9.20.2007

I'm in.

I like to think of myself as a critical thinker not easily swayed by the popular opinion or engulfed in groups just because they exist. But I find myself completely buying into the whole City Year idea. Don't worry, I won't drink any Kool-Aid no matter what they tell me will happen :-). It's just that I really agree with the goals of this organization and I am even excited about getting my uniform so that I can wear City Year colors proudly. Oh, and the boots. I am very excited about the free pair of Timm's work boots!

Today we had an event called Serva-a-palooza. It is an annual Timberland event where they basically shut down all operations for a day in order to serve in communities across the world. Afterwards there is a big party...that's the palooza part. I worked at a park in Rochester clearing brush out of a wonderful pine forest. It was so overgrown it was creepy when we got there. But six hours and 150 volunteers transformed it into inviting paths and beautiful views of the river. It is truly amazing to see a community like this at work.

The other very cool part of today was working with high school students from the nearby school. On girl came with a pink and bleached mohawk that was at least 8 inches tall. Amazing. They were wonderful to work with and excited about City Year. One of the first things they asked me was how they can join. I thought, "Wow, way to be thinking about the future...I didn't even know this program existed until last November".

Back to me buying into City Year. The CEO of Timberland is an amazing man by the name of Jeff Swartz. He spoke at the party tonight and you could feel his passion radiating into the crowd. He does good with his company not to make money, but because this is what he believes. It inspires me. He was on the Colbert Report a while ago, so check it out!

I am feeling good about my team. I really got to know them this week working together and living together at our retreat. They are amazing people, and I look forward to continuing to build these relationships.

In conclusions, service is fun and you feel good afterwards and yea for free boots!

Here's two pictures from BTR...





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