Is it Really Wednesday?
I tend to enjoy nearly all of my days, but for some reason unfavorable events seem to occur on Wednesdays. That’s true at least in Team 3.14 anyway.
However, I’ve been having an absolutely wonderful Wednesday thus far. I woke up with my adorable black lab laying at my feet. I got out of the house on time. There wasn’t a lot of traffic. I got to Case just fine and didn’t even turn the wrong way once.
I met up with Lana at the Coffee House and discovered my new favorite tea, Apple Cinnamon! So good. I always enjoy hanging out with Lana when I have trainings at the Mandel Center. We always have really good conversations. They seem to go by very quickly because I always have to rush to take my fake walk of shame down the frat house driveway and run into the training so I’ll be on time. :)
I had an awesome MyCom session today. I’m developing a plan for next year where we’ll host four life skills retreats which will touch on interpersonal communication, self empowerment, academic commitment, and value exploration. I’m really excited about it and I’ve gotten a ton of help from the other youth professionals that are also in the training. It’s such a good way to network with other people and find new resources for the teens!
Whenever I go there I leave feeling really great about the work that I do. Someone mentioned that non-profit workers realize the good in the work that they do, but have trouble painting a picture for others when they talk about it.
I think it is difficult to describe how I feel when I’m at work or elaborate on what an impact youth programs have on the lives of teens in the community. I try to make everything I do meaningful for my teens and keep in mind that everything they do during these years will affect them as they grow up. I feel really privileged that I’m able to be a part of that. I also feel fortunate that I enjoy it as much as I do.
One of my favorite facilitators, Honey, gave everyone a little gift to end our training. They are these little hand massage tools that are shaped almost like starfish or something. She said we should use them and keep them as a reminder that we need to take care of ourselves in order to take care of others.
:) I like that. I’m going to miss going to these, but I’m sure there will be something else hosted at the Mandel center soon. I have really learned a lot from them and feel like they have already changed my view on the work I do, how I do it, and most importantly why I do it.
Also! It was pretty sunny out today for a little bit. We worked by the fireplace area and all the walls are like windows, so the sun kept shining into the room. I felt like I was getting sunburn on my arms like I do when I drive. It also got in my face a lot and I didn’t have sunglasses, but it was a welcome change to the dreary overcast skies we always have in the winter. I know how much my road dog likes the sun, so hopefully she got to see it as well! <3
The rest of the day should go smoothly. I’m on my lunch break now drinking some tea. It’s creative writing tutoring day and I’m hanging out with Brett tonight. The forecast is looking good!
