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ONE: Boston Regional Event Overview
Luisa Reyes (Scholars '06)
This fall, the Regional Network Co-chairs of the NJ SEEDS Alumni Alliance hosted kick-off events in Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Boston for SEEDS alumni to meet, network and welcome college students new to the area. D.C. alumni met at Penn Commons for lunch and Philadelphia alumni gathered in Center City for brunch. Boston alumni met in the Boston Commons for a picnic, which was organized by Nidhi Goyal (Scholars ‘05), Lauren Mullins (Scholars ‘06), Isaac Reyes (Scholars ‘03), and me. The opportunity to kick-start SEEDS’ Boston Regional Network excited us as we planned this event , which brought together alumni and friends for food, games, and good conversations on a fall afternoon in the middle of Boston. We painted pumpkins, played sports, and ate while connecting with SEEDlings from multiple class years.
We reminisced about our SEEDS experiences and shared how we have grown since then. Being able to connect over our similar, yet different, paths was sincere and  purposeful. This was exactly the type of family vibe that a younger me would’ve loved to have when I was a freshman in Boston. To best support the youngest SEEDlings in your region, I hope you will attend the next event nearest to you and join your Regional Network in building a strong SEEDS family.
Sign up for the Alumni Alliance listserv for updates or contact Jenny Dodson Mistry (Scholars '99) to find out how to get involved.
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TWO: Giving Back to SEEDS
Jenny Dodson Mistry (Scholars '99)
As alumni of NJ SEEDS, each of us has our own story about how the organization changed our lives for the better. It is vital that as we move on up in the world we remember to give back to ensure that the next crop of SEEDlings will continue to benefit from this amazing opportunity. In 2013-2014, 126 alumni contributed a total of almost $30,000 to NJ SEEDS. This is an amazing number - enough to fund two students through the Scholars Program - but it also means that only 12 percent of the alumni community gave back last year.
 That’s why the NJ SEEDS Alumni Alliance has set two goals for 2014-2015: we plan to raise $45,000 from alumni and increase the number of alumni donors to 250, achieving a rate of 25 percent giving. We have big plans to help us meet these goals, but you can get us started right now by clicking here and giving whatever you can. Even a gift of $5 is meaningful in helping us raise our numbers. Tell your friends, and thank you for your support!
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THREE: Volunteer with CPP: Giving back to SEEDS has never been so easy!
Jazmin Londono (Scholars '08)
It takes one hour to make an impact on the life of a CPP scholar. Once a month on a Saturday, you get to have a completely honest and fulfilling interaction with high school students who are giving up their weekend to further their academic lives. As a twenty year old alumna, I thought that my presence at the CPP Saturday workshops would be undermined or not be of much importance - what type of wisdom or insight could I offer through our discussions? I was completely wrong.
The last few times that I have participated in discussions at CPP Saturday Academy, we discussed the importance of communication over social media and email, addressing proper etiquette, and the dos and don’ts of certain situations. I had the chance to facilitate a small group of students through open dialogue; we brainstormed protocol for handling communication with peers, professors and our networking community in a professional manner.
This is not an exhaustive or intensive workshop. This is a time for us alumni to give back to one of our programs; we have a duty to help those who are going through the process we once went through. Collaborating with these bright students, who are very willing to have an ongoing conversation with us, is a humbling and rewarding experience. All it takes is one hour.
Interested in volunteering? Contact Nakeefa Bernard (Scholars '99) to learn more.
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FOUR: Help Us Say Thank You!
Samuel Peprah (Scholars '05)
SEEDlings! We invite you to join us for our annual Alumni Thank-a-thon on Wednesday, January 14, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the
 NJ SEEDS office (494 Broad Street, Newark, NJ).
SEEDS donors love to hear from the alumni about the impact of their gifts, so please share your story! Inspire them to invest in today’s scholars and help increase our impact by joining us as we work to strengthen our relationship with donors.
This is NOT a fundraising call. It is simply a way to share your personal SEEDS story with those individuals that have invested in your success. For additional information on this event, please contact SEEDS' Director of Development, Jennifer Mehr. |
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FIVE: Music, Food, and Memories: SEEDS' 2014 Alumni Holiday Spectacular
Andres Barrezueta (Scholars '05)
The 2014 NJ SEEDS Annual Holiday Spectacular (Saturday, December 27 at the Hilton - Newark Penn Station) was a success,  with more than 180 attendees, ranging from graduates from the Class of 2014 to the Class of 2004. Participants savored a healthy and delicious buffet, and danced to music provided by DJ Kevin Arroyo. Aside from great music and food, each year the event is a chance to meet more members of the SEEDS community and reconnect with old friends.
This year, I chatted with several ‘10 SEEDS alumni, who are now sending out college applications, and recalled my own experience applying to schools six years ago. I caught up with Eddison Ugaddan (YSP '08), a fellow Newark Academy alumnus, currently a freshman at Lehigh University, who is studying Civil Engineering. As a CE graduate, I gladly shared some advice regarding the field, and the job-hunting process. I met Dominique Paul (Scholars ’06), a Finance major at Clarkson University, and now an investment advisor in New York. A group of Scholars ’04 alumni were also present, including Angie Ramirez, Michael Oppong, and Sharlene Piverger. I was happy to hear that they are all thriving personally and professionally.
One moment in particular from my time at the event captures its uniqueness: I had an unexpected flashback to Phase II (now known as Scholars Academy Saturdays) by speaking to my former math teacher, Darlene Clovis. She described her work as an engineer, we reminisced about Phase II, and conversed about the fitness regimen Crossfit. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Alumni Holiday Spectacular, and encourage all alumni to attend next year’s event.
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