| One
of the big draws of the WIN Program is the R.O.P.E.S. challenge course.
The R.O.P.E.S. (Reality Orientated Physical Experience Service) challenge
course at Peninsula College is a physically challenging course, building
self-esteem, teamwork, trust and problem solving skills with unconditional
support among peers.
The girls head off
on the bus in separate groups, sitting with their friends. By the end
of the day, when the bus leaves to return to school, the girls are so
intermixed it’s like ONE big group. There’s laughter, talking
and reviewing the days accomplishments. This year 23 girls participated
in the R.O.P.E.S. challenge. Two of those were sisters, one a freshman,
one a sophomore. The third sister, a senior who is also a WIN student,
was unable to attend as she had a test in one of her classes. |
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REVIEWING THE HISTORY OF WIN (WOMEN IN NETWORKS) |
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| Have you ever watched a movie more than once? Have you noticed something in the movie that you didn’t notice the previous time? These were the questions raised at our October 29th Soroptimist meeting when the Education Committee presented the History of WIN. Sequim High School principal, Shawn Langston, and his wife Shelley, Director of Special Services were our guests. So too were Mitzi Sanders; Cathy Angel’s mentee, Emily Howat and her mom Sue Howat; and Kathy Purcell’s mentee, Kim Dornbush. Kathy welcomed the guests, thanking everyone for coming out to the meeting. Kathy briefly told about the meaning of WIN, introduced Mitzi who told us how the WIN concept became a reality and how the partnership between Sequim High School and SI Sequim made it happen. The support of the community also helped. Kathy then spoke about the mentoring part of WIN. She stated that each mentoring relationship is as different as the people involved. A mentor is like a big sister, a friend, a guide at times and perhaps even a role model. A mentor and mentee can be in contact via phone, e-mail or in person. This depends on the schedules of the individual mentor and mentee. The main thing is to keep communication open. In some relationships the mentor takes the lead. In other cases, the mentee may choose to initiate contact. Kathy told us how she and Kim are now in their third year as mentor/mentee. Although the WIN Program brought them together, they will be friends for years to come. Kim Dornbush spoke about the various field trips she has attended. She told the story of her experience on one of the R.O.P.E.S. challenges. We all had to smile as we listened to what Kim shared. She mentioned that she has had an interest in computers since she was a child. Although she has explored several other possible careers, she keeps coming back to computers. Cathy Angel spoke about her mentoring relationship with Emily Howat. Cathy said in the beginning she didn’t know what she could offer to Emily, as Emily has a very supportive, stable family. Emily’s mom supports and encourages Emily in this mentoring relationship. Cathy and Emily have done many things together, including visiting local veterinarians to explore Emily’s interest in that field, taking walks, and working together on Angel Farm, Cathy’s lavender farm. The relationship has offered growth and joy to them both. Seventy-two girls have filled out forms to be in the WIN Program this year. Many of them have indicated an interest in having a mentor. We strongly encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a mentor, or if you know any women in the community who may be interested in being a mentor, please let Kathy know. Kathy Purcell - Education/WIN Committee Coordinator |
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SI Sequim |