UCAN 2010 STARS newsletter to funders and program mentors

1. STARS
“LILY OF THE VALLEY”
MAY 2010
The STARS program (Striving To Achieve Realistic Success) is a very unique program and I am so fortunate to
have the opportunity to be a part of the 2010 STARS. Being one of the STARS is more than an internship. It is a
one of a kind experience. I have learned so much about setting goals and then actively working towards them. I
received hands-on training to prepare me in pursuing a career and assessing my areas of interest. I loved working
in TPSN (Teen Parenting Services Network) in the Resource department. I learned so much about services
available for teen parents and developed many skills including: how to operate various databases, facilitating
groups for clients, and taking initiative in my professional growth. One of my favorite things about participating
in the STARS was working with the other STARS. The other STARS taught me so much and we worked well as a
team. I think it is very empowering to be able to collaborate with each other and have the ability to have major
input on service projects, training, and what we want to acquire from the program. We have met so many
interesting and inspirational people, from our exposure outings, to our trainers, and UCAN employees. This
experience has given me knowledge, confidence, experience, and support to seize my future and continue to
aspire towards my goals.
~Markeisha Kite~
The program is ending fast and I will miss UCAN and all the
lovely people I connected with while I was a STAR.I have
gotten so much out of this program. All of the outings we went
on have impacted me in some way. Just being able to get to
know professionals and hear their stories (some similar to mine)
amazed me and gave me faith that I too can be successful. I met
a wonderful woman named Deborah Brown who is the Director
of Stations for NBC5. She has kept in contact with me and
given me wonderful advice. Without this program , I would
have never met such loving and helpful people. So many peo-
ple volunteer to help us and it is so much easier knowing I did-
n’t have to go through this alone. I have learned so many new STARS at an Exposure Outing– learning
skills such as: professionalism, boundaries, interviewing, resume from Shawn Lytle– UBS Head of Global Asset
writing, and acting responsible in work and life. Even in my per-
sonal life I am more responsible and focused on making a better life for me and my son . Without this program I
don’t think I would be at this point in my life. I am so appreciative for this opportunity. My near future goals are
to find a good paying job and surround myself with positive and successful people. I am also going to go back to
school for my BA.
Thank you so much for the guidance and wisdom I have received from this experience.
~Natalie Fitzsimmons~
Thank you to the 2010 UCAN STARS for your hard work and For information on the STARS
www.ucanchicago.org dedication to the STARS program. program:Ellen Acevedo
Thank you to Arnetra Jackson for coordinating this newsletter. acevedoe@ucanchicago.org

2. As the STARS program comes to an end, we are working extensively to prepare for our upcoming graduation. We have been
working on our resumes and cover letters with various people. Our internal and external trainings allowed us the
opportunity to receive feedback from people within UCAN, as well as people outside the agency. We have also
participated in mock interviews to help us prepare for interviews. These mock interviews have taught me how to
dress for an interview and how to speak about my accomplishments. I have also begun to send my resumes and
cover letters to different agencies and organizations. The group recently attended an exposure outing to US
Cellular .We learned about diversity and work ethic and how that plays a role in overall work environment of the
company. We also learned about their dynamic organization and its role in the success of the company. My goal
after the program is to go back to school to get my Associates Degree in early childhood education and child
development. I also plan to take some business management classes because I would someday like to own my
own daycare. I have learned so much in the program and I am thankful for this opportunity, it has really impacted
me in a positive way. ~Amy Canton~
The last nine months have been quite eventful. In March, we were allowed the chance to job shadow at the Hilton
Hotel. It was a learning experience to see the behind the scenes work that goes into making a hotel successful. I
was able to shadow the room service department. The STARS have also been volunteering weekly at The Uhlich
Academy since February. This opportunity allowed us to connect with school age youth and help them
understand the importance of school. I enjoy working with the 7th and 8th graders at The Academy because I feel
that obtaining an education is very important. As the STARS program comes to a close, I am focusing on
obtaining my Associates Degree at Malcolm X Community College. My future goal is to become a social worker.
The program has helped me develop new skills such as working in Microsoft excel, while allowing me the
opportunity to critique areas of improvement. I was recently appointed to the Illinois Juvenile Justice
Commission. The commission is responsible for ensuring the state’s compliance with the Federal Juvenile
Justice Delinquency Prevention Act. The STARS program has helped me learn the importance of education,
networking and servicing the community. ~Arnetra Jackson~
If you plan for one year, plant rice. If you plan for ten years, plant trees. If you plan for 100 years,
educate mankind” - Chinese Proverb
The STARS program has helped me in many different ways.
Before the STARS program, I thought all I should focus on
was boxing, but now I know I am capable to accomplish much
more. Before I came in the program I knew
nothing about computers, the STARS program allowed me the
opportunity to become computer literate. Exposure outings and
mock interviews have allowed me the chance to improve my
public speaking skills. I also have learned that confidence is
key. Currently, I work in the facilities department. I have been
trained in the areas of dry wall, painting, tiling, and buffing. I
have had the opportunity to gain many other important skills
that I previously did not have and may not have had the chance
to learn, had it not been for the STARS program. The STARS
program has enabled me decide to attend trade school and to
continue my professional boxing career. I will continue to strive 2010 STARS visit Senator Dan Kotowski in his
for success! Springfield office
~Eric Estrada~