Yep... the title says it all.
I've been wrapping things up in the office. Trying to get all my crap organized before Friday. Today I started packing up my personal belongings into a box... it feels weird. Probably because I know I will be sleeping in on Monday and doing some cleaning at home. That's right, still no job. But I'm hopeful and haven't actually been stressing out as much as I thought I was going to, so that's good. :)
Just thought a quick update was in order. If any of you reading this know of any jobs I should apply for in Indy, let me know!
Happy belated Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Counting down the days
So, 19 days left... and that includes weekends and holidays. If we're only talking days in the office, then it's 13. It's getting close to the end of my year of service and while my mom keeps telling me to "stop worrying, something will fall into your lap" I can't help but start to get a little nervous. Out of all the jobs I've applied for, I've had 4 interviews and only 3 of those jobs I actually applied for. The verdict is still out on 2 of the jobs and hopefully I'll hear one way or the other within the next couple days. All I want to know is that I will have a source of income when all is said and done.
As for VISTA world, I'm trying desperately to wrap things up at the Starfish Office. My main focus was suppose to be my sustainability report at this point. However, events keep popping up all over the place and I've found myself planning the retreat for our male mentors/Scholars, offering my assistance with the female retreat, planning a Key Club service night, trying countless times to get the ball rolling on the next Mentor Appreciation Dinner, and finding a way to fix our wall displays. On top of it all, I'm applying for jobs and trying to write my sustainability report before Thanksgiving. Just a tad busy at the moment...
So, for now, it's back to the wonderful world of VISTA... Hopefully, my next post will be about the AMAZING job I was just offered. :) Keep your fingers crossed.
As for VISTA world, I'm trying desperately to wrap things up at the Starfish Office. My main focus was suppose to be my sustainability report at this point. However, events keep popping up all over the place and I've found myself planning the retreat for our male mentors/Scholars, offering my assistance with the female retreat, planning a Key Club service night, trying countless times to get the ball rolling on the next Mentor Appreciation Dinner, and finding a way to fix our wall displays. On top of it all, I'm applying for jobs and trying to write my sustainability report before Thanksgiving. Just a tad busy at the moment...
So, for now, it's back to the wonderful world of VISTA... Hopefully, my next post will be about the AMAZING job I was just offered. :) Keep your fingers crossed.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Why did I get a degree?
Just a quick note...
I've applied for so many jobs that I've lost count at this point. But I got my first interview today. It's a part-time position, but the job seemed fun and interesting. Well, I find out that it pays $7.50/hour. Let me add that the job requires a Bachelor's degree in education, art, history, or museum studies.
Bachelor's degree + $7.50/hr = not gonna happen
Sorry, but I'm coming off of a year of not getting paid. I need to make SOME kind of money. Oh well, at least it's a start.
I've applied for so many jobs that I've lost count at this point. But I got my first interview today. It's a part-time position, but the job seemed fun and interesting. Well, I find out that it pays $7.50/hour. Let me add that the job requires a Bachelor's degree in education, art, history, or museum studies.
Bachelor's degree + $7.50/hr = not gonna happen
Sorry, but I'm coming off of a year of not getting paid. I need to make SOME kind of money. Oh well, at least it's a start.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Governor's Conference
Last Thursday and Friday I attended the 2009 Governor's Conference on Serivce and Volunterism. And, thanks to my lovely status as a VISTA, I was able to experience this wonderful conference for FREE!! I sat in on some truly great sessions and learned a lot about service-learning that I didn't know before. I just want to highlight two sessions that really made this conference for me.
First, I went to a session moderated by Doug Grant of Franklin College. It was all about Franklin's service-learning trip to Uganda. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the discussion, but it ended up being very interesting. Franklin modeled their J-term service trip after the trip that some Butler students planned during the summer of 2007. (The trip I went on.) I really enjoyed hearing about another group's experiences and seeing pictures of the school being built. It makes me want to drop everything and go back right now.
The other session that I really liked was moderated by Ange Cooksey from Indiana University East in Richmond, IN. It was called "The History of Service-Learning". I honestly thought I was going to be bored out of my mind. Thankfully it ended up being the complete opposite. Cooksey is a very dynamic and passionate person. Not only did I get a crash course in the history of service-learning, I found out why you HAVE to put the "-" between the two words and also realized how much I believe in the philosophy behind service-learning. I stopped and thanked her for her presentation afterwards and received a big hug and some encouraging words, "Keep up what you're doing. We need strong, intelligent women in this field. You're doing great things."
Needless to say, I was re-inspired last week and came to work today remembering why I decided to be a VISTA in the first place. Before I made my choice last October, I was seriously thinking about getting some kind of Master's degree in Service-Learning, but I wasn't sure if I was ready to go back to school. Unfortunately, I feel like I am now... the money just isn't there at the moment. Everything will all work out in the end, I know it will.
A quick side note: Hearing Miss America (Katie Stam is from Indiana) speak during lunch on the first day was very uplifting. She is a wonderful speaker and moved much of the audience with her insight into service and volunteerism. During lunch that same day I witnessed a 91 year old women receive a lifetime achievement award for the 17,000 hours of service she has clocked (that's not including some of her early volunteer experiences). It was a good lunch. :)
I've also come to the conclusion that my ultimate career goal in life is to run a service-learning program in a high school. Yep, that would be a perfect job for me.
First, I went to a session moderated by Doug Grant of Franklin College. It was all about Franklin's service-learning trip to Uganda. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the discussion, but it ended up being very interesting. Franklin modeled their J-term service trip after the trip that some Butler students planned during the summer of 2007. (The trip I went on.) I really enjoyed hearing about another group's experiences and seeing pictures of the school being built. It makes me want to drop everything and go back right now.
The other session that I really liked was moderated by Ange Cooksey from Indiana University East in Richmond, IN. It was called "The History of Service-Learning". I honestly thought I was going to be bored out of my mind. Thankfully it ended up being the complete opposite. Cooksey is a very dynamic and passionate person. Not only did I get a crash course in the history of service-learning, I found out why you HAVE to put the "-" between the two words and also realized how much I believe in the philosophy behind service-learning. I stopped and thanked her for her presentation afterwards and received a big hug and some encouraging words, "Keep up what you're doing. We need strong, intelligent women in this field. You're doing great things."
Needless to say, I was re-inspired last week and came to work today remembering why I decided to be a VISTA in the first place. Before I made my choice last October, I was seriously thinking about getting some kind of Master's degree in Service-Learning, but I wasn't sure if I was ready to go back to school. Unfortunately, I feel like I am now... the money just isn't there at the moment. Everything will all work out in the end, I know it will.
A quick side note: Hearing Miss America (Katie Stam is from Indiana) speak during lunch on the first day was very uplifting. She is a wonderful speaker and moved much of the audience with her insight into service and volunteerism. During lunch that same day I witnessed a 91 year old women receive a lifetime achievement award for the 17,000 hours of service she has clocked (that's not including some of her early volunteer experiences). It was a good lunch. :)
I've also come to the conclusion that my ultimate career goal in life is to run a service-learning program in a high school. Yep, that would be a perfect job for me.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Loans and employment
Loans seem to come up in most of my posts lately. Sorry about that. I told myself that I wasn't going to worry about them until January when I can actually start paying them off. But every once and a while I decide to pick up the phone when AES calls. Bad idea... it's ruins my day. Anyway, I actually called Chase today to try and work somethings out. You'll never guess what they said!
"I'm sorry Ms. Kristinat, but we can't find anything using that social security number."
WHAT?!?! What do you mean you can't find either of my loans using my social security number? So if Chase doesn't give out my specific loan information to AES and Chase itself can't find my loans, who ACTUALLY has the information?!? This is ridiculous! I'm a little nervous about the fact that my loan info is potentially floating around in cyberspace somewhere with my SSN. I don't think that sounds good at all... Per the advice of my mom, I'm just going to ignore the phone calls until I can start paying in January. I'm not going to worry about it anymore... I PROMISE!
