GIV Day!!
Everything for GIV Day is coming together. We have 250 freshman and hopefully 30 faculty members. That day they will be split into two groups, and participate in both a Poverty Simulation and a service project somewhere in the community. I'm excited, nervous and apprehensive about GIV Day. More than any of the logistics going off without a hitch, I'm nervous about the freshman getting out of GIV Day what I'm aiming for. I'm trying to create a connection and cultivate an understanding of the issues our community faces. In doing this I'm trying to create more students on campus that are involved in different aspects of the community.
Ultimately it would amazing if the freshman could put aside their nerves, homesickness, and other worries and be able to put everything into this one morning. But realistically I know that this is a lot to ask. I am hoping that through the more intensive GIV Day, with more activities that will show what our community is there will be some students that can at least begin to see the issues our community faces and from there use the tools we give them and resources we give them to be able to further that work. It's a lot to ask for one morning, but I can hope right?!
On a more personal level planning GIV Day has led me to find something out about my self that I hadn't previously know. In the past I thought about possibly a career in something with non-profits, and planning banquets, fundraisers or events for them. Don't get me wrong, I LOVEEEEEE planning GIV Day, it's a lot of fun, but I have realized that in terms of a career, as a person I need to be making those personal connections with people I'm helping/working with. That's what is enjoyable about social justice work for me. The relationships and connections you take out of a situation are the most important and valuable for me. So while I do like planning, whatever I do chose to do will have to be something where there are relationships being made between myself and the people in whatever community I'm in.
Emily Ball '11
