Molly Redus @mollyredus-blog-blog - Tumblr Blog

Loveworks Leadership

JMC 3003 Final

Norman After-School Program Grows Leaders

Each day at 4 p.m. approximately 60 middle school aged students hop off the busses on Main St. in Norman and run into Loveworks Leadership for an eventful afternoon.

Loveworks Leadership is growing dramatically. This program is very different than most after-school programs. The Loveworks team desires “to develop leaders, one child at a time.” Clark Mitchell, the pastor of Journey Church, created the program specifically for middle school students. According to the Loveworks website, this age group is the most at-risk behaviorally and academically than any other age group. It is imperative students have guidance through this season to have leadership instilled in them. Loveworks overall visions are to establish community partnerships who share the same target population, train and equip mentor leaders who will impact the youth, see middle school students improve their academic success and reach their leadership potential, develop them into leaders who will make an impact on the community and reach the youth who have been incarcerated to help them build character and learn to make a healthy choice. The leadership attrictutions are taught through various activities. Morgan, a student of Loveworks, said her favorite thing about being apart of Loveworks is how it helps her move through the community and grow in her leadership skills.

Loveworks assists the students into finding and creating their leadership potential through a structure called concept groups. These concept groups allow students allow students to find and grow their passions, as well as learn professional skills. The concept groups are composed of culinary, fashion, fitness, gardening, engineer coding, acting, dance and much more. After being apart of the concept groups for a semester, the students present their work to the Loveworks team to allow them to practice public speaking and presentation skills. Some concept groups may even present to potential investors.

Loveworks is considered a non-profit organization. The organization is simply funded by generous donors. Loveworks is able to give so much back to the community that it is so simple for the community to give back to Loveworks. Donating to Loveworks is simple. Donations can be made online and are completely tax-deductible. 100 percent of the donations made to Loveworks goes directly to improving the community and the lives within it.

Sooner Scandals allows students to “come together as one,” said Rachael Bradford, Scandals director.

“What If?” Sooner Scandals 2015

The University of Oklahoma continued one of the most beloved traditions for more than 70 years of the university in Holmberg Hall this weekend.

Sooner Scandals is a student event, in which organizations spend months preparing a 12-minute Broadway performance with five musical numbers consisting of singing and dancing.

This year’s Scandals overall show theme was ‘What If?’ Each organization’s cast created a plot based on a well-known story and added a twist to the ending.

Each show is judged during three different performances by a variety of judges. There are multiple different awards given after the last performance, but everyone longs to place first, second or third. This year, Gamma Phi Beta and Lambda Chi Alpha received first place, Pi Beta Phi and Brothers Under Christ placed second and Kappa Alpha Theta and Alpha Tau Omega received third.

Each cast had incredible talent and creativity that was brought to the stage this year, but what truly makes Sooner Scandals such a loved tradition is the bonds the organizations make among each other throughout the semester.

“I’ve made some of my best friends because of the long hours practicing for Scandals,” said junior Scandals participant, Hunter Thorne.

“Although practices can be long and tiring, in the greater scheme of things you make memories and bonds with others you might not have crossed paths with otherwise,” said Thorne.

Students and faculty gather in a classroom in Hester Hall to discuss diversity

and equity.

College of International Studies Discusses Diversity

Students and faculty of the College of International Studies gathered Monday afternoon to uncover solutions to the campus’ race and equity issues that arose three weeks ago when a racial fraternity video went viral.

Dean Suzette Grillot’s intention behind the forum was to brainstorm ideas to increase racial, sexual and gender equity within the College of International Studies.

The room was filled with students and faculty bringing new, diverse ideas for the College of International Studies.

Mitchell Smith, the chair of the College of International Studies, announced the college’s intention for the gathering in Hester Hall. “Education is understanding the perspective of others,” said Smith.

To help the students and faculty understand the perspective of others within the college, there was a student panel of three students during the forum. Each student spoke on topics they have encountered during their time at the university and ideas they personally believe will help better the college.

The first student analyzed the definition of the terms ‘white privilege’ and ‘discrimination.’ Discrimination can be expressed as behaviors in which negatively treats others based on racial or ethnically origins, she said. She suggested courses to enlighten the students and attempt to eliminate discrimination.

The second student is currently a member of the LGBT community, so her perspective and experiences were different than those struggling with racial discrimination. She explains her classmates have had issues generalizing other communities. She suggests cross gender classes for other students to better understand the LGBT community.

The last student discussed her personal views on the racial fraternity incident and how it has affected her. Her suggestions were a variety of training courses for the students and faculty of the College of International Studies. She said she strongly believes those belonging to the college should have a diverse understanding and knowledge of different communities represented within campus.

The forum concluded with an open discussion for students to express their suggestions for the college. Many great suggestions were given- a variety of courses, training and programs for students abroad, etc. The faculty of the college informed the students to continue to discuss the issue and their suggestions for the college.

JMC 3003 Audio Exercise

#SoundCloud #Molly Redus #JMC 3003 #audio exercise #Gaylord

The Sundance Film Festival and the Sundance Institution have been a platform for independent filmmakers. The festival has been primarily held for filmmakers of minority groups.

Stanley Nelson Jr., one of the black filmmakers, said, “You know, Hollywood from its very beginning has been one of the most racist institutions in this country.”

The first picture is a picture of some attendees of the festival. As I was looking through the pictures from the night of the event, I couldn't help but notice that I didn't see any pictures of minorities in attendance. If the film festival was a platform for minorities, why wouldn't there be minorities in attendance?

The second picture is a snapshot of one of the films played at the festival titled, Dope. The film expressed it’s minority concern with an African-American director, Latino and Asian producers and a multicultural cast.

Portrait without a person.

My desk is my natural habitat. I live at my desk. I send emails, read for class, complete assignments, light candles and drink lots and lots of coffee at my desk.

Sense of Place.

Downtown Norman allows its' residents to go back to the simplicity of life. Main Street turns into a one-way road filled with small, quaint coffee shops and breakfast boutiques.

Trending Blogs

Recently Viewed Blogs

Molly Redus