Moving on... I have applied to quite a few jobs in the past couple weeks. I haven't heard anything, but I'm hoping for a bite or two in the near future. A month and a half left! I need something to fall in my lap soon. It'll put me at ease.
On the Starfish front, office life is going smoothly. Although we did have a slight breakdown in the office yesterday when someone discovered that we were completely out of coffee. It seemed like it was the end of the world. No fear, though. I went to Sam's Club a few days early and stocked up on regular and decaf. We'll be good for awhile. I have an event this coming Saturday at IUPUI for another installment of College Costs Estimator. Nothing all that exciting, but it's so helpful for our families. Next Saturday Key Club is doing a service project at DAMAR. We're making Halloween masks with the kids. It'll be a blast!
I'm all updated out for now. Wish me luck on finding a job!
"I'm sorry Ms. Kristinat, but we can't find anything using that social security number."
WHAT?!?! What do you mean you can't find either of my loans using my social security number? So if Chase doesn't give out my specific loan information to AES and Chase itself can't find my loans, who ACTUALLY has the information?!? This is ridiculous! I'm a little nervous about the fact that my loan info is potentially floating around in cyberspace somewhere with my SSN. I don't think that sounds good at all... Per the advice of my mom, I'm just going to ignore the phone calls until I can start paying in January. I'm not going to worry about it anymore... I PROMISE!
Moving on... I have applied to quite a few jobs in the past couple weeks. I haven't heard anything, but I'm hoping for a bite or two in the near future. A month and a half left! I need something to fall in my lap soon. It'll put me at ease.
On the Starfish front, office life is going smoothly. Although we did have a slight breakdown in the office yesterday when someone discovered that we were completely out of coffee. It seemed like it was the end of the world. No fear, though. I went to Sam's Club a few days early and stocked up on regular and decaf. We'll be good for awhile. I have an event this coming Saturday at IUPUI for another installment of College Costs Estimator. Nothing all that exciting, but it's so helpful for our families. Next Saturday Key Club is doing a service project at DAMAR. We're making Halloween masks with the kids. It'll be a blast!
I'm all updated out for now. Wish me luck on finding a job!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Let the job hunting begin!
Yeah, it's been awhile... but I've been crazy busy here at the Starfish Office.
First of all, let me update you on these poor loans of mine. There is apparently nothing ANYONE can do to help me and that includes senators. I've resigned myself to waiting out the 1 month, 3 weeks and 6 days and dealing with the debt and bad credit when VISTA is over. A big thanks to Senators Bayh and Lugar, I know you tried.
Ok, what's next? Starfish Initiative's Third Annual Fundraising Breakfast was October 1st. I had been working on this event pretty much since I started as a VISTA. We had a few slip ups the day before... Like the hotel told us we could plug right into the ballroom's sound system and when our A/V guys showed up to set up the event manager told us the sound system in the room hadn't worked for quite some time. Or the fact that the floor diagram that the hotel gave us was numbered and set up COMPLETELY different when we got to the room to set up. But the hotel ended up giving us speakers for free and we moved all the table numbers around some we wouldn't have to print 500 new name tags with different table assignments. Speaking of tables, I was very proud of my center piece design. It's simple and clean and showcases our Scholars and their mentors. We also have LOVELY bookmarks for favors. Sheniece and I tasseled 1000 of them the day before the breakfast. Despite the road bumps, the breakfast was a success. We raised around $100,000 in one hour! I'm pretty happy with that. And as I'm making follow up calls to guests, I'm getting some great feedback. Yep, definitely proud of myself for this one.
First of all, let me update you on these poor loans of mine. There is apparently nothing ANYONE can do to help me and that includes senators. I've resigned myself to waiting out the 1 month, 3 weeks and 6 days and dealing with the debt and bad credit when VISTA is over. A big thanks to Senators Bayh and Lugar, I know you tried.
Ok, what's next? Starfish Initiative's Third Annual Fundraising Breakfast was October 1st. I had been working on this event pretty much since I started as a VISTA. We had a few slip ups the day before... Like the hotel told us we could plug right into the ballroom's sound system and when our A/V guys showed up to set up the event manager told us the sound system in the room hadn't worked for quite some time. Or the fact that the floor diagram that the hotel gave us was numbered and set up COMPLETELY different when we got to the room to set up. But the hotel ended up giving us speakers for free and we moved all the table numbers around some we wouldn't have to print 500 new name tags with different table assignments. Speaking of tables, I was very proud of my center piece design. It's simple and clean and showcases our Scholars and their mentors. We also have LOVELY bookmarks for favors. Sheniece and I tasseled 1000 of them the day before the breakfast. Despite the road bumps, the breakfast was a success. We raised around $100,000 in one hour! I'm pretty happy with that. And as I'm making follow up calls to guests, I'm getting some great feedback. Yep, definitely proud of myself for this one.
A table all done up (the yogurt was gross and the muffins were a little small, but the fruit was soooo good!)
A center piece
Three of our Scholars acting out "The Starfish Story"... it was really cute
Phillip and his mentor, I was so proud of him in his suit, he did a really good job
Joyce (our Executive Director) and Nick (Starfish Scholar, currently a sophomore at IU), he emceed the Breakfast
And now, time to think about life after VISTA... Seriously... I need a job. Less than 2 months left and I really don't know where I'll be when this is all over. I have a few applications out there and I'm hoping to get a few leads soon. If anyone reading this knows of any job openings in Indianapolis that I'd be qualified for, let me know!
Alright, back to revamping Key Club and writing a grant for them. I'll keep you updated on the job front.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Debt update
OK, so it's been over a week and nothing has been fixed regarding my private student loans. :( I'm really sad. On the upside, I was contacted my Senator Evan Bayh this weekend and stopped by his office to sign a consent form today. We'll see how that goes...
This was a great weekend for Starfish. We held a Back to School Bash and had about 175 people at the office. It was mostly the new class of freshman, but a ton of Scholars, families, and mentors (some that haven't even been matched yet) got to hang out on a BEAUTIFUL Sunday afternoon. We grilled hot dogs and had a Tonks and Four Square tournament complete with prizes for the tournament winners. (I guess Tonks is a card game... I'd never heard of it before.) Some of our veteran mentors were out there playing Four Square with the Scholars and it was a grand ole time!
That's all I have for the blog world right now. For all of you that read this... I've begun my hunt for a job. I'll be available to work December 7th. Keep your ears open for me!
This was a great weekend for Starfish. We held a Back to School Bash and had about 175 people at the office. It was mostly the new class of freshman, but a ton of Scholars, families, and mentors (some that haven't even been matched yet) got to hang out on a BEAUTIFUL Sunday afternoon. We grilled hot dogs and had a Tonks and Four Square tournament complete with prizes for the tournament winners. (I guess Tonks is a card game... I'd never heard of it before.) Some of our veteran mentors were out there playing Four Square with the Scholars and it was a grand ole time!
That's all I have for the blog world right now. For all of you that read this... I've begun my hunt for a job. I'll be available to work December 7th. Keep your ears open for me!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Senator Lugar? Really?
About 30 minutes ago, I received a phone call (on my cell phone) from a "317" number (that's the Indianapolis area). I answered it, thinking it was a wrong number or something like that. No one random ever calls me and I have all the numbers I need programmed into my phone. Well, I answered it and guess who it was.... Senator Dick Lugar's assistant!!!!! For those of you who read this and are not from Indiana (like my parents), Senator Lugar is a Republican senator from Indiana. A month ago, I wrote letters to Senator Lugar, Senator Bayh, and Congressman Carson about my troubles with my student loans. I highlighted the fact that I am a VISTA and that I have had no help or sympathy from ANYONE regarding my private student loans since December when I started AmeriCorps. I explained that I was not asking for a hand out, for anyone to pay my loans off for me, all I wanted was some much needed assistance and understanding. I can't be the ONLY AmeriCorps member that has ever had this problem!
