Facilitator Name: Kirsh Donis
Main Facilitation Site: SoarMA
Where are you from originally? Worcester, MA
Where did you go to college and what did you study? Clark University, B.A. and Worcester State University, M.S.
How did you come to be involved with Inversant? I was a guest presenter at a SoarMA workshop
What is your favorite part about being a Learning Circle Facilitator? Providing tips and insight on how to best prepare to college for parents. As a facilitator you want those in attendance to have a better understanding of the college going process.
When you were preparing for college, what do you wish you would have known ahead of time? Saving money and knowing to budget about indirect college costs such as books, transportation, and laptop.
What is the best question you have been asked by a parent during a Learning Circle? I don’t have a best question as of right now. I feel that all questions are great and want to make parents feel comfortable asking anything even though they may be afraid to ask.
What Learning Circle do you think is a “don’t miss” and why? All Learning Circles are important, however the one that deals with financing and saving for college are a don’t miss. Parents need to know the process and work with their son or daughter about making the financial commitment to higher education. Knowing that the cost of a school should not discourage anyone from applying and that most universities are able to provide assistance or a scholarship.
What was your favorite class in college? Most Sociology courses since it was my major. I enjoyed most classes that dealt with race, ethnicity, gender, and classism.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Gotta go with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough!
What is your favorite thing to do in Worcester? Eating out in the city of Worcester. So many multi-ethnic restaurants to choose from that are independently owned.