SIENA BONNERS AND AMERICORPS VISTA FELLOWS MEET BY SHOWCASING THEIR ENERGY, PASSION AND TALENT BY MICHAEL GIOIA ’12
Siena VISTA Fellow The highly anticipated Siena College VISTA Bonner Showcase turned out to be a much enjoyed success. The event brought together students and working professionals alike, all of whom center their lives and work around serving the community they reside in. The event was the first opportunity for the new AmeriCorps VISTA cohort to meet new and returning Bonner Program students. During the event, VISTAs and Bonners worked collaboratively and competitively in a number of events ranging from a tricky spelling bee, to an energy-charged game of Pictionary, to the ultimate event - the talent show. The Norm of Siena College’s Serra Dining Hall was filled with high levels of fun and energy the entire night. Ruchi Gala, a VISTA working with 15-Love, an organization that functions by using the game of tennis to teach the game of life, said “[It] was a great opportunity to showcase not only our talent, but also our potential to come together and do something fun, something special.” The showcase was all of that and more. The success of this event is a testament to the success of Siena College’s VISTA and Bonner programs respectively. It shows just what could happen when compassionate, unique, and fun-loving people come together to bring levity to an otherwise serious undertaking - a year dedicated to service and community outreach amidst inevitable challenges. Although VISTAs and Bonners are placed at a number of sites in varying locations throughout the community, the Showcase was able to bring everyone together for an exciting and fun-filled night. DEEP Service 5