August Madness

You know the song, Summer Madness by Kool and the Gang? Well that’s how this month felt with the events that took place. I am happy to say that these events were positive, reflective, and somewhat life changing. After June 30^th, everything that’s occurred was uplifting and joyful. I’ve learned a lot about myself, and appreciate everything and anything that came my way. Here’s an update:

 

Saturday, August 20, 2011: We meet again Greg Mocker

I attended the NY Funniest Reporter show at Comic Strip Live in NYC where my friend and PIX 11 news reporter, Greg Mocker, did a comedy routine. He and other reporters from CNN, FOX, and the NY Times did comedy for charity, and competed to win the NY Funniest Reporter title. All proceeds from the event went to the Humane Society. As an animal lover, I wanted to show my support, and be a cheerleader for my friend, Mocker. I had a chance to reunite with one of my high school friends, and met other fans of Mocker. As part of my Facebook group, The Mocker Trail Team, ladies who support Mocker are called Mockettes. We Mockettes not only represent Mocker, but are friends also. 

The show was great, I laughed a lot and enjoyed the company. Although Mocker did a great job and made us laugh, he didn’t win the competition. After the show, we Mockettes and my friend congratulated him for a job well done. In our book, Mocker is our winner! I was particularly honored to meet Greg’s family, as well as HLN’s reporter Jane Velez-Mitchell. She also did comedy and was very funny.  It was great seeing Mocker again; he is one of the coolest people I know. I’m happy to have met my fellow Mockettes and hangout afterwards with my friend. We had a chance to catch up after years of not seeing each other. It was a very nice Saturday night!

Tuesday, August 23^rd-Friday, August 26, 2011: Time to make a difference

I am a NYC Civic Corps member, and I am ready “to use my blank for something good.” I particularly like our mission slogan because I believe we all can use our talents, skills, passions, etc, for something good. It not only feels good to be back into the workforce, but to be part of something that believes in making a difference. That’s what I’m about. This week was orientation week. On Tuesday, the Mayor visited us to express his appreciation for our service; we learned more about Civic Corps, our responsibilities, and expectations as Corps members. I had a chance to meet my team and team leader, as well as express my reason for joining such a great program. On Wednesday, my team and I explored Brighton Beach, Brooklyn and took note of its neighborhood, the people, and places of interest. I was a bit nervous since I’ve experienced prejudice there before. Luckily, the beautiful weather, and talking with my teammates helped ease my fears away. I bought some cookies at a Russian bakery which was cool and yummy too! Thursday, I visited a charter school in Harlem where I helped organize books for their school library. That was fun. I’m a library nut! Haha. By Friday, I was in Queens for the last day of orientation. I met more members, and listened to a great presentation from a former Americorps member, now social worker! I think I had the biggest smile when I saw that on the presentation packet we had. I want to be a social worker and obtain a Masters in Social Work (MSW) next year. I had the opportunity to speak with him after the presentation. Not only he’s a hugger, like me, but offered great advice on pursuing my professional and academic goals. Overall, this was a very informative and challenging week. I look forward to working at my host site next week, and make a difference in the community. There are lots to do but I feel ready “to use my blank for something good!”