In honor of AmeriCorps National Recognition Day, PASA is pleased to share 5 questions with AmeriCorps Member Hannah Zahn.
Hannah went to high school in Providence at Juanita Sanchez Educational Complex and participated in PASA’s Hub program in such programs as Hip Hop, Chef Walter’s ‘Introduction to Culinary’ program and Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council’s ‘River Adventures’ program. Currently Hannah is a college student at the Community College of Rhode Island and is serving in the DelSesto AfterZone as an AmeriCorps member.
- We know you were involved with the Hub in the past, can you tell us about that experience and what made you want to come back and serve with PASA?
Participating in the Hub was a good opportunity for me because it helped inform me about my community and allowed me to do different things I enjoyed. As part of the River Adventures program I learned how to deliver the content of the program to middle school students in the AfterZone. I learned a lot in that program, and was showed love and care from the middle school students which motivated me to work more with kids.
- What did you gain from participating in Hub that you are applying to your work now?
As part of the River Adventures program I learned a lot about kids, how to talk to them, and to be patient with kids.
- What do you see as the most important aspect of PASA’s work?
I think everything PASA does is important because they work for young people. Working with young people is so important because kids have so much on their minds. The most important thing is making sure they have fun and want to come back.
- What advice do you have for the students in Hub now?
If you’re going through the Hub, you can help other and yourself. When I joined the Hub I was very quiet and self conscious about my speech because I didn’t speak English very well, but I was so interested in the content that I was able to speak to and explain it to the students. The program improved my speech as well as my confidence speaking in front of people.
- Anything else you would like to share about your experience with PASA as a AmeriCorps member?
I love it here! I get to play all kinds of sports I’ve never heard of and am learning from the youth all the time. My goal is to own my own restaurant and become a chef to help people, not exactly to work with kids, but even now I feel that I’m achieving my goals because I’m helping these kids.