Pursuing higher education is like stepping onto a blank canvas — there are countless possibilities. If you have a passion for artistic expression and creativity, you may be looking into an art degree. We’ll delve into the brush strokes that make up art degrees and paint a picture of the possible careers out there.

What Is an Art Degree?

An art degree is a program or course of study that provides students with a higher education qualification encompassing an often broad spectrum of varying artistic disciplines. Students who pursue art associate degrees engage in visual arts, design and overall creative expression through different mediums.

You could explore painting, sculpting, photography, ceramics and even filmmaking as part of your program. Most courses offer practical elements as well as theoretical knowledge and art history.

What Is a Fine Arts Degree?

What is fine arts? Traditional fine arts are visual art forms,��such as painting and sculpting. As art has evolved, though, fine arts degrees encompass categories like:

• Visual arts
• Design
• Music
• Theatre
• Dance
• Creative writing
• Photography
• Film
• Art history

The easiest way to think of fine art is as a specialized subset of an art degree focusing on creative and visual arts. Depending on your major, fine arts students focus on practical, theoretical and historical aspects of disciplines such as drawing, painting, printmaking and much more. The program encourages students to explore and experiment with materials and mediums to improve understanding and develop more specific skills within their chosen field of specialization. An associate degree in art may be a good step on the way toward a degree in fine arts.

What Jobs Can You Get With an Art Degree?

Pursuing an art degree was once seen as limiting. However, even in a world where AI and generative text and art are ever-increasing, to innovation in many fields. Here are some potential career paths for art students:

• Graphic designer: Graphic designers create visual concepts and designs using computer software according to client specifications.
• Art director: There are art directors in various fields, but the overall position involves overseeing a project to ensure the message aligns with the goal.
• Animator: Animators use illustrations, both drawn and computer-generated, to bring ideas and stories to life.
• Art therapist: Art therapists help people face mental health conditions like anxiety and depression through art.
• Art museum curator: This role requires individuals to manage, organize and oversee collections in museums, galleries and other cultural institutions. They ensure the proper presentation and preservation of artistic pieces.
• Art educator: Depending on your skill level, degree and preferences, you can teach art at various education levels.
• Freelance artist: A freelance artist works independently or collaborates with others to create artwork in different mediums with the intent of selling, exhibiting or taking commissions.
• Web designer: In the internet age, artists with technical expertise can help design visually appealing and user-friendly websites.
• Creative director in advertising: This fast-paced career involves leading creative teams to develop effective and competitive advertising campaigns.
• Set designer: If you enjoy design and working with your hands, designing sets for theatre and movie productions may be a good fit.

Average Salary for an Art Degree

Calculating the average salary for an artist depends on a few variables, including experience, field, specialization and industry. You can to search for more information on your desired career, see average pay with an art degree and more.

We broke down the average pay with an art degree for the following careers in North Central Massachusetts:

• Graphic designer: The is $56,873.
• Art director: The is $53,099.
• Animator: Salaries may differ slightly if you work as an animator or special effects artist, but the is $44,378.
• Art therapist: Art therapist salaries can vary greatly, depending on your location and experience, but the is $64,271.
• Art museum curator: The is $58,918.
• Art educator: You can expect as an art teacher, depending on the grade you teach and your location, but the is $72,130.
• Freelance artist: As a freelance artist, particularly a fine artist, business and networking skills are just as important as artistic skills. The is $27,927.
• Web designer: For those focusing on web and digital interfaces, the is around $72,515.
• Creative director in advertising: The or advertising and promotions managers is $81,883.
• Set designer: The is $46,849.

Is an Art Degree Worth It?

The following factors can help you determine if an art degree would be fulfilling for you.

Passion and Personal Fulfillment

Pursuing an art degree can be immensely rewarding and fulfilling for those passionate about creative expression and creation. If you find joy and value in creating art and sharing it with the world, then the intrinsic value may be enough to keep your passion alive while earning compensation for your talents.

Skill Development

One major misconception about art degrees is that all you learn is how to draw, paint or sculpt — in reality, comprehensive art programs equip you with skills such as critical thinking, communication and problem-solving. Many of these skills are transferable to various professional settings.

Job Market Realities

Before embarking on your art degree, research the common limitations and obstacles, and keep an eye on the job environment to see how to overcome them. Specific art careers are highly competitive, while others promise lower annual salaries than others. Thus, consider the transferability of the degree skills and determine whether you’re open to a related career in education, technology or marketing.

Portfolio, Networking and Trends

Regardless of how talented you are and how hard you work, you need good networking skills backed up by an impressive portfolio in art. Bolstering your portfolio of work, constantly staying abreast of trends and interacting with other arts professionals go a long way to enhancing career prospects.

Making the Choice

Artists and creatives are often dreamers, and this is essential to creating innovative works, remaining inspired and growing artistically. However, when enrolling for an art degree, you must determine whether you would thrive in a competitive, challenging and gratifying field of study.

Kickstart Your Art Career at Mount Wachusett Community College

The Mount is an accredited institution that cherishes the arts and believes creative expression and ingenuity are vital skills many industries require to grow and thrive. The ��Ԫ���� Art Degree equips students with vital knowledge and allows them to earn credits to transfer later, should they wish to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s.

If you want to start your art journey, apply to ��Ԫ���� online or download a PDF application. For any questions, request more information or call The Mount at 978-630-9447 — your future starts today!

The post What Can You Do With an Art Degree? appeared first on Mount Wachusett Community College.

