Blast Off to Atlanta!- Human Trafficking and Women's Health

It was a cold and foggy Thursday morning... just kidding it was kind of hot and everyone was a little cranky because it was 7am. The ride to Atlanta was full of good jams and conversations about baby muffins and horse-sized ducks. We arrived at our housing site City of Light, and the perpetually amiable Reverend Paul greeted us and gave us a tour of the Spiritual Center. We bonded over grocery shopping at the local Walmart while picking out multiple flavors of pop tarts, break-and-bakes, and 8 pounds of ground beef. We shared mysterious medical stories and wondered how any of us are alive... or can see the world around us (because every last one of us has terrible eyesight). We ended the night feeling warm, fuzzy, and concerned for Owen's health with dreams of chair beds and crashing elevators. 

Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, we awoke to a wonderful breakfast of sugary cereal and Poptarts. We started off our day of service with our housing site - City of Light. We transported books and some unbelievably old computers to a storage unit. In the process, we managed to make a magnificent library and clean out an entire room to make space for a new office. The new library was #aesthetic once we were done with it. Next, we went to Covenant House for more service. Covenant House is a non-profit that houses 18-21 year olds who have been affected by human trafficking and homelessness. We split into two groups and did two different types of work. One group helped assemble furniture, including a desk and a dresser. The other group helped stamp and address OVER 1800 invitations to their largest annual fundraiser. The fundraiser brings in Broadway stars from New York and last year brought in $600,000. This year, the organization is expecting the fundraiser to bring in $750,000!!! Our small group had a big impact on this organization. The work we did would have taken one person weeks, but we tackled it in a matter of hours. We were proud to have been able to do so much for such a good cause. 

We had tacos and coffee for dinner (Fiesta Friday) with BREAK-AND-BAKE COOKIES. We ended the night by playing Clue and Cards Against Humanity. We had some serious Clue amateurs in our group. Overall, it was an amazing day full of laughter, hard work, bonding, and reflection of what we learned from the Atlanta community. On to the next day.. gotta blast!

AFB 2017: Human Trafficking and Women’s Health: Day 3, GETTIN’ DIRTY

This morning we woke up early after being woken up twice by Delaney. We ate some delicious Pop-Tarts and leftover tacos and hit the road to our service site! Our first service site was the adult home for Jerusalem house, an organization that provides long-term housing for individuals and families affected by HIV and AIDS.

We split into groups and tackled various yard work tasks. Some of us planted flowers, including beautiful pansies, while others pulled weeds and transplanted an invasive species. Others tilled a garden and planted head lettuce, mustard greens, and Georgia collards. Owen even used a chainsaw to trim hedges! We made friends with a man named James who taught us how to use a tiller, how to use a garden hoe, and other wisdom from his 21 years of experience with Jerusalem house. He also loves mango juice!

We finished ahead of schedule so after a quick lunch of PB&J’s and chips, we jumped at Sharon’s (the volunteer coordinator) offer to volunteer at their family site down the road. At the family site we met Ron who told us if we helped him rake and clean up the playground area it would put them 3 weeks ahead of schedule—wow! Ron, Owen, and Heather graced us with many leaf-related puns, such as “I be-leaf in you,” “leaf me alone,” and “I’m so re-leafed we finished.”

Next we visited the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic site, which included the King Birth Home, Fire Station No. 6, the King Center, and Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church. We learned about the impact Dr. King, Coretta King, Mahatma Gandhi, and Rosa Parks had on civ

il rights, the personal lives of the Kings, and the history of the church—Ebenezer Baptist only had 5 pastors in ~120 years! We also happened to see a historical reenactment of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech from the only Dr. King impersonator sanctioned by the King Center.  We saw Dr. and Mrs. King’s tomb and the eternal flame always lit to remember the continuing efforts to achieve equality in every generation.

Later on we showered at Emory for the last time and ate tasty soul food at "Who’s Got Soul?,” which we give a 10/10! Tonight we will continue our tradition of board games and going to bed way to late.

Leadership Legacy

As a leader, I hope to leave a legacy of kindness. I hope to encourage others to strive to be kind to themselves and to all that they come into contact with. I hope to inspire others to engage in genuine, thoughtful conversations and to learn all that they can from one another, with an open mind and heart. Ideally, my legacy of kindness will be used to encourage the growth of a diverse and accepting community

Legacy

My legacy is to love others to the best of my ability, to remain consistent to my faith and values, and to be an advocate for people and places in need. It is my hope that I helped others believe in themselves, remaining a constant encouragement. I hope to have showed others the true beauty of the outdoors and the importance of preserving it. If anything, I hope people know I care for what I am involved in.

