Community Engagement

My Childhood Studies minor helped me with engaging with the students in Atlantic City as they completed their homework. By interacting with them after school, I gained insight into their lives at home and what they thought was normal. It was unfortunate to see that urban education is so underfunded and that the students were struggling to do their homework. By writing field notes after each session and analyzing what these children go through, I have concluded that they need an education that engages them in the same way an electronic device or a video game would. Bringing in culturally significant artifacts could get the students intrigued and excited to learn about history. 

I saved this internship for my last semester at Stockton because I wanted to complete my arts attribute in a meaningful way that would be hands-on and beneficial to my future career. Since I want to work in a museum, I applied to do this internship and learn about the curatorial work, administrative aspects, and a little bit of educational and marketing features that a small, local museum might have to offer. I also used my Childhood Studies minor to my advantage and helped with art education programs and elementary school field trips. As a former Noyes Museum volunteer, I had prior connections and knowledge about the museum, and it has helped me be an effective curator and museum worker. I may also have opportunities to work and/or volunteer at the Hammonton location, since it's close to where I live.

In addition to the above, I have always been a volunteer helping out the community. From being in Girl Scouts in grade school, to doing service projects in the Honors Program and Circle K, I have been heavily involved in the communities I resided in. Some examples of events I've helped host and/or participated in were MLK Days of Service, Fall Days of Service, entertaining the elderly at Spring Village, assisting local farms and animal rescues, creating cards for hospice patients and hospitalized children, playing baseball with people having special needs, and more. These experiences have humbled me and made me appreciate everything that I have. The people I got to connect with made me realize how grateful I am and that volunteering is important. I will continue to volunteer wherever I end up after college.

Stockton Circle K Instagram: @stockton.circlek
Fall 2022 Honors Co-Curricular Requirement Portfolio link: https://sites.google.com/go.stockton.edu/heathermccartyhonors/home
Spring 2023 Honors Co-Curricular Requirement Portfolio link: https://sites.google.com/go.stockton.edu/heathermccarty-spring-2023/home?pli=1&authuser=4