Children and Youth

Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day offered a chance to learn about work—and play

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 11 May 2023 14:53:27 +0000

Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day offered a chance to learn about work—and play Lauren Reuscher Thu, 05/11/2023 - 10:53

��ӽ紫ý faculty and staff were invited to bring the children in their lives to campus for Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day on April 27.

Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day. Photo by Carl Julin/Creative Services

In this collaborative event organized by Human Resources and campus partners, the “Junior Patriots” got to experience life on a university campus and find out what it’s like to work at Mason for a day.

Photo by Kristine Gussow

Attendees chose from a variety of activities to fill their day, with options at the Fairfax and SciTech campuses, as well as Mason Square.

Activities included a visit to the library, a meet-up with student athletes, a campus tour, playing games at Corner Pocket, learning about different careers with University Career Services, decorating the ��ӽ紫ý statue, and more.

Checking out the construction site of Fuse at Mason Square. Photo by Buzz McClain

A view of the construction site for Fuse at Mason Square gave kids and parents an opportunity to get a closer look at construction in action.

Lunch at Southside dining hall. Photo by Jennifer Sawyer

Making a zine at Fenwick Library. Photo by Jacelyn Tyson

The variety of events gave the children a chance to picture themselves in lots of different career paths. Read more about Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day and the faculty and staff who made it happen.

Participants check out The MIX. Photo by Jamie Lee

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Faculty and Staff News

Picture This

Human Resources

Children and Youth

Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day

Off the Clock: Caroline Masakayan makes a difference as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) for children

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 13:15:12 +0000

Off the Clock: Caroline Masakayan makes a difference as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) for children Lauren Reuscher Thu, 04/13/2023 - 09:15

Life is much more than time spent on the clock. In this series, we highlight the unique hobbies and volunteer activities of Mason's talented faculty and staff.

Caroline Masakayan, student enrichment coordinator in the College of Education and Human Development and court-appointed special advocate (CASA) for children. Photo provided

As the student enrichment coordinator in ��ӽ紫ý’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), Caroline Masakayan helps organize a variety of student activities, including writers’ retreats, destress events, the CEHD Student Research Symposium, and the college’s Degree Celebration. She also supports student organizations and the college’s two learning communities. Before arriving at Mason in June 2022, Masakayan worked as a third-grade teacher.

Outside of work, Masakayan volunteers as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA), helping children experiencing tough living situations, abuse, and neglect. She has been volunteering since February 2022, helping kids in need and building strong relationships with them.

How did you first get started with this volunteer work? How long have you been doing it?

I learned about the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program years ago when I was in college. A mentor mentioned that she was a CASA and explained that CASAs work to advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. I remember thinking how difficult the work sounded, and honestly didn’t think about it again for years.

Then, in my first year as a third-grade teacher, I had a student who was living in a foster care placement. I was contacted by the student’s CASA to provide information about how the student was doing in school—socially, academically, and behaviorally. The CASA was able to add that information to her report and use it to shape her recommendation of next steps for the child and family. Again, I thought how hard that work must be, but something stuck with me this time.

When I started thinking about leaving the classroom in the early months of 2022, I knew I still wanted to be able to work with kids somehow, and being a CASA seemed like a perfect fit.

What is the time commitment? Does it vary at different times of year?

The time commitment varies depending on what is happening in the case. The work consists of home visits, writing up notes and reports, and continuing education. Generally, it only takes a few hours a month. That being said, report writing is a lengthy process, so the commitment is a bit more in months when your case goes to court.

What has been the most meaningful or memorable experience you’ve had in this role?

The most meaningful part of this work is the relationships with the kids. Once the relationships are established, it’s fun to see the kids light up when you walk in the door. Stability is often a challenge for these kids, as they can sometimes be moved multiple times throughout the duration of their case. Being a steady, friendly, familiar face can be a real source of comfort for the kids, and it’s special to be able to play that role.

What lessons have you learned through this experience?

CNN (transcript): Dr. Martha Kubik is interviewed about possibly screening young children for anxiety eander6 Fri, 05/13/2022 - 12:59

In This Story

Martha (Marti) Y. Kubik, PhD, RN, FAAN

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College of Health and Human Services

College of Health and Human Services School of Nursing

Creators Syndicate: Dr. Martha Kubik quoted on screening children for anxiety

eander6 — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 17:27:44 +0000

Creators Syndicate: Dr. Martha Kubik quoted on screening children for anxiety eander6 Wed, 04/27/2022 - 13:27

In This Story

Martha (Marti) Y. Kubik, PhD, RN, FAAN

Indicators Facing Wrong Direction for the Health Care Industry.

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College of Health and Human Services

College of Health and Human Services School of Nursing

Audacy (Minneapolis, MN): Dr. Martha Kubik is interviewed about the need for screening kids at a younger age for anxiety

eander6 — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 13:35:43 +0000

Audacy (Minneapolis, MN): Dr. Martha Kubik is interviewed about the need for screening kids at a younger age for anxiety eander6 Fri, 04/22/2022 - 09:35

In This Story

Martha (Marti) Y. Kubik, PhD, RN, FAAN

Physicians group recommends screening all kids for anxiety.

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College of Health and Human Services

College of Health and Human Services School of Nursing

Children and Youth

Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day offered a chance to learn about work—and play

Topics

Off the Clock: Caroline Masakayan makes a difference as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) for children

How did you first get started with this volunteer work? How long have you been doing it?

What is the time commitment? Does it vary at different times of year?

What has been the most meaningful or memorable experience you’ve had in this role?

What lessons have you learned through this experience?

What else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Submit a Nomination for Off the Clock

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CNN (transcript): Dr. Martha Kubik is interviewed about possibly screening young children for anxiety

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