Jennifer Wise ’09

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2009

Service Trip Participant, Correctional Volleyball, Cause for Paws, and Afterschool Games

What involvement did/do you have with MOVE? What program did/do you volunteer with and/or lead? What years?
I was involved in MOVE programs during all four years of my time at SMC. I attended TREK (pre-orientation) in 2005 and then was a leader for the next three years. I participated in special events such as First-Year Apple Picking (as a participant and then leader), blood drives, senior bingo, Correctional Volleyball, Cause for Paws, After School Games (as a participant and then as the coordinator), COTS Walk, Family Friends and St. John’s House. I also went on four extended service trips (Boston, Dominican Republic, New Orleans and Immokalee).

What’s your MOVE story?
MOVE was one of the biggest reasons why I applied to and then attended SMC. I was very active in MOVE programs and spent a lot of free time in the MOVE office. I have many MOVE stories; however, the one that has made the biggest impact on my life was my trip to Immokalee, FL, during my senior year (2009). I had originally applied for the India service trip but instead went on the trip to Immokalee. I am a native Floridian and had never heard of or been to Immokalee until that point. While in Immokalee we stayed at the Friendship House and volunteered with Parks and Rec., RCMA and Habitat for Humanity. I didn’t know it at the time, but this trip would change my life forever. After graduation I completed two years of service with Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest. During my second year with JVC, I struggled to find a job on the East Coast because of time zone issues and poor Internet and phone service in northern Montana, and therefore ended moving back home after my service years in 2011. While living back in Florida and trying to find a teaching job, I decided to apply to RCMA because of my time there on my service trip. I was hired immediately because of my experiences in Immokalee and familiarity with the town and population. I am no longer working at RCMA but continue to teach in Immokalee at a different school. I most likely taught some of the same babies that I cared for on my service trip and have become friends with the family of one of the boys from Parks and Rec.

In what ways did/does MOVE impact you?
Because of MOVE I have found my niche in the world and am making a difference in Immokalee. I also found my spark for helping others and learning about different cultures.

If you are an alumni, what influence does MOVE continue to have on your life today?
Without MOVE I would not be teaching in Immokalee. I also made most of my friends at SMC through the MOVE office or MOVE activities.