We had the pleasure of getting to know Katelyn Murphy as she was launching her first Venture at Oakmont Regional High School. Soon after she became an intern with UWYV, helped launch another Venture Team, and later she co-hosted the UWYV Fall Kickoff in 2020. This gal is a STAR in so many ways. She has numerous talents, artistically and professionally. We are a better organization and team by knowing Katelyn. We will always be grateful for the work she has done for us and the laughs we’ve shared together – – though we hope that eventually we may be all in the office together again at one time. I’m happy she agreed to let all of YOU learn more about what she’s up to these days.

How many years did you participate in UWYV and what team(s) were you on? I participated in UWYV for all 4 years of high school. I was in two Ventures while I was there, one called L.I.F.E. and my last one being APUSH for Peace.

What was your fondest memory of your years participating in UWVY? I think it had to have been the panel for APUSH for Peace. There were so many people, and the energy in the room was amazing. At the end of it, we had a party in the library. It was amazing.

What did being in UWYV mean to you? Being in UWYV meant that I had a voice in my community and in my school. It showed that I could make a difference where I was.

You did your internship with UWYV, talk about your experience. Would you recommend this internship? I would 1000000% recommend doing an internship with UWYV, they are an amazing group of people. You always feel at home with them, and you learn so much about the inside work of UWYV and the hard work that goes into it. I had an awesome experience there, and love each and every person that I worked with.

Let’s shift gears and talk about what is going on in the world today. How are you doing? What does a typical day-at-home look like for you? I am doing well. I just graduated high school so my days have been pretty free. Right now I’m helping people in my community care for their dogs and horses, and every Friday I go up to my local cat shelter and help take care of the cats. Other then that my days are spent doing crafts, doing a ton of baking, and just enjoying the time I get with my family.

How has the stay-at-home/social distancing of COVID-19 affected you positively? It’s given me more time to spend with my family and animals. It’s also given me time to learn some new skills! I recently made bread, which came out surprisingly well.

What are you struggling with during this time?�� I’m struggling a lot with my time. Before all this I was go go go, and now, I have slowed down so much because everything is closed and/or done at home. It’s made me realize that time to yourself or time relaxing is just as important as time helping others, and you have to have that balance to be the best you possible.

Congratulations on your graduation from Oakmont! What are your plans for the future? My plans? Well in the fall I’m starting online school at UMASS Dartmouth, with the hopes to study English or education. I want to become a teacher one day I think.

The post Interview with Venturer and Intern Katelyn Murphy appeared first on Mount Wachusett Community College.

But let’s rewind a bit, back to when students were in school attending UWYV meetings once a week, and Brian was informed that the students wanted their cause to be child abuse.

He talked to the students about CASA and his involvement in the organization. The team voted in favor of partnering with CASA. of Worcester County is a not-for-profit organization committed to speaking for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the Worcester County Courts. Brian also arranged for Robb and Julie from CASA to visit students, so that they could learn more about the organization. Read more about that in this post I wrote about CASA’s visit to Northwest’s UWYV Team.

NW CAB Launch Was Just Weeks Away

After weeks of hard work, the students at Northwest were just finishing up their slides for their final UWYV Team presentation.�� The Northwest CAB (Child Advocate Buddies – We take you to a better place.) Team was just a couple of weeks away from launching.

Not to spoil the ending for you, but…………

With Brian’s guidance, this group of dedicated fourth and fifth graders will be the next UWYV team to launch, whether virtually or back in their Northwest classroom! Mark my words!

Spotlight on Northwest Elementary School’s UWYV Champion Brian Prehna��

Now, on with this��Spotlight on��a Champion.�����������all��our��Champions, Brian is busy��at home, connecting with friends and family, and in the spirit of a true Changemaker, is spending time reading stories of inspriation an leadership.������

How long have you been a Champion for UWYV? And what do you like best about having this role?��

I’ve been a Champion for UWYV at Northwest for two years. The best part about having this role is being part of a student group that takes on real world problems and develops ways to help our community. Students are so invested in the program, because what they do positively affects their community. Students use their academic and social emotional skills learned in the classroom to build their Venture. The culmination of their hard work in the classroom pays off by lifting up the people around them.��

How are you doing? What does a typical day-at-home look like for you?��

Thanks for asking! I am doing well. A typical day for me has been waking up and making a healthy breakfast then starting my morning routines. After my routine to get ready for the day, I jump on my computer to check emails or join video calls. Often, I have been going into the building to support our principal with Chromebook distribution, so students have resources they need to engage in online learning. I am often reaching out to families to see how they are doing and working with our guidance team as well as teachers. I take time now for a meaningful lunch break to slow myself down and unwind from the morning. In the afternoon, I check in with the principal to see how else I can help and follow up on emails. Often, I sit outside to get some sunshine.��

How has the stay-at-home/social distancing of COVID-19 affected you positively?��

The stay at home/social distancing has given me a lot of time to reflect and improve myself. I’ve taken advantage of the isolation to read books about leadership coupled with stories of inspiration. I’ve been able to organize, clean and declutter my apartment, so I can focus on the here/now and future. I have been able to focus on my own mental and physical health. Reconnected with old friends, while strengthening connections with my family and friends has been very important to me. I’ve taken this time to look at myself and to improve, so I come out of this stronger than ever.��

Do you have a positive Changemaking story that has resulted from this?��

I have been connecting with family and friends all the time.�� I’ve had time to read 4 books and just started my 5th. Since the weather has turned for the better, I’ve been taking social distancing hikes and walks with friends too. I’ve slowed down and have been taking my time rather than rushing in all aspects of my life.��

Are you able to connect with your students remotely? (Zoom? Google Classroom, or email?) How are they?��

Yes, over the course of the “great slowdown,” I’ve been on Google Hangouts with classrooms. It is great to see students!��

Are you in touch with your UWYV team? �� If so, what are they up to?��

Over the course of the pause, we decided to have our students focus on their academics, so additional responsibilities were put to the side. I am proud of the work students accomplished this year.��

