(no subject)
And so it goes. Last week was the Big Presentation, a partially empty room on the top floor of MCTC with the Civic Engagement board members and an elderly man who had a wicked sense of style and hair exactly like ?uestlove's, only stark white.
Eight weeks of preparation for this? A partially empty room on the top floor of MCTC. And me in my most adult outfit. That's what I was thinking that morning when I got ready, only now it becomes obvious to me there is no "adulting" me up, I always look a little hippie, a little rocknroll, never like a grown-up. I look down the line at my cohorts and they are just like me. Paint splattered jeans and faded sweaters. But there is something else that sets us apart from the adults, optimism. We actually think what we are doing is going to work. Our wills combined can create a food co-op at MCTC. We can create.
I stare out the window for awhile, watching the IMS building across the highway. Then back into the camera, Professor Polumbo is filming us, to show to President Davies. There is a grant involved in all of this, that is why I tried to put on my "adult" clothes that morning. I feel cheap when I have to dress for something, I've never been much at selling myself. Take me or leave me, it's not my problem.
In this ironed skirt and black sweater I feel like a half rate tijuana whore. That is what I am thinking as Professor Polumbo films me, to show to President Davies later. I avert my eyes to the window behind the camera for the rest of our presentation. What do we think we are doing anyway? We'll never get this, it's a big deal, a lot of work and commitment to start a food co-op. Sure us students believe it's possible, but adults are notoriously realistic. There are seven other groups with seven other ideas competing for this grant.
There are pigeons on the IMS building I think, as I try to ignore my realistic doubts. At least I got to meet ?uestlove's grandfather I am thinking as the presentation ends.
This was last week, today in my email I received this:
Food Coop Group,
Congratulations! The Center for Civic Engagement at MCTC has awarded your group the Reclaiming Democracy grant in the amount of 250$. The members of the Center recognized that you all have done great work. Your final presentation was clear and in line with the mission and vision of the Center. The CCE wants to do as much as possible to support your efforts to start a food coop here at MCTC.
We as the Center hope that your group continues your work. We hope your tabling efforts at the Health Fair, Sustainability Fair and Civic Engagement Block Party are successful. To access your 250$, please contact Matthew Palombo matthew.palombo@minneapolis.edu for more details. You need to spend the 250$ no later than April 30, 2009.
Please contact Matthew Palombo as soon as you can to inform him as to how your group plans to continue its work.
thanks,
Center for Civic Engagement
Eight weeks of preparation for this? A partially empty room on the top floor of MCTC. And me in my most adult outfit. That's what I was thinking that morning when I got ready, only now it becomes obvious to me there is no "adulting" me up, I always look a little hippie, a little rocknroll, never like a grown-up. I look down the line at my cohorts and they are just like me. Paint splattered jeans and faded sweaters. But there is something else that sets us apart from the adults, optimism. We actually think what we are doing is going to work. Our wills combined can create a food co-op at MCTC. We can create.
I stare out the window for awhile, watching the IMS building across the highway. Then back into the camera, Professor Polumbo is filming us, to show to President Davies. There is a grant involved in all of this, that is why I tried to put on my "adult" clothes that morning. I feel cheap when I have to dress for something, I've never been much at selling myself. Take me or leave me, it's not my problem.
In this ironed skirt and black sweater I feel like a half rate tijuana whore. That is what I am thinking as Professor Polumbo films me, to show to President Davies later. I avert my eyes to the window behind the camera for the rest of our presentation. What do we think we are doing anyway? We'll never get this, it's a big deal, a lot of work and commitment to start a food co-op. Sure us students believe it's possible, but adults are notoriously realistic. There are seven other groups with seven other ideas competing for this grant.
There are pigeons on the IMS building I think, as I try to ignore my realistic doubts. At least I got to meet ?uestlove's grandfather I am thinking as the presentation ends.
This was last week, today in my email I received this:
Food Coop Group,
Congratulations! The Center for Civic Engagement at MCTC has awarded your group the Reclaiming Democracy grant in the amount of 250$. The members of the Center recognized that you all have done great work. Your final presentation was clear and in line with the mission and vision of the Center. The CCE wants to do as much as possible to support your efforts to start a food coop here at MCTC.
We as the Center hope that your group continues your work. We hope your tabling efforts at the Health Fair, Sustainability Fair and Civic Engagement Block Party are successful. To access your 250$, please contact Matthew Palombo matthew.palombo@minneapolis.edu for more details. You need to spend the 250$ no later than April 30, 2009.
Please contact Matthew Palombo as soon as you can to inform him as to how your group plans to continue its work.
thanks,
Center for Civic Engagement