About the CAC member and Site (2018-2019):

Maia served as a CAC AmeriCorps member at the BCCC Refugee Youth Project. The Baltimore City Community College Refugee Youth Project seeks to improve the lives of Baltimore’s youngest refugees by supporting their academic needs and making their integration simple and meaningful. RYP is committed to its mission of creating a safe environment for refugee children to improve their literacy skills, enhance their knowledge of American culture, engage in enriching extracurricular activities, and grow to be confident, caring individuals.

“Painting Non-Violent Solutions”

When students drafted their comic books, they focused and worked very hard. I closed our opening circle by doing a quick mini meditation. I directed students to close their eyes and imagine what it feels like to have super powers. I asked, "Do you feel strong? Do you feel confident?" I was surprised to see that they were SO into it, even if some students got a bit giggly. When I asked them to open their eyes, they went straight to their seats to begin working. I think having a moment of quiet sparked a lot of creativity in their minds.