If UWYV was offered to you as a young student, what would your cause be and why?��

When I was younger, I was an active member of the Boy Scouts, and I wish this program was also offered in school. My cause would be to improve the life of people who have lost their homes and who fell on tough times. This would include providing assistance and educating the public about homelessness and food insecurities in America. My “why” is to open the eyes of the “haves,” so they can be educated and have empathy and compassion for the “have nots”. My cause would provide resources and dignity to those who feel like they have lost everything, so they can get back on their feet.��

What was one of your most memorable experiences (so far!) being Champion?��

The most memorable moment so far was last year during our fundraising event for the Gardner Animal Shelter. Our UWYV Team, the Northwest Animal Activists, decided to duct tape myself and Colleen (principal) to a wall during the school day. The positive buzz and fun had by all that day flowed through the building. We used Facebook Live, so parents could also see the event. The team raised a tremendous amount of funds while putting on a school wide event!��

What message would you like to send all of your students?

Take this time to improve yourself. Stay active, fuel your body with healthy food and READ! Learn a new skill and be kind to people including yourself. Take time to sit in silence and listen to the quiet. Allow yourself to be bored and disconnect from your technology; you’ll reconnect with nature. Focus your energy on what you can do, not on what you can’t.��

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I miss all of you!��

Thank you for taking the time to fill us in Brian! Enjoy your summer!

Other Champion Spotlights��

Thuy Bui – Gardner High School
Sharyn Tomasso – Sky View Middle School
Sara Carnabucci – McKay Arts Academy
Francine Meigs – Samoset Middle School

Stay Connected����

All of us at UWYV want to stay in touch with our students and champions. For the latest news from Youth Venture, please follow us and feel free to reach out via email, text or social media.

The post Spotlight On Northwest Elementary’s UWYV Champion Brian Prehna appeared first on Mount Wachusett Community College.

The Kindergarten staff at South Street Elementary “delivers” to students in so many ways. Naturally, door-to-door deliveries to students during the current school shut-downs just made sense to this dedicated team of educators. Through careful coordination, the Kindergarten staff delivered goodie bags and marigold plants to their students last Friday, May 22, while maintaining a safe social distance.��

Changemaker Meghan Clancy-Brough

Meghan Clancy-Brough, Special Education KindergartenTeacher at South Street Elementary School, is a Changemaker. She is attending Changemaking Professional Development at Mount Wachusett Community College. She and her team shared this wonderful Changemaking story with me in a Zoom call recently. Through these special deliveries, the Kindergarten staff were able to see their students and share some positivity during this crazy time of school shutdowns and social distancing.��

Changemaker Cindy Clark

According to Kindergarten teacher Cindy Clark, she was able to see 15 out of the 22 students in her classroom. The marigold plants are part of the students’ plant unit, and they will be able to watch those plants grow from their homes. She said that arrangements for their drop-offs and short visits were made by phone calls, Google Meets and announced in their Google Classroom. Cindy has also taken Changemaking professional development, completeing the program in the 2017-18 cohort.��

A Team Effort

These visits were truly a team effort. Along with the classroom teachers and paraprofessionals, Title 1 teacher Mary Kate Buchanan and ESL teacher Nicole Cooper were part of this group effort as well. Nicole explained that the team has a group text aptly called, “Corona Time”, where they connect and support each other.��

During these drop-offs, all staff wore face masks and the majority of students and their parents wore face masks as well. Special Education Kindergarten Teacher Kaylyn Parker explained that some of her students are on the spectrum. In fact, one such student couldn’t come outside because that student was confused, scared and, “literally didn’t recognize us,” she said.��

However, that circumstance was the exception. Generally, students were shocked and delighted to see their teachers. In fact, many wanted to invite them into their homes! In turn, the teachers were just as delighted to see their students. “I enjoyed seeing the kids’ faces. It was awesome – just the best day,” Melanie said.��

The Importance of Community and Collaboration

I asked the group how important community and collaboration is during these weeks of school shutdowns. Here is what they said:������

Kaylyn – It’s important because parents are struggling right now. They need to know that we are here and they are not alone. Kindergarteners are sick of looking at the computer – they just aren’t built to sit at a computer all day.

Lucille Thibodeau Special Ed Paraprofessional ��– Kids are lost. It is really important that we connect with them.

Melanie – It is extremely important. Staying in contact is huge. We don’t get to close out the year and parents are struggling. We have a great team and we are all here for each other.��

Noreen Howe, Kindergarten Teacher – It’s important that we are there for students emotionally. Their whole world has been disrupted. It’s the social emotional piece that they need.��

Meghan Clancy-Brough – We have a special connection with the kids. The preschool and Kindergarten years are most important. These relationships with students and their families are what we are focusing on.��

The Kindergarten team is planning on making another drop-off/short visit to students during the last week of school. Lucille mentioned that the whole staff at South Street Elementary are also planning a parade for students. Parents will drive students by the parade of staff. The Kindergarten staff are also in the process of planning a virtual Kindergarten graduation. As you can see, school never really “shut down” for this dedicated team.��

Kindergarten Staff at South Street Elementary

Congratulations to the entire Kindergarten staff at South St Elementary. Your team effort to connect with your students is what Changemaking is all about – and you are all Changemakers!��

Meghan Clancy-Brough, Special Education Kindergarten Teacher��
Kaylyn Parker, Special Education Kindergarten Teacher
Noreen Howe, Kindergarten Teacher
Karen Crowley, Kindergarten Teacher
Melissa Guerard, Kindergarten Teacher
Meghan Basque, Kindergarten Teacher
Cindy Clark, Kindergarten Teacher
Mary Kate Buchanan, Title One Teacher
Nicole Cooper, ESL Teacher
Evelyn Rivera, Kindergarten Paraprofessional
Lisa Goguen,Kindergarten Paraprofessional
Melanie Amico, Special Ed Paraprofessional
Jo-Ann Martino, Kindergarten Paraprofessional
Val Delassandra, Special Ed Paraprofessional
Lucille Thibodeau Special Ed Paraprofessional
Lisa Bentalli, Special Ed Paraprofessional��
Susan Keegan, Kindergarten Paraprofessional
Emily Thibodeau, Kindergarten Paraprofessional����

The post The Kindergarten Staff at South Street Elementary Delivers appeared first on Mount Wachusett Community College.

