Meghan Erdman at the Brandywine Zoo
For Meghan Erdman, a 2009 graduate of Dickinson College originally
from Millersville, Pa., the 10-month Public Allies program was the ideal
next step, as its mission statement fell in line with her values.
Public Allies has pushed me to have a more elaborate and diverse
understanding of communities and their issues, she says. The program
has helped expand my personal and professional network, and it has made
me feel more prepared and experienced with being able to handle issues
of conflict.
Erdman's background with animals helped her realize that a partnership with the Brandywine Zoo
through Public Allies Delaware would be a perfect fit. She had
previously helped establish an animal-assisted therapy program at the
Cumberland County chapter of the American Red Cross.
Erdman says she has enjoyed her experience working at the zoo,
especially because she can choose to spend time indoors doing research
or outdoors, educating the public and working with the animals.
Every day is a learning day at the zoo, she says. I was not an
animal science major so I'm always learning new things when I
incorporate animals into the zoo's programs. Other than that, the
schedule is never the same.
At the zoo, Erdman serves as an event coordinator. She has organized
many events for various occasions at the zoo, including holidays and
visiting school or senior citizens' groups, in addition to weekend
events for the general public. She also helps run the Close Encounters
program, where guests can get an up-close and personal glimpse at
wildlife.
All generations still need education on wildlife and conservation,
she says. It's fun to teach people and help them eliminate their fears,
biases or worries about wildlife.
Daneya Wheeler at UD 4-H Cooperative Extension
Originally from Queens, N.Y., and currently a UD student, Daneya
Wheeler first heard about Public Allies while she was attending the
Fashion Institute of Technology. When she transferred to UD a year ago,
she found out about the Public Allies Delaware program and thought it
would fit in with her plans to get involved with the nonprofit sector.
Wheeler's placement is with the 4-H Cooperative Extension
program on the UD campus. At 4-H, she has prepared a curriculum to
teach youth about self-image, decision making and drug awareness. She
also has received grants to conduct community events, including a talent
and fashion show at Servium Girls Academy and a fair and parade at the
Boys and Girls Club in Middletown.
I love being a Public Ally and working with kids, she says. It's
not just an apprenticeship. I not only teach life skills, but I learn
them as well and have learned a lot about myself. It's been a really
good experience.
Her time with Public Allies has helped her realize that she loves to
teach kids and has the desire to have a career that is giving to the
community.
Melissa Santasa at the West End Neighborhood House
Melissa Santosa joined Public Allies because she saw it as an
opportunity to do meaningful work and build her capacity as a leader,
and it gave her the opportunity to participate in activities that
benefit and connect people to their local communities.
Santosa's placement is as an employment assistant in the Education and Employment Department of the West End Neighborhood House,
where she teaches work readiness to young adults aged 16-22. She said
she has a personal connection to West End, as she attended programs
there when she was younger.
I was excited about my placement, because it would allow me to teach
students skills that would empower them to find and keep employment,
she says.
Santosa says the Public Allies program has given her connections that
have turned into friendships and working partnerships, as well as a
more informed perspective on how to be a community leader.