Things are just wide open in my life...
and I'm terrified.
I have a lot of options and a lot of freedom at this point in time, and in all honesty, I'm not really sure what to do with it.
I know that I have to clean my room, and I know that I'll be returning to my job at Kohl's. However, I know that I also will have a lot of time on my hands to do the things that I want to do.
The only problem is trying to figure out what it is that I want to do with that spare time.
Do I want to take additional cake decorating classes so that I can learn to work with Fondant and Gum Paste and learn how to assemble tiered cakes?
Do I want to take some improv classes?
Do I want to see if I can find dance classes (for a 23 year old who has limited dance background) somewhere?
Do I want to invest my time into community theatre?
Do I want to spend more time volunteering?
Okay, here's the thing. I know I want to spend more time volunteering. I also know that there's something that I want to do and have been wanting to do for years that I finally have time for.
I come from an underprivileged area. This area is full of kids who have poor literacy skills. For years, I've wanted to start a reading program. Kind of like a book club, but for kids. I'd be willing to donate my time and try to garner donations for books. I'd put together plans and I'd work with kids according to their literacy skill, not their straight up age. I'm a firm believer that if you can't read well, you're not going to be able to go too far in life. I want kids in this city to have a chance to do anything they want to, and now I have the time to dedicate myself to that cause.
I sent an e-mail to the local Boys & Girls club about establishing such a program about a year ago, and no one ever answered me.
I'm not giving up that easily.
I think I'm going to send that e-mail again. Only this time I'll also send it to the YMCA and the Public Library and see if I can find someone who will even just meet with me about this idea.
I know that there are a lot more details that I have to iron out first, but I'm really committed to this. I was lucky enough to have parents who read to me every night, along with teachers who pushed me to do my best. I know that not everyone has that benefit, so I want to have the opportunity to be that driving force.
I'm ready for the sleepless nights of planning such a thing.
Has anyone ever done nonprofit work regarding literacy? Does anyone have any advice for how I should approach this or what kinds of things I absolutely need to have cemented before I meet with someone?