Emily has a lot of spunk. She is the kind of kid who shows her spirit by wearing an elf costume to school the last day before Samoset’s Christmas vacation. I thought that was great! It was not something that I, as a shy, awkward middle-schooler would have ever done. Here she is proudly posing for a picture with an elfin twinkle in her eye.

Since their launch last spring, Emily and Ashlee are dedicated to their cause and are truly embracing the Changemaking mindset of empathy, teamwork and leadership.

Having Fun Social Distancing – UWYV Samoset Venturer Emily Leon

So, what has Emily been up to now since being at home? She answers that and much more in the following interview.

How long have you been participating in UWYV?��

I have been participating in UWYV for about 2 years.�� I started off by looking into doing a plant-based project, but then I decided I wanted to help shelter animals because they seemed unlucky, unlike animals who have homes.

Tell us about your UWYV Team Helping Paws. What is your cause and what have you been able to accomplish since your launch last spring? What do you hope to do once everything returns to normal?��

Helping Paws is a United Way Youth Venture based on helping shelter animals. We have currently partnered with the Sterling Animal Shelter.�� Our team conducted a bake sale at the Johnny Appleseed Festival in town and made a great profit.�� We also conducted a supply drive at our middle school where you could drop off animal food, beds, toys, etc. right before we were sent home for COVID-19.�� I hope we can run more drives and raise more money to provide more to the Sterling Animal Shelter.

How are you doing? What does a typical day at home look like for you?����

I am doing amazing. A typical day at home is waking up, eating breakfast, playing games with friends online, doing my schoolwork online and then playing games inside or outside depending on the weather.��

How has the stay-at-home/social distancing of COVID-19 affected you positively?��

While being at home,�� I get to spend more time with my family and pets. I am also more active with bike riding, which I didn’t have much time to enjoy before with all my extracurricular activities.

Do you have a positive changemaking story that has resulted from this?��

We have been home and were able to raise some baby chickens to add to our flock. I have also learned how to cook the eggs and have done more baking and cooking than I ever did in the past. We are also supporting local businesses by buying their delicious food.

What do you miss most about school? What other activities have been put on hold for you?��

I miss the art club, where I got to express my love of art. I miss my teachers and my classmates because the school year was going well and I enjoyed the fun activities we were doing. My other activities that are on hold are ballet, soccer, refereeing for soccer, and chorus (including my trip to Canobie Lake we usually have near the end of the year.)

Are you able to talk with your friends?�� How do you do that – Snapchat? Zoom? Google Meet?��

Yes, I have been using Facetime to connect with my close friends. I also use Google Meet to see my teachers and classmates. We play Kahoot.�� Recently, I met up with a friend on a bike ride to the school. We were able to chat but had to keep our distance for safety reasons.

Are you able to talk to your United Way Youth Venture teammate? How is she doing?��

Yes, I have been talking with Ashlee through FaceTime, texting and meeting up on the bike rides (as stated above).�� She is doing very well. She is keeping up with her work and still finds time to play on-line with me.

What is your favorite thing about participating in United Way Youth Venture?����

My favorite thing is I get to help all the shelter animals and feel good that I am making a difference.�� I love animals and may pursue a career related to animals someday, such as a Zoologist.��

What does participating in United Way Youth Venture mean to you? Will you sign up next year? ��

United Way Youth Venture means that as a younger person, I am able to help out and make a difference in our community. I may not have been able to do that without this program. Yes, I am planning to sign up again next year, because I love interacting with everyone in the program. I also love helping out those who need it.��

Is there anything else you would like to share?��

I hope everyone who is reading this is doing well in their own time at home. If you are sick, I hope you feel better soon.����

Thank you for giving us a peek inside your world Emily. Stay well, have a wonderful summer and keep up the great work with your Venture!

Stay Connected����

All of us at UWYV want to stay in touch with our students and champions. For the latest news from UWYV, please follow us and feel free to reach out via email, text or social media.

The post Having Fun Social Distancing – UWYV Samoset Venturer Emily Leon appeared first on Mount Wachusett Community College.

Before the school shutdown,��Thuy��was��involved in the cultivation of UWYV Team��Gardner Grow’s��community garden.��This team had��a successful��garden last summer. You can read more about��it in��this��blog post��that I had written last fall.����

In last week’s blog post, I talked about how Samoset Middle School UWYV students on Team Save Earth Today would like to implement composting at Samoset.������

Well……��

As it turns out, the��UWYV��Gardner Grows��Team has��two small compost piles that they��started before the shutdown of schools.��The students filled these��piles��with food scraps that they brought in from home,��or with scraps from items grown in the��community��garden.��According to Thuy, the students want to create a compost bin where they can take��food scraps��from the school cafeteria and use it for their��garden. They would��also��like to��donate excess scraps��to a��local��farm.������

Connecting GHS and Samoset UWYV Teams

Do you see where I am going with this?��It would be��cool��to connect these teams! Even if the��high school��students��on the Gardner team��simply��made a short video on composting,��and then shared it with the Samoset team,��they would��hopefully��be inspired��to implement composting at Samoset.�� ��

Unfortunately, the plans for the garden and composting are on hold��now,��but hopefully not for long!��

Spotlight on Gardner High School’s UWYV Champion Thuy��Bui��

Now, on with��my latest Spotlight on��a Champion.�����������all��our��Champions, Thuy is��busy��at home, and in the spirit of a true Changemaker,��makes��the time to volunteer as��well.������

How long have you been a Champion for UWYV? And what do you like best about having this role?��

I have been a Champion for UWYV since I started at GHS which was in 2015. I love my interactions with students and encouraging them to explore what they��can achieve when they put their minds to it.