Anyway, I got this phone call... Mark Doud, Senator Lugar's assistant, informed me that they had my letter and that they would be calling AES!! Never, ever, ever in a million years did I EVER think that anything would come of those letters I sent. I hoped, but I really wasn't banking on it. I'm so excited that I got a response, I really have no clue what to say... I'm not sure what will be in store for my student loan battle, but I'll keep you all updated.
It just goes to show you that they DO read the letters we write and that someone DOES take the time to make sure we, as American citizens, have a voice and are being treated fairly. Today our government has received a point in my book! Thanks Senator Lugar!
Anyway, I got this phone call... Mark Doud, Senator Lugar's assistant, informed me that they had my letter and that they would be calling AES!! Never, ever, ever in a million years did I EVER think that anything would come of those letters I sent. I hoped, but I really wasn't banking on it. I'm so excited that I got a response, I really have no clue what to say... I'm not sure what will be in store for my student loan battle, but I'll keep you all updated.
It just goes to show you that they DO read the letters we write and that someone DOES take the time to make sure we, as American citizens, have a voice and are being treated fairly. Today our government has received a point in my book! Thanks Senator Lugar!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Education is the key
Yesterday I attended a fundraiser for Building Tomorrow. Building Tomorrow is "an international social-profit organization encouraging philanthropy among young people by raising awareness and funds to build and support educational infrastructure projects for underserved children in sub-Saharan Africa." In short, they work with organizations in the US (mostly high school and college students) to raise money that will go to building schools in Uganda. During the summer of 2007 I took a 2 week humanitarian trip to Uganda and that's when I officially realized the power education has on youth all over the world. During the next school year, I helped Butler's chapter of Ambassadors for Children raising about $40,000 to build a school in Uganda. To date, this school has been built and opened it's doors to the children in the surrounding community. The kids at this school now have a chance to be something. They will be the next leaders of their country and some will choose to have a voice when it comes to the education of the youth of Uganda.
That being said, I kind of feel bad for helping change so many lives in Uganda, but not being able to do that here in the states. I am completely torn between the joy of seeing the pictures of the new school and it's students and the anger I feel for not being able to make that same impact here in my own country. I know why I wanted to be a teacher. I wanted to be able to touch the lives of young people. I STILL want to that, I just don't want to teach music. I want to get my foot in the door at IPS and smack some people around. There is NO reason for the Indianapolis Public School system to be so bad. That's why I wanted to be a VISTA for Starfish so much. It didn't matter that all I was doing was event planning, I knew that I'd be a apart of an organization that was helping kids graduate and do something with their lives.
So, 3 months and 1 week left and I'm wondering where I'll be on December 6th. I want to do something that will help HERE... I want to help change things. Yesterday really empowered me to find a way to do that. I'm not sure what that may be, but I'm bond and determined to do SOMETHING.
That being said, I kind of feel bad for helping change so many lives in Uganda, but not being able to do that here in the states. I am completely torn between the joy of seeing the pictures of the new school and it's students and the anger I feel for not being able to make that same impact here in my own country. I know why I wanted to be a teacher. I wanted to be able to touch the lives of young people. I STILL want to that, I just don't want to teach music. I want to get my foot in the door at IPS and smack some people around. There is NO reason for the Indianapolis Public School system to be so bad. That's why I wanted to be a VISTA for Starfish so much. It didn't matter that all I was doing was event planning, I knew that I'd be a apart of an organization that was helping kids graduate and do something with their lives.
So, 3 months and 1 week left and I'm wondering where I'll be on December 6th. I want to do something that will help HERE... I want to help change things. Yesterday really empowered me to find a way to do that. I'm not sure what that may be, but I'm bond and determined to do SOMETHING.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Definitely not what I want to do...
I've come to the ultimate conclusion today that I DO NOT want to be an event planner for the rest of my life. In fact, after my VISTA term is over, I never want to do it again! I mean, I knew that this wasn't going to be exactly the job for me, but I really don't like planning events. More specifically the one's that have nothing to do with our Scholars. I guess it's just my personality... Needless to say, I will be happy when I leave the world of event planning.
I'm officially back in the swing of things. Planning College Fests, the breakfast, the gala, and getting small in-kind donations from local restaurants and such. I'm also slowly becoming a Microsoft Publish Pro! I just made a flyer on it today... I'm so proud of myself. :)
On a non-VISTA note: Congratulations to Dan & Anne O'Brien!! They got married on the 15th!
I'm officially back in the swing of things. Planning College Fests, the breakfast, the gala, and getting small in-kind donations from local restaurants and such. I'm also slowly becoming a Microsoft Publish Pro! I just made a flyer on it today... I'm so proud of myself. :)
On a non-VISTA note: Congratulations to Dan & Anne O'Brien!! They got married on the 15th!
Monday, August 10, 2009
I'm still the event planner?
So, I haven't updated my blog in awhile. Sorry about that. Things around the office have been pretty uneventful and I've had nothing of great importance to write about. I've been on an event planning lull and now that school is starting again I'm trying really hard to get back into the swing of all the usual events here at Starfish. College Fests are coming up on my radar again and I'm finding it extremely hard to make all the necessary phone calls. It's like I've forgotten why I was put in this office in the first place. I have to plan events? What?!?!
Nevertheless, things have still been going on at Starfish and in the wonderful world of VISTA...
Here's my Starfish update:
On July 25, we had the second installment of College Costs Estimator. The families that attended in the spring came to the Starfish office and received their Estimated Family Contribution packets. New Starfish Scholars got a chance to get information at this meeting as well and we're hoping to have David Murray back in March to it all over again. This program is so amazing and I only wish that I would have had this help when I was applying to colleges. I probably wouldn't be in so much debt now... Well, maybe. If I would have had help from a program like David Murray's I, most likely, wouldn't have ended up at Butler and then I would be in a completely different place right now. I have no regrets... Now I just have a lot of knowledge to pass down to my children.
On the mentor front, we're coming along (but not as fast as we'd hoped). At the end of last week we still needed 27 female mentors for this years incoming freshman class. Know anyone that would be interested? Let me know.
As for Scholars, Matching events have been going on since July 27 and I think the new relationships that have started will be great! I've heard some wonderful stories about orientations and trainings and can't wait to hold more Scholar events so I can meet more of the new students.
Here's my VISTA update:
Indiana's monthly VISTA luncheon is going to be at Starfish this Thursday. I'm really excited! I love our luncheons and this time I get to plan it at the Starfish Office. I'm really happy that the other VISTAs will get a chance to see our office space and learn more about what we do here.
I just looked at the little countdown I have at the bottom of this page... 3 months, 3 weeks, 4 days left until I'm not a VISTA anymore. This year has flown by! I'm getting really antsy about what I'm going to be doing come December 6. I'm keeping my options wide open in hopes that I land a "real" job so I can start paying off my student loans (trying to get the private ones off my back). I'll definitely be staying in Indy. My lease isn't up until mid-May and I'm happy with my Indy family. :) I'll just have to wait and see where life takes me in 2010.
That's all for now! Have a wonderful week everybody!
Nevertheless, things have still been going on at Starfish and in the wonderful world of VISTA...
Here's my Starfish update:
On July 25, we had the second installment of College Costs Estimator. The families that attended in the spring came to the Starfish office and received their Estimated Family Contribution packets. New Starfish Scholars got a chance to get information at this meeting as well and we're hoping to have David Murray back in March to it all over again. This program is so amazing and I only wish that I would have had this help when I was applying to colleges. I probably wouldn't be in so much debt now... Well, maybe. If I would have had help from a program like David Murray's I, most likely, wouldn't have ended up at Butler and then I would be in a completely different place right now. I have no regrets... Now I just have a lot of knowledge to pass down to my children.
On the mentor front, we're coming along (but not as fast as we'd hoped). At the end of last week we still needed 27 female mentors for this years incoming freshman class. Know anyone that would be interested? Let me know.
