1. February 15, 2013
Ms. Karen Chisholm
Massachusetts Campus Compact
Tufts University
196 Boston Avenue, Suite 2400
Medford, Massachusetts 02155
Dear Ms. Chisholm,
I am writing today to inform you that I support the renewal of the Massachusetts Campus Compact
AmeriCorps*VISTA in the Center for Art and Community Partnerships at Massachusetts College of Art
and Design.
I am more than half way through my 2012-2013 AmeriCorps*VISTA year with MACC and I know this
campus community partnership would benefit from another VISTA. These past 7 months have been
extremely beneficial to me personally, as well as professionally. I understand how to sustain a partner
relationship. I understand the values of open communication between partners, the importance of active
listening, and the significance of remaining present in collaborations. And I have learned some painting
techniques from a talented student too! CACPs’ programs allow students to make connections within the
community that they would not normally have been exposed to, their attention to detail when it comes to
training and practice is something to be sought by a higher education institution.
Coming into this position I was unaware of the different cultures on college campuses as well as the
varying languages each campus has; I believe it is vital to go into new experiences with a clear mind and
willingness to learn. The culture at Massachusetts College of Art and Design is extremely welcoming,
comforting, and educating. From the first day I walked into the CACP office and met students I would be
working with for the year, I knew that an extreme dedication to both community and art was present and
was recognized by all whom worked in the office. I think the process of having a VISTA is reciprocal, and
the learning goes both ways. I believe that a VISTA is needed at MassArt because it is a campus of
promise and CACPs’ sustainable relationship with the community of Mission Hill and Roxbury provides
a great experience for a corps member. I fully endorse the renewal of this grant!
If you have any questions regarding this topic please feel free to contact me personally.
Best wishes,
Natasha
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Natasha Al-Rafie
Massachusetts Campus Compact AmeriCorps*VISTA
Program Associate
Center for Art and Community Partnerships
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
(T) 617-879-7049
(F) 617-879-7532
NAl-Rafie@Massart.edu