FORT KENT, Maine — Aroostook Aspirations Initiative recently hosted their first annual AWESOME weekend, a program designed to bring together for a second time the Gauvin Scholars who recently completed their freshman year of college, at the University of Maine at Fort Kent.
The 2014 scholars were excited to see each other again, spend time with the staff, and learn about life after college.
AWESOME is an acronym for Acquire Wisdom, Experience, Skills, Opportunity, Mentoring and Energy. The concept behind the weekend is to prepare them for the life they will lead outside of their educational careers. With inspirational keynotes, financial literacy training, resume workshops and practice interview sessions, it was a full weekend of learning and fun.
“It’s so exciting to see how quickly the new scholars bond. Last year it took only a pizza party on the first night, and they were all fast friends. That friendship and support network has helped them through common challenges that all college freshmen face,” said Sandy Gauvin, president and co-founder of Aroostook Aspirations Initiative.
“It has also helped a few of them get through serious life challenges and be able to finish that first difficult year. The tools the scholars get from this weekend are also invaluable. They learn about themselves as people and as learners — valuable information that contributes to their academic and social success,” she continued.
The scholars began their weekend with the 2014 Entrepreneur of Year, Cory LaPlante, owner and operator of Northern Prosthetics located in Presque Isle. LaPlante shared his story of overcoming adversity, facing challenges and seeing things through.
“Find something you are passionate about and be the best at it. Success will follow,” he said.
LaPlante also discussed why he chose life in Aroostook County and why there is so much opportunity in Aroostook right now.
The group enjoyed a night of team-building activities Friday night, and Saturday was a full day of learning. They participated in a resume-building workshop with Jordyn Madore, Internship Hub of Aroostook coordinator for Aroostook Aspirations Initiative, and a financial fitness session with Denise Duperre, Aroostook Aspirations Initiative Board member and the marketing director for NorState Federal Credit Union.
The financial session concluded with a round of practice interviews and a discussion table with local employers. A community service project with the Fort Kent Historical Society wrapped up the day with the scholars scrubbing the train station windows inside and out.
“Being a Gauvin Scholar means having access to professional resources and employers here in Aroostook County,” said AAI Executive Director April Flagg. “It is important for the scholars to gain the skills that AWESOME weekend focuses on, and it’s important for them to feel the sense of community that exists within Fort Kent. It was a weekend to remember for sure. We had a great time.”
Reaction from participants focused on the time spent together. “I love the friendships we have with each other,” said Jessica Tucker, the Southern Aroostook Gauvin Scholar for 2014.
In addition, many of the students appreciated the real-life applications of the material presented over the weekend. “I learned so much about the realities of credit, things I didn’t even know existed. It was so interesting,” said Patrick Belanger, the 2014 Fort Kent Gauvin Scholar.
The 2014 group will meet the 2015 scholars later this month at SHANTE weekend, held annually at Northern Maine Community College in Presque Isle. “It will be great to have the opportunity to share what we’ve learned over the last year,” said Andrew White, the 2014 Washburn Gauvin Scholar.
Founded by Ray and Sandy Gauvin in 2013, Aroostook Aspirations Initiative is a countywide program that works to encourage degree attainment and reverse outward migration in Aroostook County. Aroostook Aspirations Initiative works in collaboration with many local groups, is partnered with the universities and colleges in Aroostook, all 16 public school districts and dozens of local businesses.
For more information about Aroostook Aspirations Initiative or to make a donation, go to www.gauvinfund.org or call (207) 760-0558. Donations can also be made in person at 754 Main Street or by mail at 26 North Street Box 138, Presque Isle, ME 04769.
