Newspapers / The Guilfordian (Greensboro, N.C.) / Sept. 16, 2011, edition 1 / Page 8
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F EATU RE S Sprout cultivates leadership in first-year students WWW.GUILFORDIAN.COM By David Pferdekamper News Editor As the new school year blooms, so bloom with it new programs for students. The Career Development Center and the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement have planted the seeds for one such program debuting this semester: Sprout. Sprout is a leadership program for first- years, with the aim of helping new members of the Guilford College community grow into student leaders in their subsequent years. "With a lot of the leadership programs at Guilford, such as Bonner Scholars, by the time the school year starts, students are already in," said Director of Career Services Alan Mueller. "There wasn't really a program for students who want to get their feet on the ground for a few weeks, and then get in a program. Sprout is for students who aren't already plugged in." According to Mueller, Sprout is a 10-week program that uses experiential learning to teach about different leadership styles. The intention is to nurture the potential of new students at Guilford. "I think that Sprout will help me grow as a person and further my career at Guilford," According to Career Counselor Amanda said first year Eli Cloonan, a participant in Fontenot, Sprout will help students flourish the program. as members of the Guilford community. "Sprout will increase opportunity for "I'm new here, so I don't know the students who aren't already hooked in," said Director of Student Leadership and Engagement Erin Fox. "We have so many students with so much incredible potential, we just wanted to give something to those up-and- comers ... It's essential to get on that student leader track early on." Sprout started this past week after the CDC and OSLE conducted several interviews with n campus community that well, but I do know small liberal arts colleges," said Fontenot. "It's easy to get siloed I" (departmentally segregated). So we're trying to get students out of their silo, and get g them involved with 5. leadership and g other people." For first-years missed the opportunity to join Sprout this semester o 2 who > Z Career Counselor Amanda Fontenot hopes to fertilize young minds through Sprout, a new and are green with leadership program for first years. envy about it, there will be another candidates to judge whether they could chance to root yourself in the program next make the commitment. The program will semester. require about two hours a week. "I can name at least three fall athletes that can't participate because of previous commitments," said Fox. "I don't want them to miss out because I think they have so much to give. So we're trying to provide enough opportunities so that anyone who wants to do it can and still do their must-do's." And Sprout won't just end with first- years. There is also the hope that once the first generation of Sprout graduates reaches their junior year, they'll come back and help another group of student leaders blossom. "After about three or four groups, it will promote itself," said Mueller. "These students will be orientation leaders, RAs, they'll be involved with Senate or The Guilfordian ... and once we reach critical mass, we'll find juniors who have done Sprout to lead Sprout." With the new season dawning, those involved are excited about the possibilities. "I feel lucky that I'm getting to develop students like this," said Fontenot. "It's a lot of fun." Fox echoed Fontenot's sentiment. "It's a win-win," said Fox. "We get great things, and the students get great things. It's always about making experiences great for students." "Green Beyond’; Tips to produce a great fanners' market experience By Bree' Shepard Guest Writer Where you buy food' makes an impact on the environ ment. A grocery store has plenty of items and can be especially convenient for those with limited time to shop. However, farmers' markets can provide an abundance of produce and goods, usually allow only local vendors, and are environmentally friendly. Local food is more sustainable because it does not travel as far from the field to your plate. Many farmers' markets have organic, hormone-free, antibiotic-free, and pesticide- free produce and meat as well. Plus, supporting local farmers and vendors supports your community's economy instead of big corporations. Long story short: farmers' mar kets are sustainable for the environment and the economy. But navigating a farmers' market can be quite a challenge, especially for beginners. Keep these guidelines in mind before your next trip. • Why visit a market? For some, it is the prospect of buy ing local foods. For others, it is buying organic. And still others go for the camaraderie of the market — getting to know the farmers and connecting to their community in a new way. • What are you looking for? Markets typically have fruits and vegetables, but occasionally there will be meat, honey, and dairy products as well. There may be prepared dishes, such as bread or pastries. There is always a market for your needs. • What is your budget? You may think that farmers' markets are more expensive than buying from the gro cery store, but financially speaking, produce prices are quite comparable. Grass-fed and locally-raised meats definitely cost more than those from factory-farms. When you consider the environmental cost of conven tional agriculture, though, you may decide that local 'or organic food is worth the price. Whether you buy produce or meat, you will need to bring cash for most markets. Some bigger farmers' markets have an ATM on site for credit or debit cards, and sometimes they even accept EBT cards. Are there other options? Food buying clubs. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes, or co ops may be more suitable for you. Food buying clubs combine large orders so they are able to sell the goods at lower prices. A CSA box can be more of a challenge for college students. They require a down payment for the season, and each week of the season you get a box of produce. Co-ops are great community hubs. The own ers of the co-op grocery are the people who shop there, so the interests of the store are directly related and influenced by the interests of the customers, but you do not need to be an owner to shop at a co-op Have any questions for the fanner? Ask! Farmers love having people interested in their produce. If they grew it themselves, they are experts about their crop. Sometimes you may find new or unusual produce. Ask how to cook it, what it tastes like, and ways to store it. You may even get a sample! Other tips: Bring a bag or basket to carry your goods in. Research what produce is in season. Walk around a couple of times and see everything the vendors offer before you buy. Search for a market that fits your sched ule. Bring a friend. And have fun! Going shopping for food should be an enjoyable experience, not a chore or obligation. Want to go? Here are some farmers' markets in the Greensboro area: • Greensboro Downtown Farm Market (505 N. Greene St.) Highlights: open Monday-Saturday; local; accepts debit, credit, and EBT cards; has CSA; free on-site parking. • Greensboro Farmers' Curb Market (501 Yanceyville St.) Highlights: open Wednesday (until December) and Saturday; local (NC and adjoining states); one of the oldest in NC. • Piedmont Triad Farmers Market (2914 Sandy Ridge Rd., Colfax) Highlights: open every day; seed center; very large. • Deep Roots Market (3728 Spring Garden St.) Highlights: co-op grocery; open every day; accepts debit, credit, check, and EBT cards; student-price own ership; includes health and dried herbs section. • Veggie Co-op (The Pines or Greenleaf box) Highlights: order Monday; super-convenient; only $5 or $10 per box depending on box size. So get out there to your farmers' market! Greensboro Curb Market vendor Daniel '>Voodham talks to customers about his herbs.Vendors are usually experts about their products, so don't be afraid to ask questions.
The Guilfordian (Greensboro, N.C.)
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Sept. 16, 2011, edition 1
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