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ACE in Place Engagement Experience Wraps Up
8/5/2020 5:00:00 PM | Athletics
ACE in Place Engagement Experience Wraps Up
DURHAM, N.C. - Despite international travel for The Rubenstein-Bing Student-Athlete Civic Engagement Program (ACE) being canceled for the summer of 2020, the ACE Program launched ACE in Place. Participants recently completed the five-week online engagement experience.
The engagement experience launched June 23rd and participation was voluntary and will not impact the student-athlete's eligibility for ACE 2021 programming.
ACE in Place featured 34 student-athletes from Duke and Stanford from 26 total varsity sports who were originally accepted in the four programs – ACE in South Africa, ACE in Vietnam, ACE in Peru and ACE in Thailand.
In addition to the 34 participants, eleven ACE Ambassadors served as Peer Ambassador Leaders (PALs) and featured six Blue Devils in Veronica Brtek (cross country, track & field), Mike Ungvarsky (cross country, track & field), Ema Kuczura (rowing), Jillian Wolgemuth (field hockey), Carly Perri (swimming & diving) and Sarah Nelson (volleyball).
ACE in Place was composed of three weekly components via Zoom: skills building and enrichment activities, community building and an optional self-directed community engagement/volunteering.
In the skills building and enrichment activities sessions, a different theme was explored each week that embodies ACE Program values. Participants heard from ACE alums, community partners, faculty, campus public service center staff, and athletic department staff. Topics included discussing the ethics of international service, learning about impact of COVID and international development work in South Africa, introducing the concept of mindfulness and service, and learning about public service careers and post-grad service opportunities.
In the community building sessions, students were divided into five groups led by PALs. Participants met with the same group and PAL leaders each week for the five weeks. During the weekly meetings, the groups engaged in conversation, built relationships among Duke and Stanford student peers, discussed weekly themes, and reflected on current events. Participants were able to form unique relationships with other student-athletes who they wouldn't have had the chance to connect with if it weren't for ACE in Place and found the support they gained from each other especially important during this challenging time. Many students talked about the community groups provided an opportunity to not only learn more about service, but to reflect on their own personal motivations and purpose in serving others by listening to others' experiences and beliefs.
Lastly, students were encouraged to pursue self-directed community engagement within their home community or with an organization they've previously supported at Duke or Stanford. Weekly volunteer resources were shared via the ACE in Place newsletter.
2020 Duke Participant Quotes:
"ACE in Place gave me a community I could lean on in these uncertain times. I am glad ACE was able to bring us together so we could share our experiences and prepare for a unique year ahead." - Lucy Callard, swimming & diving
"I learned that impactful service does not mean you have to travel internationally or dedicate your whole life to a cause. Service begins in your own community, but learning how to serve ethically is the greatest challenge whether the service is domestic or international." - Katie Calvo, women's lacrosse
"Service is not just about going in and saving the world. It is the attitude of humility, when one recognizes that they may not know what's best for that community so they ASK that community. This allows the two communities to learn the most they possibly can from each other." - Emily Cole, cross country & track and field
"ACE in Place was symbolic of the times we live in: Nothing is going to be perfect, let alone expected, but we have to make the most of it. This emphasis on flexibility is something that was constantly reinforced throughout ACE in Place, a reminder to myself and my fellow ACE participants that we must be willing to accommodate not only our actions but our mindsets and perspectives to an ever-changing world." - Joe Cullen, cross country & track and field
"One of the most impactful insights that I have thought a lot about throughout ACE in Place is how I, as an American, am viewed in other countries. It was something that I naively never gave much thought to, but now, especially in today's world, realize how important it is to consider." - Dejanae Davis, softball
"It was great to learn and discuss the complications with international service. I really learned how I can be both positively and negatively impactful in the communities I enter." - Kristina Foreman, softball
"During my time with ACE in Place, I learned that I can still have an impact on my community, both school and home, even when I cannot directly be involved. By educating myself for the last five weeks, I feel better prepared to play an ethical role in service both home and abroad." - Grace Kim, field hockey
"The most important lesson I learned during ACE in Place was the importance of being aware of your surroundings and being grateful for everything you have. No matter where you are, you can help and make a difference. You can make change." - Marykate McGuire, soccer
"ACE in Place has taught me that although we may be faced with hardships in life (COVID-19), we can always collaborate with our communities to help outreach to others in need. This summer has provided me with a tremendous amount of insight into self-development, leadership skills, and the ability to collaborate and work effectively in teams." - Robert Nelson, football
"The most important lesson I learned during ACE in Place is to always keep an open mind, because situations can change very quickly and learning how to adapt to change is very important. Additionally, building relationships with other student-athletes that I might have never had the chance to connect with helped me to understand different perspectives and network within my peer athletic community." - Rachel Peroni, swimming & diving