How are you doing? What does a typical day-at-home look like for you?��

��I am��doing okay.��It’s a bit of a struggle sometimes, but then I hear from my students and it becomes a bit easier to deal with. A typical day-at-home is trying to plan lessons for my students, that would get them as engaged as possible. I am also��helping my��Mom care for my nieces and nephews, or I am��cooking with her. It is a weird balancing act right now.��

How has the stay-at-home/social��distancing��of COVID-19 affected you positively?��

��I feel like I can spend a bit more time with families, now that I am home most of the time. ��

Do you have a positive Changemaking story that has resulted from this?����

I have been handing out food to the Gardner food program and it��definitely makes me feel more connected with my students. I deliver food once a week on Mondays, and��it is��always nice to see the students and their families.��

����Are you able to connect with your students remotely? (Zoom? Google Classroom, or email?) How are they?��

��I use��Zoom and��Google��Classroom to connect with my students. Unfortunately, a good percentage of my��students��don’t��always make the��Zoom meetings. The ones that I do see seem to be doing well, and it’s��always nice to chat��and��catch up with them.��It’s a bonus, when they say they miss school!��

Are you in touch with any��UWYV��teams?����If so, what are they up to?��

��I’ve��been in touch with a few of the teams. They seem to be doing well and are trying to keep up with��schoolwork.��

If UWYV (Youth Venture) was��offered��to you as a young student, what would your cause be and why?��

��I think my cause would be to try and improve the literacy rates and love of reading for students and families. I know growing up, I��didn’t always love reading or have family members read to me (language barrier and all). Therefore, I would have loved to find a way to bring reading to families that might have been in the same situation as I was.����

What was one��of your most memorable experiences (so far!) being Champion?��

��Going to the Spring Showcase – definitely!��It amazes me, the��amount of passions and��hard work��these students are showing! It has inspired me to be better.��

What message would you like to send��all��your students?��

��I’ve always loved the saying, “Impossible has the word possible in it.” I can’t��remember where I heard it��from,��but I want them to know that if they want something, then with a little bit of��hard work, it is possible!��

Is there anything else you would like to share?��

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share��our��youth’s passions and��to try��and��better our surroundings one��venture project at a time!��

Thank you for taking the time to fill us in Thuy! We will see you back in the classroom and the garden soon!

Other Champion Spotlights��

Sharyn Tomasso – Sky View Middle School

Sara Carnabucci – McKay Arts Academy

Francine Meigs – Samoset Middle School

Stay Connected����

All of us at UWYV want to stay in touch with our students and champions. For the latest news from Youth Venture, please follow us and feel free to reach out via email, text or social media.

The post Spotlight on Gardner High School’s UWYV Champion Thuy Bui appeared first on Mount Wachusett Community College.

I was able to virtually meet with four of our UWYV Samoset students with the help of their Champion Francine Meigs who set-up the Google Meet. It was really nice to speak with Hersh Patel and Nathaniel Anim from the recently launched team Wildcats Sports for Kids. This is the team that will fundraise to pay sports fees for fellow students whose families can’t afford them.

Sixth grader Nathaniel walked me through a typical day at home. He said he wakes up as if it was a normal school day, and does school work. He takes breaks to play Roblox and Fortnight and then it’s back to school work. (Hopefully, it’s not the other way round – playing video games all day and taking breaks for school work!)

Sixth grader Hersh Patel spoke about the team’s plans for a lollipop fundraiser. This is now on hold, since students have been social distancing.

Or is it?

Wildcats Sports for Kids�� – The First UWYV Virtual Fundraiser?

Lauren Mountain, our UWYV Program Director, suggested the boys think about how they could share a virtual fundraising raffle and accomplish some of their team goals virtually. This team consists of a very smart group of Changemakers who know more about technology than many adults (myself at the top of the list right along with Michelle). While the team has this time at home, this is the perfect opportunity to organize a virtual fundraiser (with our assistance if needed and with parental permission, of course.) They were the first Samoset team of the year to launch, why not attempt the first virtual fundraiser?��

Save Our Earth – The First Virtual UWYV Launched Team?

Moving along to my other team. It was also really nice to speak with seventh graders Janessa Donovan and Brianna Patel from the Save Earth Today Team. Full disclosure, this team has not officially launched yet. However, they are very close, putting the finishing touches on their presentation. Once she heard this, Lauren suggested a virtual team launch – another great idea!�� (I wish I thought of it.) One of their teammates was not at this meeting, and Brianna said that she would talk to her about the idea.��

Changemaking at Home

Seventh grader Brianna talked about how her family is making eco-friendly changes at home. They only use metal straws and no longer buy plastic water bottles. The family is planning a big garden of eggplants, peppers, spinach, tomatoes, and more.

When asked what being at home for so long was like, she said it is boring at home. She can’t get her work done and there is nothing to do. (Idea! If there is nothing to do, why not focus on getting your school work done, THEN work on your Venture!) Seriously, I understand her frustration. After this many weeks away, students are missing the structure and of course the social aspect of school.