As for Scholars, Matching events have been going on since July 27 and I think the new relationships that have started will be great! I've heard some wonderful stories about orientations and trainings and can't wait to hold more Scholar events so I can meet more of the new students.
Here's my VISTA update:
Indiana's monthly VISTA luncheon is going to be at Starfish this Thursday. I'm really excited! I love our luncheons and this time I get to plan it at the Starfish Office. I'm really happy that the other VISTAs will get a chance to see our office space and learn more about what we do here.
I just looked at the little countdown I have at the bottom of this page... 3 months, 3 weeks, 4 days left until I'm not a VISTA anymore. This year has flown by! I'm getting really antsy about what I'm going to be doing come December 6. I'm keeping my options wide open in hopes that I land a "real" job so I can start paying off my student loans (trying to get the private ones off my back). I'll definitely be staying in Indy. My lease isn't up until mid-May and I'm happy with my Indy family. :) I'll just have to wait and see where life takes me in 2010.
That's all for now! Have a wonderful week everybody!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
10 things to be proud of
A reflection on the past few weeks of my life, at the Starfish office and at home.
Things I'm proud of...
1. Learning to successfully live on my own
2. Organizing, and attempting to understand, my student loan debt all by myself
3. Learning to control my anger/frustration when I'm on the phone with the loan people
4. The Scholar Services staff (that's everyone upstairs) for holding it together
5. My crocheting skills
6. Figuring out how to use Microsoft Publisher without much help
7. Making a 27" X 40" color poster using Microsoft Publisher and getting it printed at FedEx Office
8. My roommates for being so caring and understanding, whether it's of friends or strangers
9. This year's senior class at Starfish
10. Carol, for driving the van to and from Ball State without getting us lost or hitting any curbs
Sometimes it's good to take a step back and appreciate things, no matter how small they are.
Things I'm proud of...
1. Learning to successfully live on my own
2. Organizing, and attempting to understand, my student loan debt all by myself
3. Learning to control my anger/frustration when I'm on the phone with the loan people
4. The Scholar Services staff (that's everyone upstairs) for holding it together
5. My crocheting skills
6. Figuring out how to use Microsoft Publisher without much help
7. Making a 27" X 40" color poster using Microsoft Publisher and getting it printed at FedEx Office
8. My roommates for being so caring and understanding, whether it's of friends or strangers
9. This year's senior class at Starfish
10. Carol, for driving the van to and from Ball State without getting us lost or hitting any curbs
Sometimes it's good to take a step back and appreciate things, no matter how small they are.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Anyone want a cat, or two?
I'm just posting this to help out a VISTA friend. She posted this on the VISTA blog awhile ago and she's STILL looking for a home or two for her cats...
Recent VISTA Alum, Jillian Luttrell is moving to Korea to teach English for a year and needs to find a good home for her two cats. The animals are healthy, fixed, declawed, and litter box trained. They are both females, ages 9 and 2. If anyone is interested in one or both of these fine felines please contact Jillian at jllutrrell(at)gmail.com
Email her or me if you're interested.
Recent VISTA Alum, Jillian Luttrell is moving to Korea to teach English for a year and needs to find a good home for her two cats. The animals are healthy, fixed, declawed, and litter box trained. They are both females, ages 9 and 2. If anyone is interested in one or both of these fine felines please contact Jillian at jllutrrell(at)gmail.com
Email her or me if you're interested.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Mentors and Chase
It's been fairly low key in the office. At least on my end of everything. I don't have anything enormous and stressful creeping up on me. Match Week is coming up at the end of this month, but I'm not going crazy over it. Top priority in the office at the moment is to get enough mentors signed up for the incoming freshman class. For one reason or another, we've fallen behind on the mentor front. If you're reading this and live in the Indy area, do you want to be a mentor? Call the Starfish office (317)955-7912 if you're interested!
The most dramatic event that happened this past week was a wonderful call I got from AES. They're the people that take your money if you have private student loans through Chase. Well, my forbearance was up, but it turns out that Chase changed it's policy in March and, long story short, I'm not allowed to reapply for forbearance until December. Hmmm... anyone see a problem here? I'm a VISTA until December 5... That's not gonna work. I'm currently delinquent on my loans with them. I have no updates on how this will all end, but I'll keep you posted.
So, sorry for the kind of boring post. But here's a summary... Be a mentor and call 955-7912 to sign up! And Chase sucks just as much as the customer service at SallieMae.
The most dramatic event that happened this past week was a wonderful call I got from AES. They're the people that take your money if you have private student loans through Chase. Well, my forbearance was up, but it turns out that Chase changed it's policy in March and, long story short, I'm not allowed to reapply for forbearance until December. Hmmm... anyone see a problem here? I'm a VISTA until December 5... That's not gonna work. I'm currently delinquent on my loans with them. I have no updates on how this will all end, but I'll keep you posted.
So, sorry for the kind of boring post. But here's a summary... Be a mentor and call 955-7912 to sign up! And Chase sucks just as much as the customer service at SallieMae.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Back to Earth
Bob have returned from his 2 days on the roof. It was a pretty successful event. I don't have a final count on the number of mentors we got out of it, but we definitely got a lot of media coverage. We were on 4 different news channels, and 2 or 3 radio shows. Cheri Daniels (the governor of Indiana's wife) and Mayor Ballard joined Bob for awhile yesterday. Here are some pictures for the last 48 hours at the office.
Bob going up in the cherry picker at 8am Tuesday morning
Figuring out how to use the scissor lift
Bob getting his lunch from Dasta Pizza (we had 5 different meal sponsors for Bob this year)
One of many interviews
Bob and Cheri Daniels (Indiana's First Lady)
Some of our awesome Scholars with Cheri Daniels
Yet another interview up on the roof
Some more of our awesome Scholars with Mayor Greg Ballard
Mayor Ballard riding the scissor lift up to visit Bob
Mayor Ballard and Bob
A Harlem Globetrotter (he's in their Hall of Fame) with Carol and 2 Scholars
The Globetrotter got up on the roof too!
48 hours later and he's back!
Great event! But we still need mentors. If you or anyone you know is interested in mentoring a high school student from the Indy area, call Starfish at 955-7912.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
48 mentors in 48 hours
Bob has officially made his home on the roof of our building for the next 48 hours. He's up there trying to recruit mentors for this years freshman class of Starfish Scholars. If you're in the Indy area, stop by the office and say "Hi", you can even ride the scissor lift up to the roof and chill with Bob for a bit. We were on Fox 59 news this morning!! Here's the news clip... http://www.fox59.com/video/?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=3915734
I'll post again soon with some picture from San Diego and Bob's Return to the Roof.
I'll post again soon with some picture from San Diego and Bob's Return to the Roof.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Back to the real world
My first day back to work is almost over. After a wonderful vacation in San Diego, I've returned to my desk and duties as Starfish's event planner. Lots of catching up to be done. Recording Scholar Assessments and ME Camp evaluations, finalizing stuff for Bob's "Return to the Roof", my monthly VISTA report, being in charge of food. This last one is probably the hardest for me. I've been out of the loop for a week and have no clue what's been going on with the food situation. Last Wednesday, when I only came in to set up breakfast and do a food pick-up, Gleaner's called at 7:45am. They didn't have any of the food we ordered... AGAIN! While this would have been only a small set back, I was leaving that morning. I had to make some last minute tentative plans with some of the other staff members and pray that everything got worked out while I was gone. I knew that it would be fine, but I felt really bad that I was just leaving ME Camp short on food. The last day of ME Camp is tomorrow and the only thing I have to worry about is breakfast. All in all, I think ME Camp was a huge success and that my part in the whole process went fairly well.
Well, back to work. I'll post some pictures from San Diego sometime soon.
Well, back to work. I'll post some pictures from San Diego sometime soon.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Vacation time!
I'm down to counting the hours to my vacation. I'll be in the office for a few hours tomorrow morning to set up and clean up ME Camp breakfast and pick up a Gleaners order. After that I'll be out of the office, moving into my new house. We get the keys tomorrow, so Becca and I are going to move as much of the little stuff as possible. The "official" move is the 26th. All of our parents are taking a lovely trip to Indianapolis to help us move all the big stuff. Then Thursday I'm off to San Diego!! YAY!!!
