Day 1

I started my first day at my host site today. Most things were what I expected after going to PSO and pre-training, but certain things definitely caught me off guard. I was really impressed and surprised by the binder of achievements that Kaitlyn and Alex presented to me.
I realized that I have really big shoes that I need to fill. I was thoroughly impressed by the caliber of work two VISTAs have accomplished. At the same time, I was also a little overwhelmed and I didn't even know when to start. I am very thankful that I have Alex to truly orient me to my role as a VISTA and how the office runs. Both Alex and Kaitlyn have provided valuable insights and I feel pretty comfortable in the office already. Plus, I enjoy their company. I am already concerned about what I will do without other VISTAs in the office. I feel like I am supported by compassionate people who are genuinely invested in making social change. In the past two weeks, I think I can recognize the difference between believing that social change is beneficial and people who actually dedicate their time toward implementing change. I have found that however simple a task, there are always a pile of forms, multiple reports, and bureaucratic regulations that seem to hinder the simplicity of things. My role as a VISTA is to facilitate completing forms and allocating available resources to people who need them. I just hope that I don't getting bogged down with forms myself.

On Monday I am going to Jobs and Family Services to apply for food assistance. I am almost certain that I will not qualify, but I am most worried about having to wait in long lines. Waiting is torture for me. I think this will be an unpleasant, yet valuable experience for me.

I am nervous and looking forward to grant writing in the fall. I think it will definitely be a challenge, but a valuable skill to have.

As I met the people and toured the building, the more comfortable I felt with everything. I was really not expecting the large magnitude of food in the warehouse. I think when I applied for this position, I was expecting a soup kitchen, and didn't even have a correct concept of a food bank. I am surprised at how I have not even heard of Shared Harvest or seen it after living in the area for so long. As such, I hope that I can increase the awareness of the Benefit Bank in my community for those who can contribute and for those who are in need.