The Anthony Muñoz Foundation’s (AMF) mission is to impact the lives of Tri-State area youth mentally, physically, and spiritually and I have been fortunate enough to watch this happen first hand.  I started working at the Foundation last fall and I have the privilege of interning this spring as well.  I have been able to gain real world experience, but more importantly I have been able to see the impact AMF has on lives.

The Foundation runs a tutoring program called Whiz Kids that works with students to help enrich their reading abilities.  Seeing them grow in their reading capabilities was incredible to watch.  I was also fortunate enough to be a tutor for one of the students and working with her every week was always a highlight. To see her grin from ear to ear from understanding a word she had been struggling with was all I needed to want to come back each week.  Without the Foundation I would not have been a Whiz Kids tutor or known how much positive impact these students were receiving with AMF’s help.  To learn more about Whiz Kids and see how you can get involved check out last week’s blog post.

Not only is the Anthony Muñoz Foundation helping students through tutoring, but also with their Youth Leadership Seminar and different camps.  The Youth Leadership Seminar brings together local high school students to give them the tools they need to positively impact their communities.  I was able to see students come up with projects that would better their school, their peers, and their neighbors.  The Foundation realizes the importance of the youth and helps them understand the positive effect they can have on other people.  AMF is also able to use the game of football as a character building tool.  Not only are middle school boys able to learn football skills, but they also learn about the character traits that can help them succeed in life.  I had helped with events centered about sports, but the dedication to character that is rooted in every event the Foundation runs is something I had not seen before.

To be able to intern at the Anthony Muñoz Foundation has been an incredible experience that I am glad is not over yet.  I know that the moments of seeing Tri-State youth smile from learning a new word, realize how much of an impact they can have, and implementing positive character traits in their own lives will stay with me long after I am done interning.  I cannot wait to see what is in store for the spring and be able to share with you the impact the Foundation will have on lives!

 

Kristin Shaffer
Football Programs Intern