Composting at Samoset

Save Earth Today has the main focus of eliminating single use plastic in Samoset’s cafeteria. Once the team launches, they also hope to implement composting at Samoset. In fact, composting at school is a Changemaking idea that is very possible! This interesting article from cleanriver.com, might be of interest to this team –

Composting at My Home

Speaking of composting, my son James started a compost pile last year. It is his contribution to our family garden. He said it was so simple to do. He just watched a . It takes about 1 year for all of the food items to decompose. He says, “Composting and gardening are all about patience. If you are patient with both, you will get a nice garden.”

Composting not only produces a rich fertilizer for the garden, it helps minimize landfills’ contribution to climate change. Now, that’s a win-win!

So, will we see the first virtual team launch and fundraiser? Will Samoset be the first school to incorporate composting? No pressure, but, if anyone can do it, these students can!

Stay Informed and Reach Out

All of us at UWYV want to stay in touch with our students and champions. For the latest news from Youth Venture, please follow us and feel free to reach out via email, text or social media.

For any UWYV students that want to reach out to me, please email me at Kmaloney1@mwcc.mass.edu. I would love to know how you are doing and what you are up to!

Over these past few weeks of quarantine, Jake has been making some great Changemaker Check-In videos that we have shared out on our social media. To view them, please visit our��

The post UWYV Virtual Team Launches, Fundraisers and Composting – Why Not? appeared first on Mount Wachusett Community College.

Three local high school seniors have received scholarships from the United Way Youth Venture program for their involvement in their communities.

Kylee McCumber, from Leominster, who attends the Winchendon School, was the recipient of the Bob Chauvin Leadership Award. Ethan Chandler, from Fitchburg High School, and Olivia Wells, from Oakmont Regional High School, were each awarded the United Way Youth Venture Scholarship.

We were unable to honor them in person at the annual United Way Thank You Event so we are doing our best to recognize them here with this series of interviews highlighting the best and brightest leaders in North Central Mass!

The Bob Chauvin Leadership award recognizes the UWYV participant who most exemplifies visionary leadership as a community changemaker through dedication to and support of the community. The scholarship provides $2,000 to support post-secondary learning.

The UWYV Scholarship was established to recognize outstanding seniors and current college students who are actively involved with the UWYV program. These students exhibit a commitment to not only the UWYV program, but also maintain a deep understanding of community service and civic leadership. The scholarship is awarded in amounts of $1,000.

Kylee plans to attend Bentley University in Waltham studying international business and marketing. Ethan plans to attend the University of Massachusetts in Lowell to pursue a degree in Early Education/Special Education. Olivia will attend Endicott College in Beverly and plans to study Marketing and Graphic Design.

The post United Way Youth Venture Awards Student Scholarships appeared first on Mount Wachusett Community College.

Where Are They Now? Featuring UWYV Venturer Caleb VanHillo

Caleb is going to ��Ԫ���� and will graduate this year with an Associate’s Degree in Chemistry. He will continue his education at the University of MA, Lowell to complete his Bachelor’s and his Master’s Degrees in Biomedical Engineering. He plans to become a prosthetist, which is a person who builds prosthetics for people who need them.

Caleb first participated in UWYV at Murdock Middle School. His team was called the Cool Cats and they raised money to buy and donate supplies to the local animal shelter in Winchendon.

Two years later, he was on the team The First Day Warriors (also while at Murdock). The team partnered with the Wounded Warriors Outreach to donate care packages to homeless vets.

Caleb’s last UWYV Venture was at Monty Tech two years ago. The team was Meals for Shields. This team collected donations to buy meals for first responders at local fire stations and police stations for Christmas.

Caleb VanHillo Interview

In this interview, Caleb discusses what he has accomplished throughout his years in UWYV, what he would choose to do for a Venture now, and how the current quarantine has impacted him.

What was your fondest memory of your years participating in UWVY?

One of my fondest memories was at the fire station. One of the firefighters started tearing up. He was so thankful for what we were doing. It really warms your heart to see what impact you are having on people (in person). He was thankful and happy to have a meal on Christmas Day. It’s one of those things that makes you realize and think of the effect that we can have. It really drove home the importance of this community work.

What did being in UWYV mean to you?

It was a way for me to pay back and help the community around me that helped shape me for so long. It was an opportunity for me to do things that otherwise I couldn’t. There is no way I would have been able to raise hundreds of dollars for meals. We delivered meals to all of the counties from Fitchburg out, including Winchendon and Templeton. We covered so many areas. Youth Venture enabled me to help many communities and have a greater impact on everyone in them.

You had a break from UWYV until your senior year at Monty Tech. Do you wish that you had particpated in UWYV?

I do. Actually, during my freshman and sophomore years, I had very little extra ciricular activities. I was on student counsel and was a class representative.

The programs that I was in during middle school, like robotics and theater, I dropped out of in my freshman year. It was hard for me to keep up with schooling and everything else that I was doing. I just stayed in the same trend following that. ��Yeah, I definitely wish I got involved more, especially in community service projects. After doing UWYV my senior year, I regretted not doing it for the previous couple.

In your senior year at Monty Tech, you were awarded a one thousand dollar scholarship from the UWYV program from Bob Chauvin (Business Avisor/past president of Tyco SimplexGrinnell). What did that scholarship mean to you at the end of your three Ventures?

The scholarship was really….I don’t want to call it a reward for doing those ventures, because that’s not what it felt like. This scholarship was much appreciated. It really helped me to pay for the first year of school – which is always a struggle. I did not have to take out loans for my first semester at ��Ԫ����.

It doesn’t feel like an award. I don’t feel that I deserve an award for doing those things. I was grateful to have the opportunity to do them. It was more, I think, the recognition that made me feel proud, than the money awarded. I feel great about doing those Ventures. Also, I am glad that other people were made aware of UWYV through that recognition, and hopefully that inspired more to go on and do UWYV.

