This week concludes my second week of teaching evening courses for FLOC's educational guidance and advocacy program. I'm still learning the students names, getting used to preparing curriculum, and getting comfortable approaching the students. The week's sophomore workshop was based on creating career goals, and how much higher education influences our ability to reach them. Our junior class has been taking practice ACT and SAT exams. Our program requires the junior students to take at least two practice exams of each. We also offer up to two vouchers to students who financially would not otherwise be able to register for the exams.
Last week I went to a local high school in Washington to present some recruitment materials on our programs. The school was like something I have never seen before, with metal detectors at the doors and a place to X-ray peoples belonging as if I were getting inspected by the TSA. But if that's what it takes to keep the students safe, then I guess it is necessary.
Last weekend my little brother Brian rode a bike down to my neighborhood and we watched the Notre Dame-Michigan State game at a friends house. Happy to report the Irish beat Michigan State 33-30. The first win again Michigan State at Notre Dame stadium since 1993. That night Brian had dinner with my community, and we went out in Georgetown. It was an active weekend, and unfortunately ended with my community member Rachel being take into the hospital. She was experiencing some chest pains due to a collapsed lung. We're happy to report that her procedure was successful and she came home on Wednesday.
This weekend I am traveling with my placement to West Virginia, where we are taking our senior class on retreat to some property that FLOC owns. I'm looking forward to this opportunitiy to see some new territory, meet some new students, and relax out of the city for a couple of days.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
First day teaching workshop, biking in DC
Hello everyone on this Wednesday morning. There's a new vibe in the building this week as students have started pouring in for our weekly workshops. The freshman and sophomore classes started last Monday. Many sophomore students returning to the program, others new getting oriented with FLOC and the educational guidance and advocacy program. Monday was a typical first day, consisting of games getting to know one another, going over course expectations, and incident scenarios with the students. This Thursday the junior class starts workshop; they will be taking a practice SAT exam...flashback five years ago when I was in their shoes.
Last week my community member Andrew graciously tuned up some of the bikes we inherited with our house. DC is an easy city to commute by bike because of the few hills that are in the city. I've never biked before in a large city, so the first time out the traffic can be a little intimidating, but it's safer than riding on the sidewalk. I've loved it so far. It's amazing how much less time I need to allow to get to work by biking. The DC Metro doesn't go up to Georgetown, and by bike I can get there in about 30 minutes. I'm hoping this is a good way to get around for the rest of the year. We'll see come January.
Tomorrow I am traveling to a local high school to work on recruitment for our high school program, also seeking volunteers for our Neighborhood Tutoring Program. I'm looking forward to geting out into the community and telling more about what we do at FLOC.
Last week my community member Andrew graciously tuned up some of the bikes we inherited with our house. DC is an easy city to commute by bike because of the few hills that are in the city. I've never biked before in a large city, so the first time out the traffic can be a little intimidating, but it's safer than riding on the sidewalk. I've loved it so far. It's amazing how much less time I need to allow to get to work by biking. The DC Metro doesn't go up to Georgetown, and by bike I can get there in about 30 minutes. I'm hoping this is a good way to get around for the rest of the year. We'll see come January.
Tomorrow I am traveling to a local high school to work on recruitment for our high school program, also seeking volunteers for our Neighborhood Tutoring Program. I'm looking forward to geting out into the community and telling more about what we do at FLOC.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Labor Day Weekend
I'm back at work after enjoying a long weekend. Friday was taken off as a personal day because of the long hours of training my co-workers and I have been putting in getting ready for the new school year. I took Friday to take care of some personal things, such as paying our house rent and walking a few miles to our landlords house to assure it gets there safely, as oppose to the mail which may have resulted in a hefty late fee. My friend Kristina and I also took the morning to do some sightseeing. We took the Metro to Arlington National Cemetery. I had been there eight years ago. It was a moving experience, as Sen. Ted Kennedy had been laid to rest there just one week earlier. There is a lot of rich tradition at Arlington, we also witnessed three funeral processions taking place in the two hours we were there. We walked from Arlington over the Potomac, across southwest DC into Dupont Circle. A lot of walking that afternoon but well worth it.
Friday night I enjoyed a night out in Georgetown with my little brother Brian who recently started his sophomore year up there.
The great thing about being a Jesuit Volunteer is the strong connection among the other JV's in our east region. Throughout the year, each JV community takes turns hosting a holiday party. Baltimore hosted the Labor Day party and had a very impressive turnout. It was fun catching up with everyone that we had not seen since Orientation. The 50 of 60-some of us all crashed on the floor on sleeping bags, getting a solid four or five hours of sleep.
Now I'm back at work, getting ready for a busy four-day week. A lot of meetings and training ahead. The students' first day is Monday, Sept. 14.
