The Maecenas Fund > Current Newsletter

To all our friends:

Fellow Director Chuck Bush and I spent almost a week in Phoenix in November. Our objective was to step up our personal involvement with each of our Scholars, while continuing to build our relationships with staff at Carl Hayden High School, as well as at Arizona State University, where all nine of our Scholars currently study.

Putting together quality time with nine very active students, without detracting from their class times, was a real challenge. We were able to meet with eight of our nine Scholars, plus the guidance counselors and teachers at Carl Hayden. As well, we were able to meet with several members of the administration at Arizona State, folks that have been helpful to both us and our Scholars as we move forward.

As I explained in our last Newsletter, we believe one very important aspect of our efforts is to help our Scholars stay in school through graduation. Remembering that all of them are the first in the families to go to college, and many are the first to graduate from high school, these students are true pioneers, with many of the stresses and difficulties that pioneers often face.

Our conversations with each of our Scholars tended to follow a common thread. Here are the questions that we typically asked:

How are you doing? In asking this seemingly innocuous question, we look into their eyes and seek more than the common answer of “fine.” At the outset of our conversation, this question, properly asked and listened to, enables us to get a sense for where there may be concerns or anxieties where we can provide help or guidance.
What classes are you taking this semester and how do they fit with where you want to go with your major? This enables us to transition into what occupies most of their time and attention at the moment and test for areas that we may think need further consideration. For example, properly listened to, this question can give a good indicator of any form of “drift” setting in, something that can be very damaging to our Scholars’ objectives if not caught early enough.
Which classes are you doing best/worst in? The classes with the best scores usually indicate more than just effort. They can indicate a love for the subject, something that can be built upon for career development. In looking at the areas where a Scholar may be struggling, we are looking for two things. First, we look for what the Scholar is doing on a self-motivated basis to solve his or her problem and turn it around. College is not just about academics. Important life skills can be learned, as well. And, getting out of a hole is one we all need to know. Second, we look for something where we can provide assistance. For example, getting academic counseling or advice from someone within the administration is something that we have facilitated through the relationships we have been building with people in the ASU administration.
Lastly, we work on getting the Scholars to understand that we care deeply about them as persons and that they can call on us at any time for any reason. Without being yelled at.

All of which sounds very parental, doesn’t it? It should. In many respects, we feel very parental toward and concerned for our Scholars.

For the most part, we saw our Scholars as solidly on track with this visit. One had concerns about her major (which is just fine for a Freshman), and we introduced her to a senior staff member of ASU for help and advice. All of the Freshmen seemed like they had some generalized anxiety, which one should expect, given the enormous bridge they are in the early stage of crossing.

Nonetheless, we are confident in each and every one of them. They are strong people, and they will do well!

At the foot of this letter, I have attached some pictures of Chuck and me with the Scholars with whom we were able to meet on this trip.

Best regards,
Peter Gaskins
President