One Day, I Will Be...

“It was a creative, student-led project,” said Mary Newman, professor of Applied Arts at QCC. “The students used President Carberry’s vision to create a beautiful book.”

Students in her New Media Design class created a children’s story book about the importance of education. 

“It was a really fun project,” Professor Newman said. QCC President Gail Carberry had suggested using the school’s mascot, the Wyvern, to promote education to children. In the story, students talk about what they want to be when they grow up.

Written and illustrated by students Ashleigh Kasper and Daniel DeWitt, “One Day I Will Be” encourages children to pursue education and follow their dreams. Produced by student Alicia Roy, the book’s illustrations were inspired by students in the class, Professor Newman and Kathy Rentsch, Dean of the School of Business, Engineering and Technology.

Professor Newman said the illustrations were a combination of hand-drawn and digitally produced.  “This was a volunteer project and the students really captured their classmates,” she said. All three students have since graduated from QCC and she said they are continuing their education at four-year colleges.

By distributing the book, QCC hopes to encourage childhood literacy and support the “Worcester: The City That Reads” campaign. Initially started as a book drive by retired educators John Monfredo and Anne-Marie Monfredo, the literacy initiative brought together different organizations to support children’s reading.

In the city of Worcester, 6 out of 10 children do not read at proficient levels by the end of third grade, as measured by MCAS. Research shows that third grade reading level is a strong predictor of future academic and life success. At that age, there is a pivotal shift from learning to read to reading to learn. Reading proficiently by the end of third grade ensures children can access new content, express their ideas effectively, and participate in all areas of academics.

The simple act of reading 20 minutes a day puts children on the right path to close the achievement gap.

QCC has been involved in supporting The City That Reads through book drive donations and fundraising. Lilly makes regular visits to the city’s elementary schools, Headstart program, afterschool activities and children’s community events.

Coming up on Saturday, October 17, the group hosts 5K Book it for Literacy – Color Run, which also supports the bookmobile.