Our Maine Street's Aroostook Issue 30 : Fall 2016 | Page 57

Husson University and Lynn Lombard, formerly of “I can say with ease that my favorite aspect of this
MMG Insurance.
year’s Scholar weekend was meeting the new Gauvin
Scholars. We were able to speak with them about
Penny Wickstrom said, “I was excited to participate what to expect for first year challenges and give
in the “Speed Interviewing” program with Aroostook them helpful advice.” Jessica Baldwin, 2015 Gauvin
Aspirations. It offered an opportunity for students Scholar commented.
to receive feedback and suggestions directly from
employers in a less intimidating and informal forum. In addition to the trainings and peer mentoring, all
I feel it is critical for local employers and business scholars participated in community service work.
owners to make the investment in our future First-year scholars discussed what community service
workforce.”
means for them and began developing their own
community service platform. During their two years
Gauvin Scholars agree that the experience will benefit in the Gauvin Scholar program, each student will
them when they apply for their first post-college job. further develop their platform as a way to promote
Students were interviewed at a more relaxed pace and community service in Aroostook County.
had the opportunity to receive feedback and advice
on how to improve their interview skills from several This year, the scholars volunteered at the Potato
different employers.
Blossom Parade in Fort Fairfield on July 16. Students
Scholar Weekend also gave both groups of Gauvin assisted in the facilitation of the event and even got
Scholars the chance to meet each other for the first to walk in the parade. The experience proved to be
time. Throughout the weekend, in Scholar to Scholar an exciting one for everyone involved. The entire
sessions, the college sophomores gave the newly- weekend was an educational, fun experience that
inducted Gauvin Scholars useful advice and tips on showed the scholars what they can aspire to and
what it takes to succeed during that all-important achieve when they set their sights on the opportunities
first year of college. Second-year scholars informed available in their own communities.
the freshman on what challenges they may face and
shared stories of their own experiences from the past For more information about Scholar Weekend or
year. The peer mentoring ended up becoming one of Aroostook Aspirations Initiative, contact Aroostook
the most memorable experiences of the weekend for Aspirations Initiative at [phone], info@
many scholars.
gauvinfund.org or by visiting www.gauvinfund.org.

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