One month, un mes

Ohhhhh Haiiii everyone!


So one whole month of my JVC experience has just passed by. Hmmm and what a month it has been. People weren’t kidding when they said it would be rough b/c it has been. I’ve been having UPS and downs, but they have all happened in a way that has made me rethink why I am here and what I can do to make the most of it.

As this month comes to a close what I have been thinking about most is my job. I remember being at Loyola HOPING JVC would place me at Disability Rights N.C! And lo and behold there I am today. So I’m going to breakdown what my lovely agency does. We are the protection and advocacy system for North Carolina. We provide legal and advocacy services for people with disabilities across the state. There are 1.8 million people with disabilities in N.C and we have 13 practicing attorneys. Yeaa…great math for N.C right? A lot of the counties do not have many resources. As I was doing my research, I began to notice just how scarce resources are. It’s actually really sad. It was one of the first things that struck me.

My job is to recruit people for a new volunteer program that will hopefully be a remedy to that problem. My days have been full of phone calls! Sounds kind of boring…sitting at a desk and making phone calls? But let me tell you it’s a great part of my day. I always feel this anticipation before the person picks up. Will he/she be responsive? Will this person really understand the need for our program? Some do! A lot of people have been soo nice! Some are not and those are my harder days, but I keep on with my calls . I cannot wait to see how much the program will grow!

The most thought-provoking part has been the Listening Sessions, where we go into cities way out in N.C and hear what people have to say about disability rights. That was my first day on the job. We met with 6 people at our first place and about 12 at the next site. Everyone participated and made each session so good! Unfortunately, people mostly complained about the services they were or were not receiving! You would think that because the Disability Rights movement started around the 1970s people would know what to do! But as with every other civil rights movement that seems to be the case. At work I’ve also heard some really upsetting cases. It’s all so hard to hear especially because for three years I was surrounded by women who worked their hardest to make sure people with disabilities had a way to speak up for themselves. I feel like we were always taught about stuff that happened years ago. I never imagined so of the same stories could still be told today. We learned about all these laws and a lot of people are acting like they do not exist!!! It’s so frustrating!! I’ve been thinking a lot about what my responsibility as an SLP is. I know my job is going to be important and I know it will have an impact on my patients’ lives but…..I don’t know. I really don’t know what to feel at this point. There are days when I feel like calling up Dr. S or J.P for some inspiration and to hear that what we do really does make a difference. I find myself thinking about the “Advocacy” link on ASHA and hoping that those efforts are making some sort of change. I wish everything could be answered with my PowerPoints but that’s not realistic. Lol.

I’ve also been feeling pretty homesick. I know right now I would be running around with flyers for a bunch of ALAS events…Latino Heritage Month!  And I have been getting the dance e-mails so it’s like torture. I’m hoping Zumba and Cardio Dance class will suffice my dancing cravings.

I’m hope I’m not sounding too much like a Debbi Downer bc I’m not sad. This is life and it has its fair share of frustrating and confusing moments. I did not come to JVC to have an easy year off school. I came here to challenge myself, and thus grow. And I feel like I’ve grow a lot even in this past month.

That’s month one. Stay tuned for what happens in the next eleven. Peace kids!

This week.....

I have no idea where to begin to describe this past week. The only thing I can say is that “that’s how life works.” It was a ridiculous mingling of good, bad, happy, and the saddest moments. From last Sunday to today; it’s been interesting to see how the week played out. Very interesting!


Sad. Not gonna lie I was very sad this week. I don’t mean to make this a totally upsetting blog, but I’m going to be honest with you all. I experienced the loss of someone very important to me, a man who will forever remain close to my heart and to a few very special people that I love. My second family. I cannot explain how awed I am by their strength and total faith in God. I haven’t experienced someone look to God in the way I did this week. It’s interesting that the things that inspire us about others often happen during moments they wish they were not undergoing. I am still dealing and still cry, but I know to trust the Lord for comfort. I am so fortunate to say that I have a group of amazing women who are supporting me. I would like to thank ALL of my roommates for their concern, love, and listening ears! You guys are the best!

I did mention that there were some good moments and, fortunately, I do have quite few to choose from. I’m just gonna to run down my list of highlights. Lol. Hanna, Samii and I discovered a lovely bar called the Raleigh Times. It’s really relaxed and a great place to get away for a little bit. Not to mention, time with Hanna and Samii is always great! :)

Of course, my favorite moments will include Scott and Roberta, our JVC support people. They are the most fantastic couple/ people I have EVER met. They are so down-to-earth and welcoming. They’re the kind of people you can spend hours talking to about anything! They lead us through our first spirituality night, a healing circle, which was a total success! One thing that stood out the most to me was this quote by Lao Tzu, “When you are content to be simply yourself and don’t compare or compete, everyone will respect you.” COMPARE and COMPETE. The idea that I should not, at all, be doing either of those came at the RIGHT TIME! It’s funny how that happens. :)

In true Scott and Robert and fashion, they made us think about things in a way we never would. This past Thursday, I went, with Brit and Kate, to a movie about the death penalty. It told the story about how a documentary about a girl, who was aging out of foster care, played a key role in sentencing her murderer to the death penalty. It raised a lot of questions about whether or not we have a right to choose who lives and dies. It made me question what I believe and why I believe it. If anyone is interested it will be airing on PBS this October. I’ll let y’all know the exact date. (btw I’ve yet to say y’all while speaking but for some reason it comes out when I write, moving on…. ) Of course, my time with Kate and Brit was wonderful.

My fave-fave moments of the week, involve spending time with all my girls! Soooo Ms. Jeanette from Alliance of AIDS, where Brit works, gave us a fantastic tour of Raleigh. She filled us in on the African American history of Raleigh, or as she liked to tell others “showed us a little bit of African American.” LMAO!!!!! O Ms. Jeanette! She took us to Shaw University, Lightener Funeral home, African-American History complex (I believe that was the name), a few significant neighborhoods, St. Augustine College, and THE PIT (delicious BBQ restaurant). Ms. Jeanette has lived an interesting life and told us about her experiences during and before the Civil Rights Movement. These were my fav part of the tour.

So next on this “time-line” blog, lol, is the B-MORE party! What, best time ever! Lol AWSOME job hosting Baltimore! Getting there was long, but hilarious! All thanks to HAIR JUNGLE!! Subway...Subway??? hehe. It was soooo GREAT seeing all the others JVs and hearing about their first few weeks. I was very happy I got a chance to ask my favorite question, "Do you know Eileen Blaha?" lol. I gotta say I’m a little upset Brit and I lost the dance –off. NOT OKAY! Warning: We will be better prepared next time!! :) I have to give it to our competitors; however, they killed the Bye-Bye-Bye dance! In my opinion, though, Kate takes “The Best Dancer of the Night Award.” She got down at the party. Hell yeaa Kate!!!! Lol!

After writing this blog, I feel better about my week and life in general. I guess you just have to take time and deal with what hurts without letting it blind you. At the end of the day, there is always a lot to be thankful for. Just gotta look for it. I must say that tonight’s spirituality night def. helped bring that lesson to mind. Thanks Sammi!

Until next time friends :)….Buenas Noches!