Last week my girls had their first day of school.
As the academic coordinator, I made it a point to be ecstatic for their return. For this joyous occasion, I created wonderful "back to school bags". Continuing my excitement I collaborated with my co-workers and we decided to make a yummy breakfast for our achieving scholars. That night,
I laid in bed feeling thrilled for my scholars and looking forward to the upcoming day.
Sooner rather then later, my alarm began buzzing me awake. I stumbled out of bed an I put a smile on my face while trying to remember how to function at 6:30 am. As the girls entered the kitchen I thought they would share the same enthusiasm as I in regards to their first day of school. To my dismay they were anything but enthused. Instead, their faces screamed "get away from us now". At this point I had to laugh at my own stupidity.
To continue the fun my co-workers and I drove them to school in the large red van wearing our pajamas(cruel I know). As each mortified teenager exited the car we cheered for them. When they all gathered together, mumbles of our evil gestures were shared amongst the group.
Looking back I am certain that I possessed similar feelings towards attending school. Instead of living the free-life of summer, days become filled with routine and discipline. I wonder how different my high school experience would be if I had the attitude I have now. Today, I realize the importance of education and that through it tools are given to survive in the "real-world". There are people that have gone without this gift and my heart breaks for them. Simple actions we take for granted, like reading a book or writing a letter to a friend, many cannot accomplish. I can say whole-heartedly that I am grateful for the education I have received and I know I would not be the same with out it.
So I have promised some loved ones(mainly my mother) that I would begin to post a blog of my adventures/life in California. I have been living in Southern California for a month now. I was able to make this move through an Americorp position that I received upon graduation of Saint Mary's College.
My life has always been a constant. Growing up in Michigan was a wonderful experience, but as I became older I quickly learned that I gain so much from situations in which I am placed outside my comfort zone. Moving to California was just that, a leap of faith. Before moving, I found myself uncertain that I could make this leap. Fortunately, I have a large support system of family and friends that encouraged me to take to plunge. Once I made this life-changing gesture I came to the conclusion that I could not be happier with my decision. To those who pushed me, I thank you.
The people I am surrounded by in California have touched me and have inspired me. Not to mention, they make me laugh constantly. I have observed my sense of adventure continue to blossom as I discover my current surrounding, L.A, the beach, Disneyland, ect. I know that I am here for a reason.
I came to California with goals to accomplish and a mission to achieve. The duties for my Americorp position are not simple: to tutor teenage girls while monitoring their academics. Also the responsibilities of being a role model, a cheer leader, a shoulder to cry on, and an ear to listen are tasks that I will never take lightly. I am here for these girls in times of joy and times of failure. I know this is not an easy job. I am also certain that these girls will teach me valuable lessons, ones that will never compare to lessons learned in a classroom. For, whatever they teach me I will carry alongside me forever. Each young student I have encountered in my short time here has a zest for life and ambition to achieve.
This blog will allow my friends and family to have a glance at being in California, being an Americorp member, and being me. Through this I am able to document lessons learned, adventures taken, and happiness found. I hope you all enjoy.
-peace and love
Last week my girls had their first day of school. 
