Give A Year, Change The World.
So I've taken to writing Facebook notes whenever something important happens in my life and then just copying that note to my Livejournal....which is exactly what this entry is haha.
A few months ago I began researching volunteer opportunities around the world. I knew that I wanted to take some time off from school to answer my own questions, explore the world around me, make a difference somehow, and just get some hands on experience. I looked into programs in Africa, Ireland, India...basically everywhere outside of my own country. This whole time I've had the unwavering support of my parents. They didn't criticize my decision to withdraw for a semester, but rather decided to trust that I was following my heart and doing what was right for me. Throughout all of my research, my mom constantly urged me to look for programs in the country before I ventured across the globe to save the world. I finally took her advice and started looking into a program called City Year. City Year is a program that places qualified 17-24 yr. olds in 17 different cities throughout the country for a year of service. Within this year, City Year members work in local schools doing mentoring and tutoring work, work outside of schools doing community service work, and interact with the students and each other to make a difference in the world. Some added bonuses of the program are that you actually receive a weekly stipend, uniform, cell phone, and scholarship for your work. I automatically fell in love with the program.
I researched the cities and decided that I wanted to apply to City Year Louisiana. Even 5 years after Hurricane Katrina, the area is still recovering and rebuilding and I felt that my service was most needed there. I started the long application process, writing essays, getting reference letters, doing several interviews, and then eagerly sat back and waited to hear if I had been accepted.
It was a Friday afternoon and I had just gotten back from work. I checked my email and there it was. An email saying that I had been accepted to City Year Louisiana and would be placed in New Orleans. I screamed and ran around the house and jumped and down and called everyone I knew haha.
Since that Friday I've become completely enthralled with the idea of living and working in New Orleans. I'm going to be spending about a year (from August 2009-June 2010) changing a little part of the world. What an amazing thought.
I'm not just thinking and dreaming about making a difference...I am making a difference. Six months from now I'll be in an amazing city, surrounded by like-minded young people, finally getting my chance to change the world. Wow.
-end copied Facebook note haha-
So things in my life have been very lovely. I find myself more focused then I ever have been before. Focused on school, work, New Orleans, myself. Finally focused on all the right things. I've been sooooo sick for the past few days, but luckily it was over the weekend. I'm 90% better and ready to start another week. As a side note, today while I was brushing my teeth I dropped the toothpaste cap down the bathroom sink drain. Womp womp. Hopefully it doesn't cause any terrible plumbing issues. I want some Hershey's hugs.
A few months ago I began researching volunteer opportunities around the world. I knew that I wanted to take some time off from school to answer my own questions, explore the world around me, make a difference somehow, and just get some hands on experience. I looked into programs in Africa, Ireland, India...basically everywhere outside of my own country. This whole time I've had the unwavering support of my parents. They didn't criticize my decision to withdraw for a semester, but rather decided to trust that I was following my heart and doing what was right for me. Throughout all of my research, my mom constantly urged me to look for programs in the country before I ventured across the globe to save the world. I finally took her advice and started looking into a program called City Year. City Year is a program that places qualified 17-24 yr. olds in 17 different cities throughout the country for a year of service. Within this year, City Year members work in local schools doing mentoring and tutoring work, work outside of schools doing community service work, and interact with the students and each other to make a difference in the world. Some added bonuses of the program are that you actually receive a weekly stipend, uniform, cell phone, and scholarship for your work. I automatically fell in love with the program.
I researched the cities and decided that I wanted to apply to City Year Louisiana. Even 5 years after Hurricane Katrina, the area is still recovering and rebuilding and I felt that my service was most needed there. I started the long application process, writing essays, getting reference letters, doing several interviews, and then eagerly sat back and waited to hear if I had been accepted.
It was a Friday afternoon and I had just gotten back from work. I checked my email and there it was. An email saying that I had been accepted to City Year Louisiana and would be placed in New Orleans. I screamed and ran around the house and jumped and down and called everyone I knew haha.
Since that Friday I've become completely enthralled with the idea of living and working in New Orleans. I'm going to be spending about a year (from August 2009-June 2010) changing a little part of the world. What an amazing thought.
I'm not just thinking and dreaming about making a difference...I am making a difference. Six months from now I'll be in an amazing city, surrounded by like-minded young people, finally getting my chance to change the world. Wow.
-end copied Facebook note haha-
So things in my life have been very lovely. I find myself more focused then I ever have been before. Focused on school, work, New Orleans, myself. Finally focused on all the right things. I've been sooooo sick for the past few days, but luckily it was over the weekend. I'm 90% better and ready to start another week. As a side note, today while I was brushing my teeth I dropped the toothpaste cap down the bathroom sink drain. Womp womp. Hopefully it doesn't cause any terrible plumbing issues. I want some Hershey's hugs.