Where Do The Children Play; Photos by Aleida Silva-Garcia

Block Captain

Its official! I am the new block captain of my street. I have a strong sense of gratitude and pride, from being elected by my peers. I have assured the residents I will do my best in obtaining all the necessities to ensure a clean and safe block. I have written up a document in both English and Spanish, discussing important dates and responsibilities we share as a community. I have encouraged everyone on my street to share their ideas and concerns, as I am an advocate and voice for our street.

I look forward to the new leadership role I have taken, and I have already begun to make several promises come become a reality. I have acquired more information on obtaining summer meals for the children in our community, and will be receiving training this upcoming May! The summer meal program, sponsored by Nutritional Services of Philadelphia, grants community leaders the resources to provide meals to children during the summer.

In addition, I have also requested for trashcans for our street, through the “adopt a basket” program sponsored by the Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee. Our first official block cleanup begins this Saturday, March 31^st, and we have already received all tools necessary to start our transformation. We have taken the first step in making our community a safer and cleaner environment, for everyone. 

Jose Marti

"To educate is to give man the keys to the world, which are independence and love, and to give him strength to journey on his own, light of step, a spontaneous and free being"- Jose Marti

A little about my journey so far ..

My name is Samantha Utain and I am currently a first year EDS student at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (studying to be a school psychologist) and a Clinician for a private non-profit agency, where I work in a school to assist children with behavioral health needs who’ve experienced some form of trauma. I have a passion for helping others and enjoy the challenge of advocating for children and families in need of guidance. My interests in the field of psychology are primarily in studying areas of brain functioning, learning, and human development. I previously completed the school psychology master’s program at PCOM in 2008 and after gaining valuable experience working in the field, became confident in my decision to continue pursuing a career as a school psychologist.

I spent time exploring my interests in working with children diagnosed with autism and gained training in providing treatment oriented services within a school to children identified with behavioral health concerns, while also considering programs focused on speech and language pathology and clinical/counseling psychology. My decision to apply to the EDS program at PCOM came quickly after realizing that my interests in several areas of the field reflected significant roles of a school psychologist in different ways. Although my decision to pursue a career as a school psychologist originally began when I was a sophomore in high school, the idea of not allowing myself to feel solidified in my decision by exploring other interests- felt a little bit frightening at the time. Looking back, I realize that some of the most important decisions I’ve made have been influenced by one quote that I heard years ago in the movie “Girl Interrupted”- but quoted by William Joseph Slim, “ When you cannot make up your mind which of two evenly balanced courses of action you should take - choose the bolder.” I often reflect on this idea to be sure of my choices and to feel confident in my decisions. I’ve realized that figuring out which courses of action are boldest continues to be the most challenging part, but have found that trusting in life’s process, taking risks, and listening to your intellect helps get you to as close as you may need to be.

During my childhood, my parents impressed on me that the most influential way to solidify yourself as an individual is through education. For as long as I can remember, focusing on my education and future career was my main priority and focus, so taking a risk in questioning my decision was difficult to accept for a very long time. In the process, I learned that taking risks every once in a while can be healthy and even when you think you may have the answers you’re looking for- living your way into them can be meaningful, too! Although many of my experiences growing up provided me with a sensitivity for individual differences and a passion for problem solving, I've found that learning to trust in the decisions I am confident in and continuing my career at PCOM, has been one of the bravest and most necessary choices I have made. My previous experiences in the master’s program made it easy to decide on applying to the EDS program, as I felt PCOM offered supportive and professional staff who worked hard at preparing their students for success in the field, as well as, in the classroom.

So far, my experiences in the EDS program have been positive. We are already a few weeks into the third semester of our first year and have been fortunate to have the guidance of our professors as well as one another. Our cohort is full of intelligent, friendly, and supportive individuals- whose ideas and experiences show their passion for the field as well as their dedication to their future careers as school psychologists. I admire their persistence in continuing on from the MS program without too long of a break yet, and am excited to continue learning from all of them!

My story...

    “Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another-Gilbert K. Chesterton”. Throughout the generations of my family, education remained a primary concern and goal. Each generation strived for their children to reach their fullest potential, even if they themselves were unable to complete their educational journey. My grandmother, Aleida M. Garcia, completed her education in Havana, Cuba. As she arrived to the United States she began teaching at the Philadelphia School District. Ever since, her enthusiasm and passion for education became imbedded into the foundation of our family.

My mother followed the footsteps her mother set forth, and became a teacher herself. Her energetic spirit and passion for all cultures, religions, and the importance of education made every moment into a learning experience. Both my grandmother and mother provided the best they could to ensure I too reached my educational goals.

Even though I had all the support and resources available, there was a time I struggled within school. I was once the child sitting across from a school psychologist. My confidence was shot, but I knew I could not give up. With the support from my family and continued effort, I have continued to do the best I can.

Growing up, I always knew I wanted to give back and work with children. However, as new experiences entered my life, my vision began to become more focused. Throughout high school and college, I was accepted to an apprenticeship program at the Monell Chemical Senses Center. Becoming a research assistant, under Dr. Julie Mennella, was one of the best educational experiences of my life. I gain an incredible amount of knowledge within the sciences and working with children and adolescents. In my senior year at the university, I began to truly focus on my career path, and all possibilities.

It became evident after extensive research that with a strong background in the sciences and psychology, and the desire to want to help children both academically and emotionally, school psychology was the perfect match for me.

            To this day, I have no regrets in the career choice I have made. Continuing the investment of my education is one of the proudest choices I have made. I chose the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine based on its excellent reputation, diverse student body, and experienced faculty. As a student at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, I am confidant I will be well prepared and well rounded to face numerous challenges. I look forward to the future, and the potential impact I will make. 

-Aleida Silva-Garcia