Sam's Legacy

I believe that my leadership legacy that I will leave at the University of Tennessee will impact three primary organizations. I believe that my legacy will be reflected in Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, the Ambassador Program, and the Ignite Program. I have been incredibly passionate about these three organizations over the past four years, and I believe that the time and dedication that I have contributed to these organizations has hopefully left a lasting impact on future generations.

Legacy

I believe my leadership legacy is one that exists in those who I have interacted with throughout the past four years as a student here at UT, and through a commitment to growth in others and always leading with the utmost integrity and character, I hope I have positively affected others' lives. I hope I have inspired others to always work their hardest, strive to be the best version of themselves they can be, and believe in themselves to achieve great things.

Victoria's Legacy

My legacy and my mission statement I've worked on throughout all of my leadership classes continues to become more aligned. The more I have been exposed to people from all different walks of life and seen their legacies, the more I have solidified mine. 

I want my legacy to be one of care and compassion, and not just the surface-level unauthentic, compassion. I would rather be known and very well known and respected by a smaller crowd than known of by many. I want to be a person people always knew they could come to, a reliable person who they trusted. While many people are known for their success or title at their job, it's clear I value success in ways that exceed just attaining material objects and titles.

I want people to see this about me. I don't want any sense of artificiality given off in any of my actions. I put a huge importance on intentionality, and I hope people will always be able to see my true intentions and not doubt them.

I want people to see that I truly fought to give voices to people who have been systematically silenced. However, I want others to know that my contribution to the fight was never for self-recognition. When people talk about me I want to be the ally that actually helped, and stepped back when needed. 

I want my friends and family to know I always cared for them, and believed in them. I want to be remembered as a person who had wonderful relationships with others and who was always their number 1 supporter. 

I want to be remembered as a person who didn't accept things because "that's just how things are". I want to be remembered. And not just any memory, I want those long silly stories, as I always try to lighten a person's day. Through my leadership classes, I have learned that I don't just want to do this by gaining followers, but I want to be able to create solid leaders to instill our values into others. 

My Legacy

I want to be remember as someone who always gave my best effort in all aspects of my life. I always want to be true to myself and continue to grow and learn as a person. I strive to live life to the fullest and have as many adventures as possible. I want to be a friend to all and hostile to none. Finally, I want my legacy to be my actions and wisdom that can be left to the people that I can impact in the future.

Legacy

As the world seems to be evolving, adapting, and created faster than ever, I aspire to remain a source of consistency. I hope to be consistent in my faith, work ethic, compassion, and eagerness to learn and grow. It's my dream that I could leave behind a legacy of remaining true to oneself, as well as helping others be their true selves through friendship and leadership. Rather than becoming consumed in keeping up with the times and the trends, I want to find value in-- and create a legacy from-- my commitment to authenticity. People trust and  emulate authenticity, and I hope to live in a world where it is more prioritized. 

My Legacy

To me, it has always been about the little things in life. I believe it is the little things that in fact turn into the big things and have the power to change the world. My legacy revolves around a consistent commitment to the work that may seem small on the surface, transforming this philosophy of life into my personal style of leadership and service. I want to make others feel loved and supported exactly where they are with my words, actions, time, energy, and effort. I want my success to be measured by the growth of others who with my help, never doubt their worth and potential.

Legacy

If nothing else, my hope is that each person I came in to contact with over the past four years felt uplifted and encouraged. I have aimed to always be a listening ear and offer up encouragement and advice when others have felt overwhelmed and at a loss, especially underclassmen students who were dealing with classes and other things I had already been through.

Legacy

I strive to be an empathethic individual who is conciously aware of the needs, concerns, and lives of others in order to provide a happy, peaceful, and inclusive environment for my community.

My Legacy

I believe that my legacy centers around fostering inclusion and growth among individuals, no matter their age, through listening, empathy, compassion, and commitment. Every single person is unique and deserves to tell their story in the way that they wish to and it is my goal to be there to actively listen. Further, I believe that my legacy also encompasses giving back. Whether it be to my immediate community, those that have helped me along the way, or those that are new to me, I want to be able to selflessly serve and lend a helping hand as long as I have the ability to do so.

My Legacy

 I aspire to be a light on others and encourage them to be the best versions of themselves. In life, I strive to help others find confidence in who God has designed them to be. I believe that everyone is unique and beautiful in their own way and I hope to help everyone see that about themselves. In everything I do, I want to be a display of God's love for others to see and pass on.

Legacy Blog

My legacy will not be found in the things people say about Greg Butcher. I think of my legacy as each person who comes behind me that I've been able to impact, mentor, or help in some small way. My legacy is a list of names that run through my mind that are leading all across campus, creating positive change.