Let’s shift gears and talk about what is going on in the world today and how you are handling it. You are a college student who is now teaching yourself from home. What are you struggling with during this time?

Currently I am not working, and I was before, so that is a financial worry. However, the academics are definitely the biggest pressure that I have on me now. I am going from having incredibly intelligent professors teaching me calculus, physics and chemistry, to having just a text book, reading it and finding sources online. This is incredibly difficult during this time. Everyone is going through it and we are finding ways around it. It is just another skill I will teach myself eventually. Right now, I think that is the most challenging.

If you could go back to your middle school self, or if this gets put in a blog post and a middle schooler reads this, what is one thing that you want them to know about UWYV?

The thing I would probably say is, it’s work to do it. I know when I first started Youth Venture in middle school, we started with classrooms full of excited students. Then, all of the paperwork required drove a lot of them away. They found it boring to sit down and plan a budget and write about smart goals. It’s really worth it to stick it through. Being able to see the effect of helping and inspiring people, and the ability to say that you made a difference in the community is so rewarding. It’s worth all of the time and effort that you have to put in.

If you could go back and do one Venture, anything that you wanted to do, what would be on the top of your list?

There is a program that I’ve recently discovered, not associated with UWYV, but I think it would have been an amazing project. It is a community service group called . It’s about3D printing prosthetics for people around the world who need them, most notably children. Considering how expensive normal prosthetics are in a hospital and with that being a special interest of mine, I would have done that.

I’ve actually printed a prosthetic working with a physics professor at ��Ԫ����. Being able to offer that up because it is a group in need of things, would be amazing. The 3D printers used to make these parts are expensive, usually only found in schools or businesses that use them. Being able to do something with that and working with a school or college to make that more of a mainstream idea, I think would be really cool to do right now.

Anything else you would like to share?

The ability to care for a community taught me that I have the ability to change the environment around me for the better, inspiring me to choose a career where I can help others.

Thank you for taking the time to fill us in Caleb! You are an inspiration. We wish you success in all of your future endeavors!

UWYV 2020 Scholarship Winners and Changemaker Check-In Videos

We are pleased to announce that we have three new Senior UWVY 2020 scholarship winners. To find out who the lucky winners are, watch their video interviews by tuning in to our .

Over these past few weeks of quarantine, Jake has been making some great Changemaker Check-In videos that we have shared out on our social media. To view them, please visit our

The post Where Are They Now? Featuring UWYV Venturer Caleb VanHillo appeared first on Mount Wachusett Community College.

Who is the Changemaker that I am I talking about?

It’s our Sky View Middle School Champion Sharyn Tomasso. Read on to find out what she has been doing and how she is focused on the positive aspects emanating from this time of social distancing due to COVID-19.

Spotlight on Sky View’s UWYV Champion Sharyn Tomasso

How long have you been a Champion for UWYV? And what do you like best about being a Champion?

I’ve been a Champion for 8 years now. There are so many things that I love about being a Champion! One of the most fulfilling aspects of this role is that I get the honor of providing the opportunity for young people to truly make a difference in the world.

The UWYV program offers students a vehicle through which they can pursue their desire to serve their communities by furthering a cause that they are passionate about. The program gives young people a “voice” and a chance to “stand up” for their ideals and beliefs.�� This is huge, especially for middle school aged kids who typically feel “unheard”. These students are at a point in their lives when they are trying to figure out who they are and discern what their key values are. In addition, the process of writing an Action Plan and presenting their ideas to a panel of judges, teaches students invaluable real-life business and communication skills. They wouldn’t otherwise learn these all-important skills.

As a Champion, I also get the chance to work with students in an entirely different way, as they are in charge, not me. I am there just to advise and support them. It is an incredible privilege to see the students blossom, show their passion, achieve success, and to experience a sense of self-actualization. It is particularly gratifying to witness the “victories” of the students who have not typically had success in the classroom academically. So often, I’ve watched struggling learners “find themselves” through UWYV and go on to display much greater confidence socially, emotionally, and academically.

How are you doing? What does a typical day-at-home look like for you?

The “teach from home” situation that we are in right now certainly has been a HUGE learning experience for me. Although I have been using technology, like Google Classroom to complement classroom instruction, I am a neophyte when it comes to all of the online learning apps/programs.

Initially, I felt completely overwhelmed and incapable of providing any kind of meaningful remote instruction to my students. I normally plan lessons, but very loosely. Essentially, I tend to focus on the “end game” goals, as in what exactly I want the students to learn. I make sure I have the best materials and that I outline the “flow” of the class. However, when I teach each class, it’s somewhat “organic” based on the particular group of students in front of me. I can see what is not resonating with them and teach according to what does resonate and clicks for them. Teaching remotely doesn’t afford you the luxury of “working the room” and “playing off of the audience.”

Luckily, I honestly work with the most supportive, and collaborative, colleagues on the planet! We’ve had a billion (or so it seems like) virtual meetings and email conversations. Thanks to that, and a whole lot of tech learning, I’m finally in a place where I feel I’m doing an okay job of providing the kids with meaningful work and structure.

What does a typical day look like for me? Well, there are no typical days so far! Some days, I have a lot of virtual meetings with colleagues and/or students. That consumes most of the day. Other days are spent researching and developing content, managing my online portals and grading assignments. I’m still trying to create more structure and consistency to my days!

How has the stay-at-home/social distancing of Covid-19 affected you positively?

The stay-at-home/social distancing is incredibly difficult as I’m a true extrovert who thrives off of the energy of others. However, there have definitely been some positives both in my professional life and personally.