On a work related note, ME Camp has been going well. I volunteered to be the data recorder for some self evaluations and ME Camp surveys. They are all very interesting. I get to see how each Scholar feels about themselves and their futures and then I get to compare their answers with what their parents think. I also get to read about how they felt about ME Camp. It's great to see responses like "I wish it camp was longer" and "I want to be challenged more".
Well, I thought I'd update one last time before I left for vacation. Have a wonderful week everyone!
On a work related note, ME Camp has been going well. I volunteered to be the data recorder for some self evaluations and ME Camp surveys. They are all very interesting. I get to see how each Scholar feels about themselves and their futures and then I get to compare their answers with what their parents think. I also get to read about how they felt about ME Camp. It's great to see responses like "I wish it camp was longer" and "I want to be challenged more".
Well, I thought I'd update one last time before I left for vacation. Have a wonderful week everyone!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Friday... finally
So, it's Friday... I'm soooooooo happy for the weekend. I've been getting to the office all week at 7:30am to set up breakfast for ME Camp (Math Education Camp). This week we had about 30 Scholars here every day. We provide 2 meals and a snack each day. Starfish has personally provided all breakfasts, Wednesday lunch, parent orientation dinner on Thursday, all snacks, and a field trip today to Xscape (an indoor theme park kind of thing). This will ALL repeat for the next two weeks. Exhausting! That's all I can say. And on top of it all, we planned some educational field trips throughout the week. I was in charge of Wednesday's field trip to Monument Circle. They were suppose to get a tour of the museum and then go up to the top of the monument. I did not go with them, but yesterday I was informed by some of the staff members here that the monument in closed for construction this summer. So they just walked around in a boring museum in 100% humidity for NO REASON! I feel really bad. :( We're going to try and find an alternative trip for the next 2 weeks.
Up side to ME Camp is getting to know the Scholars. They're all bright, energetic teenagers and I'm excited to see them grow (at least through December). I did get to put my education degree to good use yesterday, though. I was setting up snacks in the afternoon and a group was playing Math Jeopardy in the commons at the same time. Some of the boys were being disrespectful to the tutors (who are all high school students). The tutors seemed to have everything under control, so I just sat back and let them do their thing. Unfortunately, the last five minutes of the game were ridiculous and I had to step in. I put on my teacher face and let them know (without yelling) how disappointed I was that they weren't respecting the tutors. I also told them to suck it up because doing math for 5 days out of their summer wasn't going to kill them and that this 1 week will reflect on their next 4 years in this program. Oh, student teaching taught me so much! :)
Non-VISTA update: This time next week I will be in San Diego!! Woo Hoo!! I'm excited to see Ryan and just relax somewhere outside of the Midwest for a WHOLE WEEK!! Official countdown is 6 days!
Up side to ME Camp is getting to know the Scholars. They're all bright, energetic teenagers and I'm excited to see them grow (at least through December). I did get to put my education degree to good use yesterday, though. I was setting up snacks in the afternoon and a group was playing Math Jeopardy in the commons at the same time. Some of the boys were being disrespectful to the tutors (who are all high school students). The tutors seemed to have everything under control, so I just sat back and let them do their thing. Unfortunately, the last five minutes of the game were ridiculous and I had to step in. I put on my teacher face and let them know (without yelling) how disappointed I was that they weren't respecting the tutors. I also told them to suck it up because doing math for 5 days out of their summer wasn't going to kill them and that this 1 week will reflect on their next 4 years in this program. Oh, student teaching taught me so much! :)
Non-VISTA update: This time next week I will be in San Diego!! Woo Hoo!! I'm excited to see Ryan and just relax somewhere outside of the Midwest for a WHOLE WEEK!! Official countdown is 6 days!
Monday, June 8, 2009
6 month mark!
This past Friday was the 6 month mark for us VISTAs that started in December. I can't believe how fast this is all going and that I'm at the point where I need to start thinking about what I'm going to do after VISTA. While these last 6 months have definitely had their ups and downs, I'm so happy that I chose to serve here at Starfish. I like seeing the end product of all this event planning. It makes me feel really good to see the Scholars and their mentors having a good time and forming relationships.
The most important stuff I've learned in the past 6 months...
1) How to feed 150 people on a $200 budget
2) How to get free coffee for 100 people
3) How to write a good donation request letter
4) How much I REALLY love volunteering and serving others
5) The importance of and need for the Starfish Initiative
I'm looking forward to adding to this list. Congrats to all the VISTAs that hit their 6 month anniversity with me and to all the VISTAs that are about to end their year of service. Together we make a difference!
The most important stuff I've learned in the past 6 months...
1) How to feed 150 people on a $200 budget
2) How to get free coffee for 100 people
3) How to write a good donation request letter
4) How much I REALLY love volunteering and serving others
5) The importance of and need for the Starfish Initiative
I'm looking forward to adding to this list. Congrats to all the VISTAs that hit their 6 month anniversity with me and to all the VISTAs that are about to end their year of service. Together we make a difference!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
On to the next project
With the Open House under my belt, it's on to ME! Camp. "ME!" stands for "Math Education!" Starfish holds an Algebra Camp for it's incoming freshman during the summer. This year we're taking 3 groups of about 35 Scholars in week long increments. We'll provide breakfast and lunch, the math instruction, Starfish orientation for Scholars and parents, and field trips throughout the week.
What's my roll in all of this? Organize all breakfasts, lunch and the field trip on Wednesdays, and parent orientation dinner. I've become very good at buying food for large groups on a budget. I had planned on getting all the breakfast stuff from Gleaners (the local food bank) and the lunch and dinner stuff from Sam's Cub. While the Sam's Club part of my plan is still on track (hot dogs and chips for lunch and Stouffer's lasagna for the parents), I've seemed to run into a problem with Gleaners. Last week I picked up a small order to see what they ended up giving us, it turned out being exactly what we need. When you place an order online, the food descriptions are not very specific and sometimes you end up with food you didn't even think you ordered. On Monday, I reordered more of what I picked up last week. Unfortunately, I got a call today telling me that they ran out of what I ordered and that I will not be able to pick it up tomorrow. :(
So, now i have to come up with a plan B for breakfasts. We already have leftovers from the Open House and a small order from Gleaners. But it's definitely not enough to feed 35 high schoolers every morning for 3 weeks. I'll figure something out, I'm not worried... yet...
Despite this little bump in the road, VISTA world is looking up and things are going smoothly here at the office.
Last tidbit for this post: A big CONGRATS to my friend Nick!! He jumped into the AmeriCorps VISTA world and is waiting on approval from the state office on a VISTA position he was offered at the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic. Woo Hoo!! Welcome to the wonderful world of VISTA!
What's my roll in all of this? Organize all breakfasts, lunch and the field trip on Wednesdays, and parent orientation dinner. I've become very good at buying food for large groups on a budget. I had planned on getting all the breakfast stuff from Gleaners (the local food bank) and the lunch and dinner stuff from Sam's Cub. While the Sam's Club part of my plan is still on track (hot dogs and chips for lunch and Stouffer's lasagna for the parents), I've seemed to run into a problem with Gleaners. Last week I picked up a small order to see what they ended up giving us, it turned out being exactly what we need. When you place an order online, the food descriptions are not very specific and sometimes you end up with food you didn't even think you ordered. On Monday, I reordered more of what I picked up last week. Unfortunately, I got a call today telling me that they ran out of what I ordered and that I will not be able to pick it up tomorrow. :(
So, now i have to come up with a plan B for breakfasts. We already have leftovers from the Open House and a small order from Gleaners. But it's definitely not enough to feed 35 high schoolers every morning for 3 weeks. I'll figure something out, I'm not worried... yet...
Despite this little bump in the road, VISTA world is looking up and things are going smoothly here at the office.
