Isabella Campitelli, CFSI Fellow:
I was nearing the end of my college career as a Bridgewater State University senior majoring in Childhood Studies. To benefit my future career, I wanted more hands-on resume-building experience rather than taking random classes. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and explore options that would get me the credits I needed to graduate and offer me a priceless experience. So, I applied to the Semester in the City Program.
Hannah Brewster, ThinkGive Mentor:
ThinkGive previously welcomed exceptional fellows from the College for Social Innovation (CFSI), Rianna Lawrence and Samar El-Taha, who made lasting contributions to our marketing efforts. We decided to apply for a fellow to help us with curriculum development. (ThinkGive provides social and emotional learning (SEL) programs that help K-8 youth take small, self-directed actions to positively impact themselves and others, building character, confidence, and connection.)
About a year ago, we started exploring the development of SEL resources for parents and guardians seeking simple activities to practice SEL skills with their children at home. Our educator partners expressed the need for such resources. The missing piece was finding someone to lead the development of these SEL Resources for Parents and Guardians until CFSI matched us with Isabella!
Ashley Gunn, CFSI Director of Internships:
Isabella was interested in a position that would give her more experience in curriculum, childhood development, and education, aligning with her goal of becoming a school counselor. She seemed like a natural fit for the role at ThinkGive and the skills they needed!
Isabella Campitelli, CFSI Fellow:
I was matched with ThinkGive as a curriculum development fellow. My experience creating and developing the SEL Resources for Parents and Guardians was nothing short of amazing. Everyone was eager to contribute their ideas and provide guidance in line with the ThinkGive team’s vision while allowing me creative freedom to develop and implement my ideas.
Hannah Brewster, ThinkGive Mentor:
Isabella was an excellent fit for this fellowship. Her education as a Childhood Studies major and previous experience interning with a school counselor meant that she had both intellectual and firsthand exposure to the current needs of youth. Equally as important, Isabella is hard-working, professional, flexible, and patient; these personality traits immediately became apparent. One of my favorite of Isabella’s resources is the Progress Moments Jar. I love that this activity emphasizes progress over perfection, a wonderful message about being patient with oneself that people of all ages can appreciate!
Isabella Campitelli, CFSI Fellow:
Starting from scratch was quite challenging, especially since there was no roadmap. The first resource I created needed multiple rounds of editing, but it became much easier once I found my rhythm. I created many more resources than we had envisioned, which exceeded my personal goals and expectations and made me very proud! One of my favorite resources that I created is Kindness Bingo. I love that this activity engages children of all ages and encourages them to practice small but powerful acts of kindness for themselves and those around them.
Throughout this process, I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside a clinical child psychologist to develop two resources. As I want to become a school counselor, this experience has been invaluable. It allowed me to learn much more than if I had chosen to remain in the classroom this semester. I am so fortunate I decided to take this leap out of my comfort zone!
Ashley Gunn, CFSI Director of Internships:
At CFSI, we support our fellows and mentors in multiple ways. We send out bi-weekly update forms for both fellows and mentors to fill out. The internship team staff uses this feedback to monitor successes and challenges at internship sites. Additionally, we utilize midterm and final evaluations to support each fellow’s professional and personal development. Fellows also participate in weekly advising circles, small discussion groups with fellows and a staff advisor. These circles are a place to get advice about internships and special projects. Finally, we have a case manager (licensed social worker) on staff who supports students if they experience any mental health challenges or need accommodations to ensure their success in the program.
Penny Austen, Executive Director, ThinkGive:
We are grateful to partner with CFSI. Their fellows, including Isabella, have been exceptional and have all made a lasting impact at ThinkGive. The CFSI staff is first-rate and provides outstanding service, seamlessly guiding host organizations through the process. We can’t wait to have another CFSI fellow make a difference at ThinkGive.
