The Most Rewarding Day
Today has been the most rewarding day for me so far. I woke up with a feeling of excitement mingled with a sense of anticipation. Heading out to our group site in the morning, which by the way is lighthouse PATH in Pontiac, I didn't know what to expect. As soon as we got there though and we were welcomed by the very kind Ms. Liz and Mr. Jim, all of my hesitations were gone out the window and I realized how deeply people like Ms. Liz and Mr. Jim care for and appreciate our work. We immediately set out to beautify the apartment complex by painting the hallways and sometimes ourselves (here's talking to you Amal). The three-level complex houses women and children that are victims of abusive homes. One of these women, whose name I should've gotten, made my day today by stopping with her little boy for just a second and thanking us for our work. It seemed like one of those sappy movie moments in which something very emotional happens that connects the essential theme of the story and that was exactly what it was. Because her genuine praise and gratitude made me realize our essential theme, making a difference in people's lives. Recognizing this brought the bigger picture into focus for me. I helped her in a way that I will probably never completely understand and she, in turn, did the same for me.
At around 3:30 we left lighthouse PATH and attempted to make it to the UWSEM presentation. Due to heavy traffic (which group three has conclusively decided was the reason for our being late and don't let anybody tell you otherwise) we couldn't make it in on time and came at about 6:30. We had to duck down beneath the cameras and I'm pretty sure that that tape is gonna contain a collection of shots of our group's hair and Amal's infamous paint-stained scarf. All I can say is that it's a good thing I shampooed in the morning. By the way, I totally respect the intellect of group three. You guys have priviliged me with some really interesting conversations and I look forward to many more. Now I am here at UMD, typing up my blog and ending it on this note: Making an effective difference is real and I am a fool for only realizing it now.
At around 3:30 we left lighthouse PATH and attempted to make it to the UWSEM presentation. Due to heavy traffic (which group three has conclusively decided was the reason for our being late and don't let anybody tell you otherwise) we couldn't make it in on time and came at about 6:30. We had to duck down beneath the cameras and I'm pretty sure that that tape is gonna contain a collection of shots of our group's hair and Amal's infamous paint-stained scarf. All I can say is that it's a good thing I shampooed in the morning. By the way, I totally respect the intellect of group three. You guys have priviliged me with some really interesting conversations and I look forward to many more. Now I am here at UMD, typing up my blog and ending it on this note: Making an effective difference is real and I am a fool for only realizing it now.