Last tidbit for this post: A big CONGRATS to my friend Nick!! He jumped into the AmeriCorps VISTA world and is waiting on approval from the state office on a VISTA position he was offered at the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic. Woo Hoo!! Welcome to the wonderful world of VISTA!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Open House = Success!
After about a month and a half of planning, making decisions and changing our minds, and being just a tad bit behind schedule with getting our invitations out, the Open House is over! It was a wonderful day and I'm pretty sure that everyone had a good time. I'm going to give a run down of the day with pictures...
First of all, here are the display walls that I have been working on for a few weeks. I'm really happy with how they all turned out. FedEx Office (formally known as Kinko's) ROCKS!
Scholar Photo Wall
Donor Wall -
"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give" ~Churchill
Starfish History Wall
2009 Graduate Wall - "Programs don't change kids - Relationships do..." - Bill Milliken
Indiana Colleges Wall - upstairs in the Training Room
Here are some pictures of the office all clean and finished before the Open House...
Reception Area ($10,000 and up donor wall)
Pretty new kitchen (love the tile!)
Lounge Area (the mural is probably the coolest part about the entire renovation)
Some pictures of the Dedication ceremony...
A view of the Rick and Patti Webster Commons - Rick Webster was one of our founders. He was the one that got the ball rolling on this renovation. Unfortunately, he passed away before he could even see the project start.
Joyce and representatives from the companies that donated to make this all possible
Mike Feeney (one of our founders) and Patti Webster (Rick's wife)
Pictures from the community Open House. Lots of Scholars, mentors, and families...
Beverly (Admissions Director) welcoming some of the families to the Open House
Jimmy (Director of Scholar Services) chatting with an incoming freshman and her mom
Carol (College Access Program Director) talking to a Scholar at the College Fair upstairs in the Training Room
A Scholar and her family visiting the Franklin College booth at the College Fair
And last but not least... Starfish Initiative's VISTAs!!!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
COFFEE!!!!
Just a quick post...
Hubbard & Cravens on 49th and Penn is donating coffee for our Open House!! Woo Hoo!!! I'm soooooooooo happy! A big thanks to Hubbard & Cravens and Sara, the wonderful manager that has been so incredibly nice!
Hubbard & Cravens on 49th and Penn is donating coffee for our Open House!! Woo Hoo!!! I'm soooooooooo happy! A big thanks to Hubbard & Cravens and Sara, the wonderful manager that has been so incredibly nice!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Let the count down begin!
OK, 4 days until the Open House. Things that still need to be done on my end of it all:
1) Buy food for the Dedication Ceremony
2) Buy cookies and punch for the community Open House
3) Make sure wall displays get finished (up and down stairs)
4) Clean my office
5) GET COFFEE!!!
And not related to the events of Saturday:
1) Write monthly VISTA report
2) Pick up Gleaners order
3) Update all donation request logs
If I can just stay calm and as stress free as possible this won't be so bad. But if one more person decides to add something to the display walls in the hallway, I'm going to scream. NO MORE!! I'm cutting people off!! The walls are final!
1) Buy food for the Dedication Ceremony
2) Buy cookies and punch for the community Open House
3) Make sure wall displays get finished (up and down stairs)
4) Clean my office
5) GET COFFEE!!!
And not related to the events of Saturday:
1) Write monthly VISTA report
2) Pick up Gleaners order
3) Update all donation request logs
If I can just stay calm and as stress free as possible this won't be so bad. But if one more person decides to add something to the display walls in the hallway, I'm going to scream. NO MORE!! I'm cutting people off!! The walls are final!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Down time?
Like I predicted, it's about a week to the Open House and I'm beginning to run around like a crazy person. Does it shock me? No. Do I wish every event didn't end up like this? Yes.
But I knew it was going to happen and there's nothing I can do about it. 5 business days left until the Open House (we're closed on Monday for Memorial Day). Everything's coming together, I just wish some of it could have been finished about a week ago. I'm still having HORRIBLE trouble finding someone that will donate coffee to us. Bethany and I think it's because of the Indy 500 this weekend. When I'm trying to find a donation I usually get turned down once or twice, but it's never been this hard before. I've sent a request in to Dunkin Donuts and I'm hoping they get back to me soon. Our last and final resort is one of our mentors that works for Starbucks, maybe she has some pull somewhere. You would think a little bit of coffee wouldn't be this stressful.
The displays in the main hallway are looking nice. Today we're heading to FedEx Office (formally known as Kinko's) to get some stuff printed and mounted and then it's time to actually hang everything. I think it's going to turn out really nice. I'll post pictures when it's all done.
Other than the Open House, my VISTA life is just fine. I'm keeping busy and getting my job done. I can't believe I'm almost half way through my VISTA year. CRAZY!! It's about time to start thinking about what I'm doing after this. Oh, real life, I've been avoiding you for too long.
Nothing more for right now, I just found a few extra minutes this afternoon to update. Have a great day everyone!
But I knew it was going to happen and there's nothing I can do about it. 5 business days left until the Open House (we're closed on Monday for Memorial Day). Everything's coming together, I just wish some of it could have been finished about a week ago. I'm still having HORRIBLE trouble finding someone that will donate coffee to us. Bethany and I think it's because of the Indy 500 this weekend. When I'm trying to find a donation I usually get turned down once or twice, but it's never been this hard before. I've sent a request in to Dunkin Donuts and I'm hoping they get back to me soon. Our last and final resort is one of our mentors that works for Starbucks, maybe she has some pull somewhere. You would think a little bit of coffee wouldn't be this stressful.
The displays in the main hallway are looking nice. Today we're heading to FedEx Office (formally known as Kinko's) to get some stuff printed and mounted and then it's time to actually hang everything. I think it's going to turn out really nice. I'll post pictures when it's all done.
Other than the Open House, my VISTA life is just fine. I'm keeping busy and getting my job done. I can't believe I'm almost half way through my VISTA year. CRAZY!! It's about time to start thinking about what I'm doing after this. Oh, real life, I've been avoiding you for too long.
Nothing more for right now, I just found a few extra minutes this afternoon to update. Have a great day everyone!
Friday, May 15, 2009
AmeriCorps Week
This week was AmeriCorps Week. Lots of fun stuff going on all over the country. It's all about promoting AmeriCorps and being recognized for the work that the thousands of people are doing in America. In central Indiana, the state office held a forum for all of the VISTAs at IUPUI. We watched a really good documentary about Sargent Shriver. A rough summary of who he was... He was the brother-in-law of JFK. He was in charge of the Peace Corps, VISTA, and a large handful of other national service organizations when they all started in the 60s. He was a cool guy, I would have liked to know him. Then we all discussed the movie and talked about our current projects and then had a little reception.
It's been a good week here at Starfish. The Open House is just around the corner, so the usual rush to the finish line is currently in progress. We've made final decisions for food, the parking lot tent has been rented, and Bethany and I have been busy trying to creatively decorate the main hallway. The only snag I've hit is getting coffee donated for the dedication ceremony in the morning. I honestly thought this was going to be the easy part, but not one Starbucks I've talked to is able to donate. Plan B is to call other places besides Starbucks.
The renovation is almost done!! The lounge looks the best right now, but I'm sure the new commons area will be really nice. I promise to post pictures when it's all finally complete.
On a more personal note, my roommates and I have to move out of our house. :( We got a letter in the mail from our landlord that informed us that our rent was increasing 30% starting July 1. This was COMPLETELY unexpected and none of us can pay to live there at that rate. So, Wednesday night we began the hunt for a new place to live. This all comes at a very inopportune time. Jarod leaves Wednesday for a 6 week internship in Ireland, Alexa's on rotations, and Becca and I are both going on week long vacations at the end of June (when our lease is up). I have faith that everything will work out and I can't let myself get stressed. There is nothing I can do to control the situation and getting crazy and frustrated isn't going to help.
