Do not be afraid to ask questions (no matter how simple), but also use these questions to improve your self-sufficiency. Finally, a true passion for architectural design is essential; it will get you through the endless days of gluing pieces of chipboard together and staring into computer screens.
Q: What advice would you give to someone looking for an internship like yours?
A: If you haven’t yet, make yourself known to the company you’re interested in. Having a well-assembled resume and portfolio is bare-bones stuff and will not make you stand out as a desirable hire. Connecting a face, voice, and story to these deliverables will be what keeps you in their memory.
A: If you haven’t yet, make yourself known to the company you’re interested in. Having a well-assembled resume and portfolio is bare-bones stuff and will not make you stand out as a desirable hire. Connecting a face, voice, and story to these deliverables will be what keeps you in their memory.
Social events held by the American Institute of Architects are great occasions to unobtrusively meet people. If you are an architecture student, take full advantage of your school’s career services and professional connections; many firms, especially the larger ones, make a habit out of farming their alma maters for potential interns.
Q: Any other advice?
A: Find a way to visit Europe before you begin working full-time! Experiencing a huge sampling of mankind’s greatest works of architecture is truly inspiring, and immersing yourself in the culture and organization of European cities is absolutely life-changing. It will challenge and expand your perception of what is successful, what is right, and what is possible in your home society.
A: Find a way to visit Europe before you begin working full-time! Experiencing a huge sampling of mankind’s greatest works of architecture is truly inspiring, and immersing yourself in the culture and organization of European cities is absolutely life-changing. It will challenge and expand your perception of what is successful, what is right, and what is possible in your home society.
Follow Travis on the UT website.
Friday, October 10, 2014
High School Students Gain Real-World Experience at ISM Business Symposium
Oct 03, 2014
Community volunteers recently lent their time to share practical advice with high school juniors and seniors involved in the Frisco ISD Independent Study and Mentorship (ISM) program.
The annual ISM Business Symposium was split into two events this year to accommodate increasing student enrollment.
Students from Frisco, Lone Star and Wakeland high schools participated on October 3 at the FISD Administration Building. Students from Centennial, Heritage, Independence and Liberty high schools get their chance Friday at Independence High School.
During the symposium, business professionals conduct mock interviews, evaluate student resumes and help students build networking skills.
“I was pleasantly surprised with how prepared the students were, how specific and thought out their goals were and the level of maturity and professionalism that they approached me with,” said Nicole Arnold of Nicole Arnold Interiors. “They weren’t shy. They knew they were there for a purpose.”
The event helps students prepare as they begin contacting professionals working in a career field of their choice.
“This gives us the experience to go out there in the world,” said Wakeland senior Regan Reuling. “Phone calls are more comfortable and aren’t as scary.”
Over the course of the ISM program, participants conduct research interviews, work with a mentor in a chosen career field and formally present a product based on what they have learned.
The course is part of the FISD Gifted and Talented program and requires an application in order to ensure students are prepared for the rigor and course expectations.
“She was always focused, but being a part of ISM gave her a sense of responsibility and accountability,” said volunteer Mike Rodriguez, whose daughter chose to study broadcast journalism at the University of North Texas after participating in ISM. “It emphasized that she could do it and gave her the courage and confidence to talk to reporters.”
The hope is that all students gain a better understanding of which career path or major to pursue after graduation.
“I wish I would have had something like this,” said volunteer Ed Wiest of GE Critical Power. “I didn’t realize until I was a junior in college that what I was going to school for wasn’t what I wanted to do and by then, it was too late. I had already invested so much time and energy in the program.”
Lone Star senior Josh Moore hopes ISM will help him avoid a similar situation.
“I’m really excited to see what ministry looks like day in, day out,” he said. “If it is really my calling, then I’ll know.”
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