Friday night I enjoyed a night out in Georgetown with my little brother Brian who recently started his sophomore year up there.
The great thing about being a Jesuit Volunteer is the strong connection among the other JV's in our east region. Throughout the year, each JV community takes turns hosting a holiday party. Baltimore hosted the Labor Day party and had a very impressive turnout. It was fun catching up with everyone that we had not seen since Orientation. The 50 of 60-some of us all crashed on the floor on sleeping bags, getting a solid four or five hours of sleep.
Now I'm back at work, getting ready for a busy four-day week. A lot of meetings and training ahead. The students' first day is Monday, Sept. 14.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
First Week at FLOC and DC Weekend
My short week at FLOC ended well. I am still in orientation, learning the insides of curriculum planning for the school year. I have looked thoroughly through the lesson plans, and I'm excited about everything that I get to teach - a large gamut ranging from career exploration to personal finance. Next week my colleague and I will receive some training on how to be a disciplinarian. Luckily the program coordinators will handle the bulk of that responsibility. I'm very impressed with the mission of my placement and my hope is that I can help it succeed as much as possible.
On Friday my housemates and I did our first major grocery shopping. For the five of us, our budget allows us to spend 93 dollars a week on food. We were proud of ourselves, we left the Giant (east coast chain) grocery store spending only 59 dollars. We held off buying our produce items, we're hoping to do as much shopping as possible at local farmers markets and a co-op near by.
Friday night my housemates and I got invited to a rooftop party in Adam Morgan. I was blown away with the view of the city, including Capitol Hill in the distance. Saturday included a lot of walking in the Dupont Circle with some Jesuit Volunteers from the other DC house. Later in the day, a former JV invited us to his pool party in the Silver Spring area of DC. Today, just relaxing with a cup of coffee. Tonight my community and I are attending Mass at Georgetown and visiting my little brother Brian who will be starting his sophomore year of college up there on Monday.
I've never had a September begin without anticipation of sitting in a classroom. Now I get to be in the class but in a new way.
On Friday my housemates and I did our first major grocery shopping. For the five of us, our budget allows us to spend 93 dollars a week on food. We were proud of ourselves, we left the Giant (east coast chain) grocery store spending only 59 dollars. We held off buying our produce items, we're hoping to do as much shopping as possible at local farmers markets and a co-op near by.
Friday night my housemates and I got invited to a rooftop party in Adam Morgan. I was blown away with the view of the city, including Capitol Hill in the distance. Saturday included a lot of walking in the Dupont Circle with some Jesuit Volunteers from the other DC house. Later in the day, a former JV invited us to his pool party in the Silver Spring area of DC. Today, just relaxing with a cup of coffee. Tonight my community and I are attending Mass at Georgetown and visiting my little brother Brian who will be starting his sophomore year of college up there on Monday.
I've never had a September begin without anticipation of sitting in a classroom. Now I get to be in the class but in a new way.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
My JVC Placement: Day 1
I had an excellent first day at my placement. FLOC gave me a great orientation, lots of time meeting with the executive director, program coordinators, and my new colleague, a Lutheran Volunteer who is also from the Portland area. Kristina and I are both the high school program instructors for FLOC. She is teaching the freshman seminars. I'll be teaching the sophomores and we are co-teaching the junior classes. All grade levels pertain to students pursuing post-secondary education. The day went by quickly, and the program even took Kristina and I out for lunch in Adams Morgan. The program for students starts on September 14. But until then we are busy with lesson plans and finishing up our training for the school year.
It was great coming home tonight to my housemates and talking about our days' over dinner. After dinner, we went over to the other JVC house and had a community night with some former JVs. I'm looking forward to my upcoming year with FLOC and my experience with the JVC.
Information on FLOC:
http://flocdc.org/
Columbia Heights (area where we live):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia_Heights,_Washington,_D.C.
Adams Morgan (area where I work):
http://http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adams_Morgan,_Washington,_D.C.
It was great coming home tonight to my housemates and talking about our days' over dinner. After dinner, we went over to the other JVC house and had a community night with some former JVs. I'm looking forward to my upcoming year with FLOC and my experience with the JVC.
Information on FLOC:
http://flocdc.org/
Columbia Heights (area where we live):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia_Heights,_Washington,_D.C.
Adams Morgan (area where I work):
http://http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adams_Morgan,_Washington,_D.C.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Anticipation for my First Day
I start my placement with FLOC tomorrow. My hours will be typically 10 am - 6 pm, later than most since much of the work is directly with students at the end of a normal school day.
Today I took care of some last minute things before I get started with work. My shipped boxes from Oregon finally arrived today. I also got some time to take care of some things around the house. One of my community members, Lauren, starts her placement tomorrow as well. Our three other housemates were at work, so in the middle of the afternoon we popped in on Laura and Andrew on the job. The two of them work just around the block from my placement in Adams Morgan.