I hope everyone has a great weekend! We're doing some house/apartment hunting and then our BeadforLife Party/Extreme Makeover: Home Edition viewing is Sunday from 6-10pm. Every one's welcome to come... let me know if you want more info.
It's been a good week here at Starfish. The Open House is just around the corner, so the usual rush to the finish line is currently in progress. We've made final decisions for food, the parking lot tent has been rented, and Bethany and I have been busy trying to creatively decorate the main hallway. The only snag I've hit is getting coffee donated for the dedication ceremony in the morning. I honestly thought this was going to be the easy part, but not one Starbucks I've talked to is able to donate. Plan B is to call other places besides Starbucks.
The renovation is almost done!! The lounge looks the best right now, but I'm sure the new commons area will be really nice. I promise to post pictures when it's all finally complete.
On a more personal note, my roommates and I have to move out of our house. :( We got a letter in the mail from our landlord that informed us that our rent was increasing 30% starting July 1. This was COMPLETELY unexpected and none of us can pay to live there at that rate. So, Wednesday night we began the hunt for a new place to live. This all comes at a very inopportune time. Jarod leaves Wednesday for a 6 week internship in Ireland, Alexa's on rotations, and Becca and I are both going on week long vacations at the end of June (when our lease is up). I have faith that everything will work out and I can't let myself get stressed. There is nothing I can do to control the situation and getting crazy and frustrated isn't going to help.
I hope everyone has a great weekend! We're doing some house/apartment hunting and then our BeadforLife Party/Extreme Makeover: Home Edition viewing is Sunday from 6-10pm. Every one's welcome to come... let me know if you want more info.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Being poor sure does suck sometimes
Oh, the whoas of being a VISTA. I completely understand why we get the living stipend we get. I usually don't complain about. And, honestly, I wasn't making much more money before I started as a VISTA. But, sometimes timing DOES NOT work out and my money runs really low and then some big, unexpected expense comes up.
Take the past few days. We got our last allowance April 30th and won't get it again until May 14th. In the middle of all that is rent, car insurance, credit cards, etc., and then I find out I need new tires! I have a 1995 Toyota Corolla. It's in really good shape for being so old, but when I got it in 2007, I never bothered to find out how old the tires were. Well, after a nail flattened one of my tires on Sunday, the nice man at Sam's Club told be that my tires were from 2000. Thank God for used tires. I bought 2 for $60. Not that I have the money for them at all, but a car needs tires, right?
Other than some stressful events in my personal life, my VISTA life has been pretty quit. I'm in a lull of not doing much at the office. But, I'm getting stuff done and doing my best to stay on top of things. I can't wait for things to pick up a bit.
Take the past few days. We got our last allowance April 30th and won't get it again until May 14th. In the middle of all that is rent, car insurance, credit cards, etc., and then I find out I need new tires! I have a 1995 Toyota Corolla. It's in really good shape for being so old, but when I got it in 2007, I never bothered to find out how old the tires were. Well, after a nail flattened one of my tires on Sunday, the nice man at Sam's Club told be that my tires were from 2000. Thank God for used tires. I bought 2 for $60. Not that I have the money for them at all, but a car needs tires, right?
Other than some stressful events in my personal life, my VISTA life has been pretty quit. I'm in a lull of not doing much at the office. But, I'm getting stuff done and doing my best to stay on top of things. I can't wait for things to pick up a bit.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Prom Webisode
I said I'd post the video when Paul was finished editting it. Click here to watch it on YouTube.
Yes, I know I'm a big dork... I have never denied it! :) Enjoy!
Yes, I know I'm a big dork... I have never denied it! :) Enjoy!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Going to prom?
No, I'm not going to Prom (that would be weird), but Paul and I did dress up for about 3 hours yesterday. Paul's VISTA title is Information Technology Associate, but he's not in charge of making sure the computers work, so I've taken to calling him Starfish's Social Media Specialist. He keeps the office up to date on Facebook and YouTube and anything else that keeps our Scholars connected and engaged with Starfish.So, why were we dressed up? Well, Paul is filming a series of webisodes that keep the Scholars and mentors updated about Starfish events and also provides a fun way for our Scholars to stay engaged. This month's webisode is about going to Prom. It gives advice about picking out your dress/tux, transportation, flowers, dinner, and making healthy choices.
Paul and I had a lot of fun yesterday and I thought I'd post some pictures of the whole deal. I'll post the video when Paul is finished editing it. And, yes, that is my ACTUAL Prom dress from Senior year of high school.
Planning before filming
Choosing a restaurant
Begging my "dad" for money for Prom
Buying our Prom tickets
The flowers are perfect! (courtesy of the curb across street)
Picture from the Blooper Reel
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
National Volunteer Week
April 19-25, 2009 is National Volunteer Week!
National Volunteer Week seeks to honor the individuals who dedicate themselves to taking action and solving problems in their communities. Celebrate by getting out there and doing something for your community. Every little bit counts! And don't forget to thank the people in your everyday life that volunteer their time to make a difference.
Here's a big THANKS to the people I see making a difference:
Ambassador's for Children - For all the wonderful work you do for children all over the world. For you at the Butler Chapter, the school that is up in Uganda because of your hard work is greatly appreciated. You have given that community the opportunity to educate their children. You have given them hope for future generations.
Alpha Phi Omega - After 4 wonderful years with this fraternity, I am proud to call myself an alum.
Rebecca Scherpelz - You never stop amazing me with the amount of dedication you give to everything you do. From the US to Uganda, from Best Buddies to Invisible Children, you CAN and WILL change the world. Don't ever let anyone stay in your way.
Butler's ASB-ers - Although I was only able to experience one trip with you all, I know that the time and effort you put in is well worth it. Thank you for taking THIS route instead of going to Cancun. Ever year, while only for a few days, you help change the stereotypes that are placed on college students and, whether or not you realize it, you are doing something wonderful that touches the hearts of many.
My fellow VISTAs - You are all wonderful people that deserve any and all recognition for all that you do. You have made the choice to serve for a whole year (some of you more) for your community. Stay focused and keep fighting poverty in your community. We can make a difference!
I know that there are many more people I should recognize. You all know who you are. Keep up the great work!!
National Volunteer Week seeks to honor the individuals who dedicate themselves to taking action and solving problems in their communities. Celebrate by getting out there and doing something for your community. Every little bit counts! And don't forget to thank the people in your everyday life that volunteer their time to make a difference.
Here's a big THANKS to the people I see making a difference:
Ambassador's for Children - For all the wonderful work you do for children all over the world. For you at the Butler Chapter, the school that is up in Uganda because of your hard work is greatly appreciated. You have given that community the opportunity to educate their children. You have given them hope for future generations.
Alpha Phi Omega - After 4 wonderful years with this fraternity, I am proud to call myself an alum.
Rebecca Scherpelz - You never stop amazing me with the amount of dedication you give to everything you do. From the US to Uganda, from Best Buddies to Invisible Children, you CAN and WILL change the world. Don't ever let anyone stay in your way.
Butler's ASB-ers - Although I was only able to experience one trip with you all, I know that the time and effort you put in is well worth it. Thank you for taking THIS route instead of going to Cancun. Ever year, while only for a few days, you help change the stereotypes that are placed on college students and, whether or not you realize it, you are doing something wonderful that touches the hearts of many.
My fellow VISTAs - You are all wonderful people that deserve any and all recognition for all that you do. You have made the choice to serve for a whole year (some of you more) for your community. Stay focused and keep fighting poverty in your community. We can make a difference!
I know that there are many more people I should recognize. You all know who you are. Keep up the great work!!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Weekend here I come!
It's been a week packed full of things to do. Stuff on the agenda:
1. College Cost Estimator on Saturday - This event NEEDS to go over well! While it's not my job to get the families to come, I'm feeling the pressure. I really want people to understand that this workshop is going to be sooooooo helpful in letting our families know that college is doable.
