Florida is hot. And humid. And there are no seasonal changes, like the changing colors of the leaves, to look forward to. The temperature here has dropped to 90 instead of its usual 100 and people here remark upon this change in temperature as if we're experiencing some sort of cool spell. The pool at the club house is all of a sudden "too chilly" to swim in and the ocean "too rough" to wade in. Being used to the cold water and swells of the Atlantic off Long Island, the 75 degree ocean water feels refreshing against the relentless, blazing heat that radiates from the sun ALL DAY LONG.
Work at Vita Nova gets better everyday. We have taken over the the third floor of the building which means that I get my very own office! (See picture to the right, and Yes, I am aware of the decorating that needs to be done.)On Sunday, VN played a flag-football game at a nearby park in West Palm against ten of the youth we serve. I invited a bunch of Americorps members to play to reinforce the community aspect of VN's mission. The event was a success for both teams even though the "staff" team kicked some serious butt!
As far as the actual work that I do, it is extremely satisfying. To know that I have aided in a student's successful completion of their GED, passed their algebra class because of our tutoring sessions, or was able to move to a less restrictive residency because of positive behavior that was enforced and practiced through different activities, makes way for an unbelievable feeling. For the first time, I actually feel like all of my hard work has paid off; that I am in this position because I have earned it, and because I have earned it, I have found happiness in my work. Right now, I am applying to graduate schools for the fall of 2011 for a dual masters in social work and public health in hopes to continue this satisfying work in the future.
Aside from work at Vita Nova, I have taken up a babysitting job Friday afternoons and Saturday evenings and have become involved with a few community service projects. A few weeks ago, six Americorps members, including myself, served at "Camp Treasure" an over night camp for kids who have parents or siblings with disabilities. They got to be the "treasures" which they often do not get to be because of the extra responsibilities they have at home living with a family member who needs their assistance. The kids got to play basketball, swim in the pool, participate in a ropes course, create an art project, and participate in other "ice breaker" type games that encouraged them to open up and ask for help, two qualities in which most of these kids lack. Because most of these kids would have never have had the chance to attend a summer camp, it was really cool to witness the happiness that the weekend had brought them.
I know it seems like "all work and no play," but I am taking time to do things for myself, as well. I have found that it is easier to leave work at work then it was to leave school work at the library and in class. I've been taking advantage of Delray and Lake Worth, two very artsy and eclectic towns about 10 minutes in each direction of Boynton. Just yesterday, I auditioned at the LakeWorth Playhouse for their rendition of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels." I received a call-back for Wednesday evening. I'm hoping for a spot in the ensemble to slowly get back into something that at one point, was the center of my life. I'll be sure to let you know how it goes! :)
Looking forward to my visit with Lindsay and Zach in Austin, TX at the beginning of November, and then my first trip home for Thanksgiving to see my family and friends! I am positive that both visits will be blog-worthy. Talk then--
peace&love.
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