Transition, Sweet, Sweet, Transition!

Hey Guys!

It has been almost a week back in Denver for transition and what an amazing week it has been! This week was filled with lots of interesting things. What I liked most about this week was that even though we were always supervised and monitored, we were led by our peers this week. This was our first Life After AmeriCorps week and it is designed to help with making decisions on what our lives will be like after we graduate in July. There were many different workshops we were able to check out. For example, I went to a meeting called 'Finding Your Passion in the Non-Profit Sector' which was aimed at discussing what we want to do with a non-profit organization and how we want to make ourselves shine while doing so. There were many other workshops that ranged from resume building, finding jobs in a difficult economy, and help with college and financial aid to studying abroad.

The other half of the afternoon was meant for us to visit different non-profit organizations around Denver. I went to the Alliance Center which was so cool. It is a LEED certified building, where there are over 28 non-profit organizations that share resources, ideas, and work together for one common goal: to advance economic, environmental, and social sustainability in Colorado by building cross-sector alliances and networks. We had an opportunity to hear from different organizations in the building. One of my favorites was E-Go Car Share which is a non-profit car sharing organization that provides alternatives to individual car ownership, and you only pay for when you drive it! Isn't that amazing? That was one of many great organizations that the Denver area has to offer.

Later on in the week we had our routine baseline workout that tracks where we are health-wise. It is great to see myself in the beginning and then see myself now, statistics wise. We also had a first-aid refresher course which was peer-facilitated and was designed to remind us of procedures of CPR and first aid. Lastly, one of our sessions that was also peer-facilitated was Alcohol Awareness. It was a unique approach that enables everyone to come together and talk about alcohol issues without any judgment. The peer helpers on campus did a great job with running the discussion.

Oh yeah I forgot! We have new teams this round! Denver campus has shuffle round which allows the teams to reshuffle and get the opportunity to work with other CMs and TLs. It is exciting! Our new Shuffle Teams are leaving for third spike very soon and I can't wait to get started with the Denver Children's Home! Wow, sometimes I can't believe that we are already in our third spike! This year has had its ups and downs but overall, I think it is running rather smoothly.

Later!!!

~Shawn