"What it does for me is that it has provides for me the support that was lacking in the academy," she says. "Everyone who participates in the institute is like a worker bee, but traditional at heart. Normally, you have to be one or the other. [The institute] is revitalizing."
As for the students, Fiscus says that they now "have living proof that there are choices. You don't have to compromise your values in a world of aliens. You can live in both worlds."
Each student has to be treated as an individual, she says, adding, "You have to know where they're really coming from before creating a recipe for success."
And she notes that the successful programs are the ones that don't treat the students like they are in need of help.
"I tell them, 'You do the legwork, I'll give you the shortcuts,'" says Fiscus. "We live a warrior life. We don't ask for accolades. If you serve with a good heart, you will get what you want."
COPYRIGHT 1997 Cox, Matthews & Associates© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