First, I’ve learned a ton about online apps and remote teaching. This has been exciting and has enriched my capabilities as a teacher. I’ve actually had fun learning how to use some of the apps. I am finding amazing, engaging ways to deliver content to kids.�� I’ve been using these apps (Meme-maker especially!) for personal projects too!!

The “staying at home” thing, if I’m being perfectly honest, initially threw me into a panic. I love being “on the go,” socializing and attending events. The thought of being “grounded” stressed me out. Honestly, I felt both angry and sad.

However, I’ve actually found that having to stay home has been a blessing of sorts. It has forced me to slow down and to take more time to be “quiet” and in the present moment. I’ve had a lot of time to reflect, prioritize, and learn what is really important to me. I’ve tackled so many projects that I had started but never finished. At the same time, I am able to balance the “busy work” with quiet, meditative time.

Overall, I’ve noticed that in general people are turning back to the simple pleasures in life. For example,�� enjoying family meals, reading, getting out in nature, and spending quality time with their families and with themselves.�� All of that is definitely positive!

Do you have a positive Changemaking story that has resulted from this?

Oh my goodness, yes! I’ve found, in general, that I’ve been “socializing” more during this time than I ever did. This seems like an oxymoron! While I tend to be an “on the go” person who goes out a lot, I’ve come to realize that I engage in a lot of activities. I haven’t always had the time to consistently keep up communication with people who are really important to me. This stay-at-home time has been a chance for me to consciously connect with family and friends and to engage in really meaningful conversations/interactions with them.

Interestingly, I’ve even made some new friends through this experience.�� For example, a woman who I know tangentially through work started making jewelry as a way to keep herself occupied while staying at home.�� She shared pictures of these beautiful butterfly earrings she had made. I mentioned that I would love to buy a pair from her.�� She hadn’t thought about selling her jewelry, but it sparked some interest in her. Long story short, we came up with the idea of offering the earrings in exchange for any donation amount. The donations would go towards buying gift cards (to support local restaurants in desperate need of income) and for healthcare workers at the local hospital. So far, my friend has sold dozens of earrings and has given numerous gift cards to doctors, nurses, CNA’s, etc.

To make a donation to support local restaurants an healthcare workers, and to get a pair of these beautiful earrings, reach out to Andrea Arsenault via email – andreadiprimaarsenault@gmail.com.

Are you able to connect with your students remotely? (Zoom? Google Classroom, or email?) How are they?

I’ve always used Google Classroom to supplement in-school instruction. However, I’ve had to find additional ways to actually “connect” with my students and maintain a “personal presence” with them.�� I’m now holding regular Google Meet sessions with each of my classes. I’ve just started recording video lessons to fill in between our “live” get togethers. Interestingly, I’ve found that most of the kids are really missing, and wanting, to see their teachers and hear their voices.�� I’m working hard to try to make that happen. (I’ve realized just how much I miss the personal interaction with them as well!)

Are you in touch with any UWYV teams? ����If so, what are they up to?

I really haven’t had much interaction with the UWYV teams. Finding some of them has been difficult and I have been trying to figure out how to do that.�� I was thinking that I’d love to try to hold Youth Venture meetings remotely.

If UWYV was offered to you as a young student, what would your cause be and why?

If UWYV had been offered to me as a young student, my cause would probably have been something related to promoting tolerance and acceptance of others. I would raise awareness about embracing diversity (all types of differences -racial, cultural, gender, ability, etc.) and self-acceptance.

I say this for a few reasons. First, I grew up in a town that appeared to be homogenous. However, it was surely more diverse than was “acceptable” at the time. People were generally expected to have the same lifestyle and values and to fit into a certain mold. Diversity was not talked about. I think this led to many young people feeling “disenfranchised”. They didn’t embrace the status quo ideology or aspire for the same goals that society seemed to promote.

What was one of your most memorable experiences (so far!) being Champion?

Wow, this is a hard one!�� I’ve had so many, many memorable experiences as an UWYV Champion.�� If I had to choose one, however, I’d have to say it was when one of my students, who was selectively mute decided to start a Venture to provide video gaming equipment for autistic children like him. Watching him interact with his Venture team members, and getting up and making his presentation, was life-changing for me. His mom came to his panel and was blown away at what he was able to do. Youth Venture, in this case, literally gave this young man a “voice.”

What message would you like to send all of your students?

What I want students to know is that they are safe, loved, and truly cared about. I want them to know that there are many adults, including their teachers, who are here for them to navigate this confusing, somewhat scary time. Finally, I want to help them to understand that “this too shall pass”. There are so many lessons to be learned and positive aspects emanating from this time of uncertainty. Hold onto HOPE and be a part of the community of Changemakers who are lifting up others at this time.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I truly believe that the mindset and values that Youth Venture espouses and promotes are directly applicable in this difficult, frightening time. For young people (and us oldies) to know that they can chose to respond to challenges by trying to effect positive change is incredibly empowering. I am sincerely proud, and blessed, to have the great fortune to be a part of bringing Youth Venture into the lives of our future generations.

Thank you for taking the time to update us Sharyn. Stay healthy!

Also, thank you for mentioning Andrea Arsenault and her beautiful earrings.�� She dropped mine off yesterday after she helped to prepare dinner for 70 homeless people at the YMCA in Fitchburg. Like you, she is another amazing Changemaker in our midst!

Again, to make a donation to support local restaurants and healthcare workers, and to get a pair of these beautiful earrings, reach out to Andrea via email – andreadiprimaarsenault@gmail.com.

Check out this��post for my interview with Samoset Middle School’s UWYV Champion Francine Meigs and this post for my interview with McKay Arts Academy Champion Sara Carnabucci.

The post Spotlight on Sky View’s UWYV Champion Sharyn Tomasso appeared first on Mount Wachusett Community College.