"ACE in Place has become a safe community to discuss both domestic and international problems we are currently facing as well as the ethics of international service. We held important conversations that shared our differences as individuals yet strengthened our unity as athletes." - Mackenzie Pluck, soccer
"My biggest takeaways from ACE in Place are new perspectives and awareness. I got to discuss topics that I hadn't ever really discussed with anyone else, and it helped me learn a lot not only about my new group of friends but also myself. This new self-awareness and the awareness of my potential impacts on others is something I will keep with moving forward for a long time." - Will Taylor, football
"While this experience wasn't everything that I hoped ACE would be, I'm very grateful to have been a part of this experience and the ACE family. I am so grateful for all of the work Emily and Sean put into this experience to make it what it was." - Ellie Winslow, swimming & diving
"ACE in Place was a phenomenal interactive experience where we interacted and developed new characteristics and got a look into different avenues and frontiers of service, community, athletics, leadership, and education that I will take on and build upon for the future as not only a student-athlete, but also as a person." - Jadon Kerry, lacrosse
"ACE in Place helped switch my motives for service work from an experience that I would benefit from (while helping others in the process), to a meaningful experience that would have real purpose and help communities in need. I learned a lot about how to approach service work from a practical, and ethical stand point which I intend to put into use with my next opportunity." – Griffin Catlett, lacrosse
"Through the meetings with Dr. Mlyn and MC, I realized how important it is to not bring the American mindset into service. Not everything America does is best for everyone, and not everyone wants to live the way that we do. We must collaborate with the community and really ask what it is they want from us, rather than coming in with a fixed plan/mindset." – Caroline Jacobsen, softball
2020 Duke Peer Ambassador Leader (PALs) Quotes:
"ACE in Place allowed all of us to build relationships during a time where meeting new people is more challenging. This allowed students to create a new community within the two athletic programs when we are all needing to rely on our communities most." – Veronica Brtek, cross country and track & field
"ACE in Place helped me feel a connection to Duke and to my ACE friends during a time where my personal connections were largely lost. I am so happy that I chose to participate in this program because, without it, I would not have spent time with some many friends--new and old. Those meetings with Tim and Isabelle especially helped me remember that I had a network of people who cared about me and were invested in my happiness." – Ema Kuczura, rowing
"ACE in Place was a great experience in connecting with others around the nation through similar goals and values of serving communities. It was a special way to have tough conversations, especially during unprecedented times - conversations that are not spoken about very often in a normally busy lifestyle." – Sarah Nelson, volleyball
"Through ACE in Place, I was able to recognize just how thankful I am to have been a part of this program and to have had the chance to go to Peru. I am so thankful for my experience and what it has led me to being an Ambassador for ACE. Especially this summer, this role has helped me reflect more on what I want out of my life and how I want to positively affect others as well." – Carly Perri, swimming & diving
#GoDuke
The engagement experience launched June 23rd and participation was voluntary and will not impact the student-athlete's eligibility for ACE 2021 programming.
ACE in Place featured 34 student-athletes from Duke and Stanford from 26 total varsity sports who were originally accepted in the four programs – ACE in South Africa, ACE in Vietnam, ACE in Peru and ACE in Thailand.
In addition to the 34 participants, eleven ACE Ambassadors served as Peer Ambassador Leaders (PALs) and featured six Blue Devils in Veronica Brtek (cross country, track & field), Mike Ungvarsky (cross country, track & field), Ema Kuczura (rowing), Jillian Wolgemuth (field hockey), Carly Perri (swimming & diving) and Sarah Nelson (volleyball).
ACE in Place was composed of three weekly components via Zoom: skills building and enrichment activities, community building and an optional self-directed community engagement/volunteering.
In the skills building and enrichment activities sessions, a different theme was explored each week that embodies ACE Program values. Participants heard from ACE alums, community partners, faculty, campus public service center staff, and athletic department staff. Topics included discussing the ethics of international service, learning about impact of COVID and international development work in South Africa, introducing the concept of mindfulness and service, and learning about public service careers and post-grad service opportunities.
In the community building sessions, students were divided into five groups led by PALs. Participants met with the same group and PAL leaders each week for the five weeks. During the weekly meetings, the groups engaged in conversation, built relationships among Duke and Stanford student peers, discussed weekly themes, and reflected on current events. Participants were able to form unique relationships with other student-athletes who they wouldn't have had the chance to connect with if it weren't for ACE in Place and found the support they gained from each other especially important during this challenging time. Many students talked about the community groups provided an opportunity to not only learn more about service, but to reflect on their own personal motivations and purpose in serving others by listening to others' experiences and beliefs.
Lastly, students were encouraged to pursue self-directed community engagement within their home community or with an organization they've previously supported at Duke or Stanford. Weekly volunteer resources were shared via the ACE in Place newsletter.
