Our Maine Street's Aroostook Issue 30 : Fall 2016 | Page 55

The Future of Aroostook County

words by Aroostook Aspirations Initiative , photos by Terry Sandusky
Since its inception in 2013 , Aroostook Aspirations Initiative ( AAI ) has continually strived to give its Gauvin Scholars opportunities to meet , receive advice and learn from those who have been in their shoes . This year has been no different . On July 15- 17 the nonprofit organization hosted its third annual Scholar Weekend at Northern Maine Community College in Presque Isle . The unique weekend gave first and second-year Gauvin Scholars the chance to participate in trainings that will help them succeed in college and the workforce .
Gauvin Scholars from the class of 2015 and 2016 attended three days of activities that included college preparedness trainings and panels , keynote presentations from Aroostook County entrepreneurs , workforce training and a community service project that took place during the annual Potato Blossom Festival in Fort Fairfield . The weekend-long events were consistent with the AAI ’ s mission to help college students fulfill their educational and career goals while staying in the County .
“ We begin our work with these students as they prepare for college and continue with them through their first two years ,” explains AAI Executive Director , Kristen Wells . “ By participating in Scholar Weekend , our Gauvin Scholars gain an advantage by being more prepared for college and pursuing employment . We have a responsibility to assist in their success as college students , as employees , and as future leaders of Aroostook County .”
Scholar Weekend has always offered two sets of trainings for both groups of scholars : SHANTE ( Skills , Habits , Assets , Teamwork , Experience ) weekend for first-year Gauvin Scholars and AWESOME ( Acquire : Wisdom , Experience , Skills , Opportunities , Mentoring , Energy ) for second-year scholars . But this year marked the first time that the two trainings were held during the same weekend . This change made it possible for both 2015 and 2016 Scholars to better connect with one another . Group sessions such as team bonding activities , etiquette training and financial planning gave scholars a chance to learn and have fun together in the same setting . Many Gauvin Scholars expressed thanks for the opportunity to meet their peers .
During the SHANTE weekend , first-year scholars participated in trainings focusing on the tools and skills that they will need in order to succeed in college . Staff members from Aroostook Aspirations Initiative , educators , employers and community leaders hosted the trainings . Topics included fears about college , study habits , learning styles and stress management . There was also a college survival panel featuring representatives from NMCC , University of Maine at Fort Kent , University of Maine at Presque Isle and TRIO College Access Services . Panel members gave the scholars advice on what to expect and how to excel during their first year of college .
Second-year Gauvin Scholars who participated in the AWESOME weekend attended trainings that focused on preparing for the workforce . The various topics included applying for a job , resume writing and professional goal setting . Students also experienced a speed interview featuring local business representatives including Penny Wickstrom of Pines Health Services , Ben Lothrop of Maibec Lumber , Nicole Peterson of Pineland Farms , Jennifer Flynn of
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