And away we go...

So in our VISTA Pre-Service Orientation Participant's Manual, there is a fun little drawing entitled "A Common VISTA Cycle of Service." While most of us begin with more enthusiam than most others ever muster, we eventually come to a point where we have second thoughts, but then eventually become contributors and then reach our peak performance. Thus far, I would have to say the chart is right on point.

In the very beginning, at PSO, I was determined to make a giant change at LLCC. While I'm still determined to do so, I'll admit there have been a few points where I'm like "what the...am I doing here?? This is pointless!" After the volunteer fair I coordinated last week, though, I couldn't be happier with my job. We had such an amazing turn out, great media coverage, and I was on cloud 9 for the rest of the week. I also made a bunch of great connections, which is always a good thing!

One big thing I'm working on right now is actually with the Jacksonville LLCC center (I work on the main campus in Springfield). Jacksonville, IL has just as many homeless people as Springfield, despite the drastic difference in population (Jacksonville is a small college town, with barely 19,000 people); despite this, Jacksonville doesn't have a single shelter, while Springfield is fighting for a day shelter. Ridiculous? Yes, indeed. However, I have quite a few connections in Jacksonville (including the State's Attorney, Sheriff, and Mayor) and I am going to help make a huge difference in Jacksonville in the coming months.

Time to get to work!

(PS - one of the news videos from the fair:)


http://www.wandtv.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?clipId1=4479465&flvUri=&partnerclipid=&at1=News&vt1=v&h1=LLCC%20holds%20%22Volunteer%20Fair%22%20to%20encourage%20public%20participation&d1=91800&redirUrl=&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage&clipFormat=flv&rnd=29354273