Fervent Provides Life Skills Education to PVS High Schoolers

ALSAC St. Jude offered weekly virtual workshops through their Fervent Family Program, designed to promote growth of the mind, body, and soul, to high school students in Memphis. The American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities, called ALSAC for short, was founded in 1957 by Danny Thomas and works in conjunction with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The organization seeks to raise the funds necessary to support the hospital. This year, St. Jude ALSAC established the Fervent Family Program in order to give back to the community.

The Fervent Family Program hosted virtual workshops for high school students to give students a holistic approach on physical and mental health, while also providing them with strategies to use in daily life. There were 9 workshops held over the course of 5 weeks. ALSAC members aimed to teach participants essential life skills such as problem solving, logical thinking, finding your purpose, building trust, fitness, self love, networking, and college application tips. All of these skills are necessary for students to learn and implement in their high school career and onward.

There were limited spots for the program. Students were required to fill out an application that determined whether or not they made the spot or not. From PVS, 14 students were invited to attend the sessions.

In the workshops, participants were introduced to the spirit and mission of ALSAC at St. Jude. As well as learning problem-solving methods, they learned logic and reasoning to find the root and solution to a problem. The main skill they learned was finding their purpose in life and the career paths they hope to pursue. The students reflected on their passions, saw the ways trust can be gained and lost, learned how physical fitness benefits the body and mind, and learned how to network and reach out when seeking a career. The college application tips, resume building advice, and essay writing tips were particularly useful to high school seniors and those who are nearing the end of their high school journey.

Students enjoyed the series as it was highly beneficial and very interactive. Speakers shared information while students gave their input and answered questions. They also left room for discussion and opened up breakout rooms so each group could communicate their thoughts. Not only did they communicate with students from PVS, but they communicated with students and community partners outside of PVS, as well.

A participant shared, "I have never been a part of something like this before. I enjoyed the interactive nature of the program and the opportunity to engage with other PVS members and hear presentations from St. Jude executives. I found the program very intriguing and it opened my eyes to topics I had never considered before. This is definitely an opportunity I recommend to students."