- So I’m extremely excited that I’ve finally made it DC!!! After 2 whole months of anticipation and counting down until the day, I must say that this trip was well worth it. Sunday, the first night when I arrived to Catholic University where I will reside for the summer, I checked into my trailer home… Yes I said a trailer….But its not as bad as it may seem! When campus officers directed me to my residence for the next 2 months I was completely shocked when they brought me to the front of the trailer. I instantaneously thought “WHAT AM I GETTING MYSELF INTO?!” Especially me being from a large city-like area of South Florida, it was a complete culture shock. But then I walked inside and it was whole nother story. It was quite cozy, spacious, and homelike! I share a trailer with 3 other Shepherd Alliance Interns in we are all assigned two to a room. The trailer is also supplied with a full kitchenette, living room, and so forth.
But lets cut the chase, after unpacking I had to hit the city to sightsee and get accustomed to the community I will be serving for the next couple of months. I was able to ride around and visit local areas such as GeorgeTown, Capitoll Hill, but my main focused area the Perry School where I will be working for an organization called LIFT.
On the next day, my Monday morning and first day of orientation started off to a great start at LIFT. I commuted by bus which was the cheapest way of transportation, especially with my budgeted stipend of $11 per day. When I arrived I was greeted by the friendly staff at LIFT and they were preparing us for day 1 of the two-day training that would last from 9-5pm. Throughout the orientation we were able to learn the history and mission of LIFT, our job and purpose at LIFT, as well as a few entertaining and informational icebreakers that pertained to our role as supporters to the DC community. We also became familiar on how to treat our clients as well as the many job opportunity resources, resume etiquette, and public benefits such as WIC, TANF, ect to help suite the clients needs.
The orientation was so amazing and inspirational I can’t wait til next when I begin working in the office as a LIFT student advocate!!!
