I will make significant contributions to the ACLE summer camp program by providing the campers with a unique American cultural perspective and positive influence as a role model. Among multiple other reasons, I will gain vital experience and enjoy the personal rewards of teaching English in a foreign setting as well as the opportunity to learn first hand about my Italian family heritage.
As a summer camp counselor I have two main goals; the primary objective to educate using fun and innovative methods, and secondly, to serve as a role model for the children to look up to and emulate. In order to successfully achieve these goals I will encourage the campers to always maintain positive attitudes. Without positive attitudes and perceptions, students have a reduced chance of learning the material proficiently. When negative attitudes and perceptions are present, students create a mental block which is not conducive to learning. As the counselor it is my responsibility to ensure that the campers enjoy a general feeling of acceptance and a sense of comfort so that positive attitudes and perceptions are properly fostered. How do I plan to execute this proposal? I am fortunate to have learned throughout the years from my teachers and professors which methods are best to incorporate into my unique teaching style. For example, making eye contact with every camper establishes a personal connection and increases the levels of trust and comfort. Furthermore, to address each camper by their first or preferred name shows respect for their individuality. When it comes to class participation, dignifying responses by giving campers credit for the correct aspects of an incorrect answer encourages them to be confident with their abilities and increases the chance that they will participate again after giving a wrong answer. Also, restating questions in a different way so as to increase the chances of getting a correct response and providing campers with guidance through hints and clues so that they eventually determine the right answer both serve similar purposes for creating an efficient and positive learning environment. As the campers’ role model, I will teach important values, principles and ethics by providing myself as an example they can proudly follow. The values I consider most important are the principles of having respect for others, self discipline and patience, willingness to try new things, and how to have fun. I consider myself to rate excellent in all these aspects. Interestingly enough, these characteristics work together integrally. As the campers receive the respect from me which I desire of them in return they will begin to emulate my courteous behavior. After witnessing me try new things in their native culture and my enthusiastic enjoyment of learning about the differences between the American and Italian people the campers will develop a greater interest in cultural diversity. Additionally, my persistent, tenacious spirit will motivate them to reciprocate my dedication when they learn that I will never give up on them, no matter what. Furthermore, my American nationality offers the entire ACLE summer camp program a unique opportunity. The general international consensus regarding Americans currently carries slightly resentful sentiments arising from controversial foreign policy practices by the United States. Though this problem has its roots in political discord, I will clear up misconceptions simply by adhering to the previously mentioned ethics and principles. All stereotypes and prejudices are based on a lack of knowledge. As an ACLE summer camp counselor I am in the perfect position to educate campers and colleagues about the American culture. Aside from the obvious reason of being able to live and work in the greatest region in the world, there are many other reasons why I desire to be involved with the ACLE summer camp program. First of all, I am an Italian-American and experience an intense connection and sense of pride in my Italian family heritage. The experience of Italian culture will help me to better understand my ancestors and my roots to the old country. My proficiency in speaking and understanding Italian will also increase tremendously as I spend more time abroad. I will also gain valuable experience in teaching English as a foreign language in Italy. Since my career goal is to be an English teacher in Italy, this is an excellent paid internship opportunity. Most importantly, I consider the opportunity of long-lasting friendships and memories to be the most valuable and compelling reason for being a camp counselor.