Legacy Statement

It is my desire to allow people to feel accepted and valued through my actions and not just my words. I aim to meet people where they are and stand with them through life's battles. I show God's love and mercy through kindness and acts of service. It is my hope to change one person's life and leave them better than I found them. I will leave a legacy full of compassion, willingness to serve, and the desire to be God's light for someone else.

Legacy

When I die, I do not want to be remembered as simply a good doctor. I do not care if my name is remembered or not, but I do care that my actions will not parish.

I want to be remembered as someone who helped minorities, particularly Hispanics, achieve compassionate and respectful healthcare. I want to pave the way for minority groups to receive the healthcare they need and deserve. I want to be the helping hand immigrants need when arriving to the United States and beginning to acculturate. Through my migration story, I want to reach others and also inspire and advocate for cultural competency among healthcare providers to improve the patient-doctor relationship as our nation continues to become more diversify.

I want my legacy to be reducing healthcare disparities among Hispanics through care, compassion, trust, and cultural sensitivity in the medical field.

Legacy - Chris Catri

It is my desire to exemplify that everyone has the capability to bloom where they are planted. In a diverse world where everyone measure success and happiness in their own way, it is my mission to show people that it is always possible to achieve their goals. Whether there is a long winding road or a straight path, there are steps and changes that can be made to strive to better one’s self and the world around them. I hope to be remembered as someone who not only always strived for happiness and success, but who lead others to overcome their adversities and always approach challenges in a positive manner.

Danyelle's Legacy

My legacy is to help create a world that respects each other’s differences and to help eliminate inequities, especially those based on judgement. I want to live in a world that provides equal opportunities regardless of any factor as long as a strong work ethic is present. I want to be known for leaving, in a sense, a foundation that is based off of love for one another, acceptance, appreciation for other people’s differences, and respecting those differences. I want others to know that it is an investment in yourself when you invest in others. This passion is based off of my relationship with God, my desire to have genuinely loving relationships with my family, then friends and my significant other. This is also based off of my desire to display respect, comfortability, hope, and gratitude. I want to be the type of person who genuinely and passionately enjoys life, who executes life with grace, and who gives to others because so much has been given to me. I want to be a person who has a phenomenal work ethic, ambition, and the determination to accomplish anything I put my mind to. Ultimately, I want to be a caring, compassionate, but helpful person who effects change for the causes I care about. 

My Legacy

I strive to inspire people to work hard, be honest, treat people fairly, and make time for fun and humor. Through my actions, my character, and my attitude, I hope to show others these things are most important to me and will lead to a happy, fulfilled life. 

Rae's Legacy Statement

My legacy is to open the eyes of others, especially the younger generations, to see that the beauty of this world come from our individual differences. I want to prove through my open, loving, and inclusive attitude that no matter what language, culture, skin color, or other individual differences everyone deserves to smile and live their life in whatever way makes them feel complete. I want to constantly pour love and happiness into those who surround me and give them the opportunity to be truly heard with empathy and understanding. I want to lead the younger generations to see their full potential and show them the beauties that this world has to offer. I want to support the children who are underprivileged and show them that they can rise up out of their situations. Ultimately, I want to be a role model for children everywhere.

Leadership Legacy - Due April 9th

In class on Monday, you will be receiving a "Creating a Leadership Legacy Statement" worksheet. Please use this worksheet to develop your personal legacy in 250 words or less. 

This assignment is due on Sunday, April 9th at 5:00pm.

James White's Fort - "The Birthplace of Knoxville"

Supposedly, the "birthplace of Knoxville" is still here, and standing. James White was an American pioneer and soldier who was born in 1747 in Rowan County, NC. On an expedition through what is now called the upper Tennessee Valley, he discovered what is now Knoxville. Knoxville was chosen as the capital of the Southwest Territory at one point and James White actually donated his private land so that Knoxville could become a permanent city.

Okay, technically it's not the original fort that is still standing. It was reconstructed, but still. It marks the first governmental building created in what is now Knoxville. It is an active museum, which is open on Monday-Friday from 9:30am-4:30pm currently with an admission price of only $5.

Check it out!

Blount Mansion

Blount Mansion is located at 200 West Hill Avenue in downtown Knoxville. It was home to William Blount who was a senator for the state of Tennessee. Blount Mansion has been referred to as "the most historical spot in Tennessee." The mansion is primarily built with materials from North Carolina. It was almost demolished in 1925 and replaced by a parking lot, but fortunately it is still standing. I would definitely recommend going to visit Blount Mansion!