2020 Duke Participant Quotes:
"ACE in Place gave me a community I could lean on in these uncertain times. I am glad ACE was able to bring us together so we could share our experiences and prepare for a unique year ahead." - Lucy Callard, swimming & diving
"I learned that impactful service does not mean you have to travel internationally or dedicate your whole life to a cause. Service begins in your own community, but learning how to serve ethically is the greatest challenge whether the service is domestic or international." - Katie Calvo, women's lacrosse
"Service is not just about going in and saving the world. It is the attitude of humility, when one recognizes that they may not know what's best for that community so they ASK that community. This allows the two communities to learn the most they possibly can from each other." - Emily Cole, cross country & track and field
"ACE in Place was symbolic of the times we live in: Nothing is going to be perfect, let alone expected, but we have to make the most of it. This emphasis on flexibility is something that was constantly reinforced throughout ACE in Place, a reminder to myself and my fellow ACE participants that we must be willing to accommodate not only our actions but our mindsets and perspectives to an ever-changing world." - Joe Cullen, cross country & track and field
"One of the most impactful insights that I have thought a lot about throughout ACE in Place is how I, as an American, am viewed in other countries. It was something that I naively never gave much thought to, but now, especially in today's world, realize how important it is to consider." - Dejanae Davis, softball
"It was great to learn and discuss the complications with international service. I really learned how I can be both positively and negatively impactful in the communities I enter." - Kristina Foreman, softball
"During my time with ACE in Place, I learned that I can still have an impact on my community, both school and home, even when I cannot directly be involved. By educating myself for the last five weeks, I feel better prepared to play an ethical role in service both home and abroad." - Grace Kim, field hockey
"The most important lesson I learned during ACE in Place was the importance of being aware of your surroundings and being grateful for everything you have. No matter where you are, you can help and make a difference. You can make change." - Marykate McGuire, soccer
"ACE in Place has taught me that although we may be faced with hardships in life (COVID-19), we can always collaborate with our communities to help outreach to others in need. This summer has provided me with a tremendous amount of insight into self-development, leadership skills, and the ability to collaborate and work effectively in teams." - Robert Nelson, football
"The most important lesson I learned during ACE in Place is to always keep an open mind, because situations can change very quickly and learning how to adapt to change is very important. Additionally, building relationships with other student-athletes that I might have never had the chance to connect with helped me to understand different perspectives and network within my peer athletic community." - Rachel Peroni, swimming & diving
"ACE in Place has become a safe community to discuss both domestic and international problems we are currently facing as well as the ethics of international service. We held important conversations that shared our differences as individuals yet strengthened our unity as athletes." - Mackenzie Pluck, soccer
"My biggest takeaways from ACE in Place are new perspectives and awareness. I got to discuss topics that I hadn't ever really discussed with anyone else, and it helped me learn a lot not only about my new group of friends but also myself. This new self-awareness and the awareness of my potential impacts on others is something I will keep with moving forward for a long time." - Will Taylor, football
"While this experience wasn't everything that I hoped ACE would be, I'm very grateful to have been a part of this experience and the ACE family. I am so grateful for all of the work Emily and Sean put into this experience to make it what it was." - Ellie Winslow, swimming & diving
"ACE in Place was a phenomenal interactive experience where we interacted and developed new characteristics and got a look into different avenues and frontiers of service, community, athletics, leadership, and education that I will take on and build upon for the future as not only a student-athlete, but also as a person." - Jadon Kerry, lacrosse
"ACE in Place helped switch my motives for service work from an experience that I would benefit from (while helping others in the process), to a meaningful experience that would have real purpose and help communities in need. I learned a lot about how to approach service work from a practical, and ethical stand point which I intend to put into use with my next opportunity." – Griffin Catlett, lacrosse
"Through the meetings with Dr. Mlyn and MC, I realized how important it is to not bring the American mindset into service. Not everything America does is best for everyone, and not everyone wants to live the way that we do. We must collaborate with the community and really ask what it is they want from us, rather than coming in with a fixed plan/mindset." – Caroline Jacobsen, softball
2020 Duke Peer Ambassador Leader (PALs) Quotes:
"ACE in Place allowed all of us to build relationships during a time where meeting new people is more challenging. This allowed students to create a new community within the two athletic programs when we are all needing to rely on our communities most." – Veronica Brtek, cross country and track & field
"ACE in Place helped me feel a connection to Duke and to my ACE friends during a time where my personal connections were largely lost. I am so happy that I chose to participate in this program because, without it, I would not have spent time with some many friends--new and old. Those meetings with Tim and Isabelle especially helped me remember that I had a network of people who cared about me and were invested in my happiness." – Ema Kuczura, rowing
"ACE in Place was a great experience in connecting with others around the nation through similar goals and values of serving communities. It was a special way to have tough conversations, especially during unprecedented times - conversations that are not spoken about very often in a normally busy lifestyle." – Sarah Nelson, volleyball
"Through ACE in Place, I was able to recognize just how thankful I am to have been a part of this program and to have had the chance to go to Peru. I am so thankful for my experience and what it has led me to being an Ambassador for ACE. Especially this summer, this role has helped me reflect more on what I want out of my life and how I want to positively affect others as well." – Carly Perri, swimming & diving
#GoDuke
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