I’m Tessa Frederick from Trinidad and Tobago, so living in Buffalo is a bit of a climate shock for me. I graduated from Barry University in Miami, Fl with a BS in Mathematical Sciences with a specialization in Actuarial Science. A little personal information about me, I cannot live without good food, family and a solid faith that constantly challenges me to think and act outside the confines of my narrow experiences and immediate environment.
The CCSC made sense for me at this point in my life because I felt the need to take a year off before graduate school to give back or volunteer in any capacity that I was able to. This program was ideal for me as I am trying to make an informed decision about beginning a Masters program in Theology or my initial areas of interest in Economics and/or Finance. I believe this opportunity would not only aid in my decision but it would also provide me with the praxis of my faith in the necessary areas of knowledge and truth, inclusive community, social justice and collaborative service. The opportunity to serve in a structured setting with a spirituality component and with others of a like mind is one of the major positives of this program for me.
My placement is at Closing the Gap, an initiative to establish community partnerships by providing services to students and their families that range from counseling and domestic violence assistance to youth education and development. I serve as a tutor and mentor to at risk teens at the only alternative school in Buffalo. Initially I was very concerned about interacting in such a novel and challenging environment but my faith and a persistently patient outlook have been instrumental in tutoring and interacting with the teens in a militant school environment. The chance to work with under privileged persons, especially teenagers gives me profound sense of fulfillment. At first I felt detached from the teens that I tutored but over time I have grown to appreciate and get to know them for who they truly are, children of God who deserve dignity, love and respect.
Initially one of my major concerns for this year of service was being away from my loved ones for such an extended period of time. However the community and spirituality components of the program have compensated well for being away from my jovial and familiar surroundings and interactions.