Southern Terminal

The Southern Terminal was designated as a National Register of Historic Places in 1985. Just in the past few years it has turned into an event venue, regularly hosting weddings and parties. The building was designed by architect Frank Pierce Milburn and built in 1903. I chose this place because it so easily catches my eye every time I passed but knew very little about its history and significance. The terminal was built on what used to be an uninhabited marsh because it on of few flat places in Knoxville. This place holds such significance because it used to be such a big deal in Knoxville. At their peak during WWII the terminal was bringing in 27 passenger trains a day. Its decline can be largely attributed to the growth of automobile and airplane travel. In the 1960s many of Southern Terminal's lines were eliminated and on August 12, 1970 the last scheduled train left the station. I would definitely revisit the terminal and likely will soon since so many weddings are there. I'd highly recommend visiting, so go!

Marble Springs State Historic Site

I originally looked at this place because my friend and I are also looking for wedding venue options for her and this was in the search results. Even though we didn't really like what it had to offer as far as her wedding is concerned, looking into the history of it was really cool and the tour that we took of the property was a really fun experience. 

This place is located right off of Gov. John Sevier Highway, which is a coincidence, because that's who owned this plot of land! The first official governor of the State of Tennessee lived on this 350 acre farm back in 1815! (1801-1815, if you want to be exact). This location was the last home the Governor ever had, as he died shortly after on September 24, 1815. He named the home Marble Springs because of the Tennessee Rose Marble that was quarried on site and the natural springs that flowed on the property. (Fun fact, the Springs are still onsite, they're just a little less flowy as you can imagine.)


I really liked this place and how they have turned it into a little mock town if you will. They use it primarily to for children's tours and educational purposes which is really neat! I would visit again, but probably only with Avery. Definitely no place for a wedding but still a cool thing that Knoxville gets to claim 

Marble Springs

Marble Springs is the name of the property in which Tennessee's first governor John Sevier resided. I chose this historic site because it is a beautiful site with the rich history of a man so important to Tennessee. John Sevier was a well known revolutionary war hero in the Battle of Kings Mountain in 1780. Sevier was the governor of the state of Franklin before he became the first governor of Tennessee. Marble Springs is the farm where he lived in his final years. The farm is 350 acres, named Marble Springs after the rose marble that had been quarried there and its natural springs that flow through the property. There are several houses on the property along with a cabin. The site offers an old fashion atmosphere and is very nice in the spring weather. On the way out you can check out the quaint little gift shop! I recommend making a visit to this historic place and I myself will make a return.

Tennessee Theatre

The Tennessee Theatre will be the first thing to catch your eye when on Gay street. With a sign that literally lights up the entire road, and shows with a very personal and intimate feel to them, the Tennessee Theatre remains one of the coolest places downtown I have been to! While we learned a bit about the history of Gay Street on the tour we went on last semester, all I could really remember was the story of the big fire. So after walking past the Theatre today, I decided to use good ole Google. I learned that the theatre was originally a "motion picture palace" when it opened in 1928, hosting mostly silent shows, cartoons, and sometimes newsreels. The place also hosted magicians and acrobats, with one performance including a man on a live horse, who ran out of the theatre and into Gay Street and kept performing. For an even cooler fact, the most popular showing at the Theatre was Snow White, in 1938. The theatre kept showing movies until late 70s, and now host mostly live shows. I had the pleasure of watching a symphony there about 2 years ago, and it was so awesome. The sound in the theatre traveled nicely, and even being in the back row, I had a pretty nice view. In 2005, they renovated the place to look like it's original look, and I can only imagine how cool the place looked when it first opened, almost a century ago! 

Sunsphere

Everybody knows what the Sunsphere looks like, but it certainly has an interesting history behind it. The Sunsphere was built in 1982 as part of the World’s Fair that came to Knoxville that year. The theme of the World’s Fair that year was “Energy Turns the World” with over eleven million people visiting during the event. The Sunsphere has since became the prominent symbol of Knoxville. It stands three hundred and forty-one feet high. It was designed by the the Knoxville-based architectural firm Community Tectonics. The windows are each layered in a 24-karat gold dust that gives it the gold color. It costs around one thousand dollars for each panel at the time. During the World’s Fair, it cost two dollars to go to the top. I found a couple of interesting points while researching about it. For example, early May 12, 1982, someone shot out one of the sphere’s windows and no one was ever arrested for it. Another interesting point was that on May 15, 2000 nuclear weapons protesters climbed the Sunsphere and hung a banner that stated “Stop the Bombs”. They stayed up in the Sunsphere for three days until surrendering to the police. Also, it was famously part of a plot in a 1996 Simpsons episode where the Sunsphere stored wigs since the Worlds Fair. Being underused since 1982, then-Mayor Bill Haslam proposed to renovate and reopened the Sunsphere in 2007. Now, it has an observation desk and bar located within. It is a great place to get some awesome views of Knoxville.