2. Gala venue selection - After about a month of ballroom visits (6 or 7 if I'm remembering correctly), the gala committee FINALLY picked a venue for our March 2010 gala. The vote was so easy yesterday, I only wish the road to the decision would have been less stressful. Because this is Starfish's first gala no one really knows what we want and it's been difficult communicating our needs to some of the venues we've talked to. But the First Annual "Dancing with the Starfish" Gala will be held on March 6, 2010 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. Phew!
3. Gleaner's - I've made 2 separate trips to the food bank this week. One Tuesday and one this morning.
4. Open House mailing list - This mailing list has been one of the most involved and mind numbing projects I've worked on in the 4 months I've been a VISTA. You would think that, given an excel template to plug in your contacts, the job of compiling all the staff's personal lists would be a breeze. Well, think again! I've worked on it (with the help of an intern) for 2 days now! And it's still not finished!
5. Sam's Club - Gotta run to Sam's Club to get food for College Cost Estimator and pick up some other stuff for the office. This has to happen tomorrow... in my free time...
6. Webisode filming - Also happening tomorrow, Paul needs help filming his new webisode about prom. It'll be fun, just bad timing for me.
7. A/V set up at Ivy Tech - I have to make a run to Ivy Tech and make sure all the A/V is working and learn how to fix it should something go wrong on Saturday. When do I have to do this? Tomorrow (along with the Sam's Club run and the webisode filming)
As you can see, it's been a busy week and it won't be over until Saturday. The bright side, I have a friend's wedding to go to after the event on Saturday. Good times!
1. College Cost Estimator on Saturday - This event NEEDS to go over well! While it's not my job to get the families to come, I'm feeling the pressure. I really want people to understand that this workshop is going to be sooooooo helpful in letting our families know that college is doable.
2. Gala venue selection - After about a month of ballroom visits (6 or 7 if I'm remembering correctly), the gala committee FINALLY picked a venue for our March 2010 gala. The vote was so easy yesterday, I only wish the road to the decision would have been less stressful. Because this is Starfish's first gala no one really knows what we want and it's been difficult communicating our needs to some of the venues we've talked to. But the First Annual "Dancing with the Starfish" Gala will be held on March 6, 2010 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. Phew!
3. Gleaner's - I've made 2 separate trips to the food bank this week. One Tuesday and one this morning.
4. Open House mailing list - This mailing list has been one of the most involved and mind numbing projects I've worked on in the 4 months I've been a VISTA. You would think that, given an excel template to plug in your contacts, the job of compiling all the staff's personal lists would be a breeze. Well, think again! I've worked on it (with the help of an intern) for 2 days now! And it's still not finished!
5. Sam's Club - Gotta run to Sam's Club to get food for College Cost Estimator and pick up some other stuff for the office. This has to happen tomorrow... in my free time...
6. Webisode filming - Also happening tomorrow, Paul needs help filming his new webisode about prom. It'll be fun, just bad timing for me.
7. A/V set up at Ivy Tech - I have to make a run to Ivy Tech and make sure all the A/V is working and learn how to fix it should something go wrong on Saturday. When do I have to do this? Tomorrow (along with the Sam's Club run and the webisode filming)
As you can see, it's been a busy week and it won't be over until Saturday. The bright side, I have a friend's wedding to go to after the event on Saturday. Good times!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
More SallieMae and some VISTA updates
I had another run in with SallieMae today. I think I'm going to have to retract last post. Justin, the wonderful customer service professional, didn't solve any of my problems. I am now 28 days delinquent on my stupid private loan. AND I even called Chase (the lender for my loan) and they couldn't help me at all, they told me to call SallieMae. Big vicious cycle!
On a better note, my job getting donations is going pretty well. Yesterday, I called several Starbucks and finally got the one in Broad Ripple to donate a bunch of travel totes of coffee for College Cost Estimator on the 18th. Sam's Club is giving us a $25 gift card for food and I just placed an order with Gleaners for breakfast food (also for the 18th). I'm in the mists of planning this College Cost Estimator program at Ivy Tech, Starfish's open house on May 30th, getting food for Math Camp in June, the Aloha Party June 14th, and I'm trying to plan my vacation to San Diego/trip to the Nation Conference on Volunteering and Service in San Francisco. Keep your fingers crossed... I need to get a scholarship for the conference (I find out on the 15th) and then try to find some other funds that will help pay for my lodging and food.
That's all for now. I get to go up to Tinley for Easter... I haven't been up there since Christmas :) Have a wonderful hump day!
On a better note, my job getting donations is going pretty well. Yesterday, I called several Starbucks and finally got the one in Broad Ripple to donate a bunch of travel totes of coffee for College Cost Estimator on the 18th. Sam's Club is giving us a $25 gift card for food and I just placed an order with Gleaners for breakfast food (also for the 18th). I'm in the mists of planning this College Cost Estimator program at Ivy Tech, Starfish's open house on May 30th, getting food for Math Camp in June, the Aloha Party June 14th, and I'm trying to plan my vacation to San Diego/trip to the Nation Conference on Volunteering and Service in San Francisco. Keep your fingers crossed... I need to get a scholarship for the conference (I find out on the 15th) and then try to find some other funds that will help pay for my lodging and food.
That's all for now. I get to go up to Tinley for Easter... I haven't been up there since Christmas :) Have a wonderful hump day!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Still hate SallieMae
So, called them back and the man I talked to fixed my loan forbearance in about 2 minutes!! What the hell? Why could no one else that I talked to do that?? Past due amount is gone, so is the late fee.
I would just like to thank Justin for making loan world a little more sane. Justin you are my honorary best friend today. Thank you!
I would just like to thank Justin for making loan world a little more sane. Justin you are my honorary best friend today. Thank you!
I HATE SallieMae!
I'm on hold with SallieMae right now, and have been for 21 minutes. I'm being transferred to a manager because no one can help me. Because I'm serving with AmeriCorps until December 2009 I have to put all of my loans into forbearance. While this is a simple task if all you have are Federal loans (those automatically get put into forbearance because I'm a VISTA), private loans are a different story.
When I started VISTA in December 2008, I had initial trouble getting everything squared away because the Corporation (for National & Community Service) doesn't tell you that private loans don't qualify for their special forbearance. I eventually got it all figured out and was able to put my one private loan with SallieMae in forbearance for 3 months and would have to apply for it again (with a $50 charge) every time after that. Fine, whatever... it has to happen. Well, on March 23, 2009 I called SallieMae and put my loan into forbearance again and was charged the $50. Yesterday (April 2, 2009), I got an email that said something had changed on my account website. I went to check it out and discovered that my loan was 22 days delinquent! I gave them a call... Well guess what? JP Morgan (my lender) denied my request for forbearance this time!!!!! Why? I have no clue!!! And guess what else? One payment for this loan is about the same a my living stipend for 2 weeks! Just great!
At this point, no one have answered and I think I've been hung up on. I will call them back... wish me luck...
When I started VISTA in December 2008, I had initial trouble getting everything squared away because the Corporation (for National & Community Service) doesn't tell you that private loans don't qualify for their special forbearance. I eventually got it all figured out and was able to put my one private loan with SallieMae in forbearance for 3 months and would have to apply for it again (with a $50 charge) every time after that. Fine, whatever... it has to happen. Well, on March 23, 2009 I called SallieMae and put my loan into forbearance again and was charged the $50. Yesterday (April 2, 2009), I got an email that said something had changed on my account website. I went to check it out and discovered that my loan was 22 days delinquent! I gave them a call... Well guess what? JP Morgan (my lender) denied my request for forbearance this time!!!!! Why? I have no clue!!! And guess what else? One payment for this loan is about the same a my living stipend for 2 weeks! Just great!
At this point, no one have answered and I think I've been hung up on. I will call them back... wish me luck...
Thursday, April 2, 2009
NEW OFFICE!!
The front part of our building is almost finished!!! But finished enough for us to move into our offices, complete with a REAL desk! It's amazing how much everything has changed in a few short weeks. Here are some before and after pictures. The befores were taken on March 17 and the afters were taken today.
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