First Day of Work

So today was my offical first day of work and to say it was interesting would be an understatement. Let me first explain where I am working. I am working at Vincent House here in Syracuse which is an afterschool program for 5-12 year olds that are from mostly low income families. During the day there is also a Pre-k program and a food pantry that provides to the local community. Finally in the evening there is a program for teens. In one small building there is a lot of different things that go on. My title is Youth Mentor and so far I have taken that to mean I am working with the pre-k during the day and then planning for the afternoon where I will be in charge of the 7 and 8 year olds. I work with two other guys Justin-who is 25, from Syracuse and oversees the afterschool program and Chris the JVC volunteer.

This is the assumption I was in when I left the house this morning but not exactly what happened. This is what really happened....I went in at like 930 which i have been doing and spent time with the pre-k kids who are adorable. Hosea one of the boys who speaks hardly any English was playing with me and is already starting to understand alot of what I am saying and that is exciting. After that I worked with Justin and Chris to finalize the rules, and things for the afternoon. At 3pm Chaos offically started. We attempted to go over the rules in a large group and then broke up into the individual groups. I was in the arts and crafts room where I attempted to do an icebreaker and get to know the kids names and then start a project but I do not think I accomplished any of that ha. It was a very stressful day that went until like 6pm where by the end I wanted to just run away. However, I am trying to very optimistic in realizing it was just the first day and there was a little bit of confusion. I love children and hopefully once they learn to respect me I will be able to get to know them and build relationships with them. I could expand more but I do not feel like whining too much.

All together things are going well. It has been a little harder then I thought to adjust but it will get better once I get into the swing of things. This weekend was great and i really enjoyed my birthday. The community went out of their way to make sure it was a good time.On Saturday we went to an Irish Festival and Eric joined us, along with the Brothers of Sacred Love ( i think thats their name) and that was fun. I had a few drinks and we got to dance to some Irish bands. Then yesterday on my birthday we went out to one of the local lakes where John's family has a little house and a boat and we got to go out on the lake. I attempted water-skiing and failed ha but it was wonderful. We then walked around town before going to this cute little restaurant for dinner and birthday cake =0 It was a great way to spend my birthday and continue to get to know my community members.

So work is going to be stressful for a few days but I am hoping it will get better. I am gonig to head to bed now because long day tomorrow. Wish me luck