Promise Fellow Spotlight: Chelsey Torgerson
November 29, 2010
What your role as an SCP looks like this year:
I have spent most of my time in Moorhead planning 4-H after school programs. Right now I have 3 4-H Afterschool sessions; 2 in Dilworth and 1 in Glyndon. By the end of the school year, 4-H Afterschool will have been in every elementary school in Clay County. Youth are building balls and tracks foam roller coasters and balloon powered cars. Our goal is to make science and engineering both interesting and fun for youth. I recently partnered with an after school program at Robert Asp Elementary, and provided the leader with 4-H Afterschool curriculum and lessons. I am also working with a Family Advocate at Robert Asp to start up the G.I.R.L.S. program. G.I.R.L.S. stands for Girls Involved with Responsibility, Leadership, and Service. 4th and 5th grade girls will be given the opportunity to make friends, build relationships, receive help on homework, and learn about self esteem, leadership, community, communication, and take part in a semester of service.
Best Promise Fellow Experience:
The best experience for me so far, was when I had to go to a 4-H Afterschool session in place of a volunteer. Until then, I had been doing the planning and only getting feedback from my volunteers. To actually get to see youth building roller coasters, asking questions, and to see the relationship they have developed with my volunteers was really cool. I now have a better understanding of what my volunteers do every day, and the impact they are making on youth. I can’t thank them enough for contributing their time to this program.
Bio:
I grew up in the small town of Hendrum, Minnesota (located 30 miles north of Moorhead). My family consists of my parents and me. After graduating from Norman County West High School I attended North Dakota State University where I majored in Sociology and minored in Health Communication. While at NDSU I was a Bison Ambassador, which provided me with the best college experience I could’ve asked for. After college, I spent months searching and applying for full time jobs and nothing turned up, until one day my mom suggested the AmeriCorps Promise Fellow position at the U of M Extension in Moorhead. Serving with AmeriCorps will be a great opportunity for me, and I can’t wait to see what comes from it. After my Promise Fellow experience I hope to get my Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Favorite Quote:
“What you do with your life is really just half of the equation. The other half—the more important half—is who you’re with when you’re doing it.” – From the movie Post Grad (2009)
Hobbies/Interests:
In the summer time I enjoy riding bike and going to the lakes. Recently I have developed an interest in golfing, and I cannot wait until summer 2011 to put my clubs (hopefully new ones) to good use. I love going to NDSU football games, and spending time with my friends and family. Right now I am trying to spend most of my free time studying for the GRE, which isn’t always easy!