The Clerc Center
Connection

Freshman Work Preparation Program Through Personal Discovery

By Dale Ford

“Can we go again next week?” one of my freshman students asked after participating in a rock climbing activity at Gallaudet.

“What do you mean ‘go again next week,’” I replied, puzzled. “This is a nine-week program.” The student couldn’t believe his eyes, but he was ecstatic.

Freshman students at MSSD have been raving about this new section of the Freshman Work Preparation Program (FWPP) that tapped into the resources of Gallaudet University’s Personal Discovery Program. Beginning September 24 and continuing through November 19, freshman students participate in the Personal Discovery Program as part of FWPP.

FWPP is a transition program at MSSD that develops knowledge, work skills, and habits required to succeed in school and in the workplace. Among other things, students attend self-exploration, study, and other skill-building workshops, develop student portfolios, and participate in community building activities and community service opportunities.
This past summer, I approached Jean Berube, director of the Personal Discovery Program, and discussed with her the possibility of freshman MSSD students participating in Personal Discovery as part of their FWPP. I believe this program would provide them with valuable experiences and Ms. Berube agreed.

Freshman students from MSSD work together on “Australian Trolley” for part of their FWPP Discovery Program, as instructor Julie Riddle looks on.

The Personal Discovery Program philosophy is “challenge by choice.” It teaches individuals to learn about themselves and others through team-building activities, stories, quotes, sharing personal stories, solving physical and mental challenges, etc. The program aims to develop self-esteem, awareness and sensitivity to others, appreciation for life, and other life skills that support one’s personal growth.

This program ties in neatly with the goals of the FWPP so we designed the first quarter of the FWPP to include Personal Discovery for the freshman students. The students go to Gallaudet on Wednesday mornings to participate in outdoor and indoor group activities, incorporating rock climbing, the ropes course, and other equipment. They do activities that require teamwork and problem-solving skills.

We are finding out that when the students return to MSSD for their Freshman Lab Work, we are able to relate what they have experienced during the Personal Discovery Program workshops to things that they need to do in the lab. Freshman students do lab work every Wednesday afternoon to work on their portfolios, community building, and community service.

Every time the students question their lab work or complain about the difficulty of what they’re doing, we are able to point them back to their Personal Discovery experiences and ask them how they can relate to the task at hand.

Students are able to apply what they have experienced from their Personal Discovery activities to their schoolwork. Students are also finding it easier to relate to their classmates and to work in teams. They have a better attitude towards themselves and others and towards schoolwork. The FWPP Discovery Program is now on its sixth week. We are amazed at how much this program is impacting the lives of our MSSD students.