Tonight, a former Jesuit Volunteer is taking our house on a tour of the lit monuments around the National Mall. I'll report back tomorrow how my first day of work goes.
Today I took care of some last minute things before I get started with work. My shipped boxes from Oregon finally arrived today. I also got some time to take care of some things around the house. One of my community members, Lauren, starts her placement tomorrow as well. Our three other housemates were at work, so in the middle of the afternoon we popped in on Laura and Andrew on the job. The two of them work just around the block from my placement in Adams Morgan.
Tonight, a former Jesuit Volunteer is taking our house on a tour of the lit monuments around the National Mall. I'll report back tomorrow how my first day of work goes.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Retreat and Local Orientation
Retreat/Orientation:
I departed Portland the evening on August 12. My family and I went through the expected loss of my grandfather just two days prior to my leaving. I unfortunately had to miss the funeral and other festivities that week, but my family was very supportive of me going on with my original plan to get started with the JVC.
Orientation started the morning of August 13, when I met up with several other Jesuit Volunteers who flew into Baltimore airport. From Baltimore we traveled by bus to Blue Ridge, Penn. to Ballarmine Retreat Center. There were a total of 89 Jesuit Volunteers participating in the East region of the JVC this year.
The retreat/orientation lasted five nights. It was an incredible experience being among 88 other recent college graduates who are participating in a year of service. The 89 of us quickly became good friends, sharing meals, some small group time, attending Mass, and learning about the JVC values which we will be experiencing over the next year: Simple living, social justice, community, and spirituality.
At the end of the week at orientation, the 14 different communities packed up our cars and headed to our different cities on the east coast, but not before sharing cell phone numbers and making plans to visit the different communities on the east coast throughout the year.
Local Orientation:
My four community members and I drove from Blue Ridge, Penn. to Washington DC on Tuesday, August 18. It was a quick drive, just over an hour, to DC. We are living in a townhouse in NW DC, about three miles from the National Mall. My communitiy members consist of Laura and Lauren from Scranton, Penn.;Rachel from North Carolina, and Andrew, a second-year JV, from San Diego. We all have very different placements ranging from employment placement to hospice care. Last week, we were able to tour all of our placements and meet our supervisors. This year, there is a second JV community in Washington DC about one mile from our neighborhood.
The great thing about the JVC are the strong ties among former JV's that remain involved with the program. There are several that live in the Washington DC area and met us for some beers at a local neighborhood bar. Because we are JV's living on a small stipend, none of us had to pay for a single drink the entire night!
Every night a different house member takes turns cooking dinner. Once a week we have a spirituality and community night which gives us a chance to spend time together and check in on our experiences at JVs. We are enjoying each other's company and adjusting well to our new city and community. My job at FLOC starts this Wednesday.
I departed Portland the evening on August 12. My family and I went through the expected loss of my grandfather just two days prior to my leaving. I unfortunately had to miss the funeral and other festivities that week, but my family was very supportive of me going on with my original plan to get started with the JVC.
Orientation started the morning of August 13, when I met up with several other Jesuit Volunteers who flew into Baltimore airport. From Baltimore we traveled by bus to Blue Ridge, Penn. to Ballarmine Retreat Center. There were a total of 89 Jesuit Volunteers participating in the East region of the JVC this year.
The retreat/orientation lasted five nights. It was an incredible experience being among 88 other recent college graduates who are participating in a year of service. The 89 of us quickly became good friends, sharing meals, some small group time, attending Mass, and learning about the JVC values which we will be experiencing over the next year: Simple living, social justice, community, and spirituality.
At the end of the week at orientation, the 14 different communities packed up our cars and headed to our different cities on the east coast, but not before sharing cell phone numbers and making plans to visit the different communities on the east coast throughout the year.
Local Orientation:
My four community members and I drove from Blue Ridge, Penn. to Washington DC on Tuesday, August 18. It was a quick drive, just over an hour, to DC. We are living in a townhouse in NW DC, about three miles from the National Mall. My communitiy members consist of Laura and Lauren from Scranton, Penn.;Rachel from North Carolina, and Andrew, a second-year JV, from San Diego. We all have very different placements ranging from employment placement to hospice care. Last week, we were able to tour all of our placements and meet our supervisors. This year, there is a second JV community in Washington DC about one mile from our neighborhood.
The great thing about the JVC are the strong ties among former JV's that remain involved with the program. There are several that live in the Washington DC area and met us for some beers at a local neighborhood bar. Because we are JV's living on a small stipend, none of us had to pay for a single drink the entire night!
Every night a different house member takes turns cooking dinner. Once a week we have a spirituality and community night which gives us a chance to spend time together and check in on our experiences at JVs. We are enjoying each other's company and adjusting well to our new city and community. My job at FLOC starts this Wednesday.
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