The journey I have begun has officially marked a month. There are many thoughts of insecurities tangled in all this process with a warm reminder that I am not here to be perfect-- it is all a learning process. Â My observations, my emotions, my mind-- all used to be in great confusion, however, now I know that this is exactly where I belong and need to be at this point of my life. My title is the Outreach Coordinator at ARTS ( A Reason to Survive)-this consists of wearing many different hats from building and nourishing relationships with locals, students, parents and businesses, onboarding/directing/ coordinating/training volunteers, providing tours of facility, translator, special/community events, supporting staff and you know all the paperwork business usual things blah blah. But, within all of this--- the best part is building relationships with the students whom share so much of themselves with beautiful aspiring goals. These students need just one voice of support to get their momentum going and ARTS is the space that nourishes that support for these youth to get as creative they'd like. There is no given moment where no one is not laughing or smiling--- because really like I once read ARTS is the Disneyland in National City. It has only been a month since I have started, I do not know all the ins and outs of this new space, but I can feel and see that everyone in this space is in it for the well being of the kids whom have many different walks of life and need a space to embrace their creativity, personal growth and/or future careers it being in the arts or not.Â
  As an observer for the first month at ARTS- I can firsthand tell you that working for a non-profit is not an easy walk - so far I have had to take it day by day, but also plan for the upcoming months--overall everyday is different. Tasks become tasks, but pile up by making sure the priorities are taken care of before another. I have been very thankful for learning how to be well organized in my previous jobs. Managing people, like my volunteers I think has been a bit of a challenge for me. Not because I don't know how to do it, but because I am too nice-- I'm learning to set my boundaries. Lastly, I think it has been a bit of a struggle maintaining my 40 hours a week, especially when there's so much that needs to be done--- so I have definitely been learning how to step up and step back. After getting sick within my first days, I learned that one the hard way and am now aware why in orientation they said Self - care is a priority. Self care, guys -- please do it. Overall, so far my experience has been very rich anddespite how dense of demands there are--- it is part of the world of non-profits and  I am excited to be a part of it because it is definitely creating change in these communities.Â
