June 29, 2012
Anticipation:

For the past year, like many newly-graduated college students, I've been unemployed. I graduated from college in June 2011, full of ambition. I applied and interviewed for several jobs, from working at a company that is responsible for medical software, to being a teacher in Korea, to being a theatre director in a high school, but finally, just a few weeks ago accepted a position with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Los Angeles California, working with an after school program in a Latino neighborhood.  This is a position in which I know I'll be able to make a difference in a community. This isn't a decision that has been entirely supported, some of my friends questioned my desire to do a year of volunteer work, not getting much of a salary to speak of. There are other aspects of my year ahead that might strike others as odd; for example, part of my commitment to JVC was commitment to living simply. I'm planning on not bringing my computer or my car with me and will be focusing on the people in my life rather than material devices that society encourages. My brother, who thoroughly enjoys spending hours on the computer, when I told him about my decision.

Another of the JVC's values is Spirituality. This is nothing new to me; I was raised Roman Catholic and am very firmly practising my faith. However, I'm certain that this experience will stretch and test my faith, something I look forward to. I don't know all the details of the journey ahead, but I am sure there will be trials as well as joys.

 In one month, I start a new phase in a new city in a new state, one to which I've never been. Along with that are so many feelings, including both excitement and worry at being so far from home. I've studied abroad before, twice, but this is different. I'll be serving and taking responsibility for my actions in ways that will affect others a lot. I'll be working with young people, which I view as a huge responsibility. Over the last year, I had the opportunity to touch the lives of other youth, both in my family and in my parish, particularly my younger brother, my TEC community, and my religious education class. Since many members of my family have been part of the education system, I've always placed a high value on influencing young minds. As such, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little intimidated by the my future position. And that's when I find myself worrying about the future, an action that seems all too common these days.

I'm reminded that no one can add to their life by worrying, both by my past experiences, by songs on the radio and by my prime examples, my parents. Worrying will change nothing, so enjoy where you are, work hard, and trust that everything will turn out all right. There's a country song that's been on the radio lately called "Don't Miss Your Life" . I've had a lot of driving to do back and forth and as radio stations tend to play the same songs over and over, I've heard it a lot. The theme is familiar and simple, take advantage of the time you've got because there's no going back, but it's always good to have a reminder, especially as the future keeps galloping forward. In a month I will move from Minnesota to Los Angeles, CA, but for now I am here. In the meantime I will enjoy rehearsals for the local community play, my brother's baseball games, and the daily life in a small town in Minnesota, because it might not be the same again. Life is what happens while you wait for the big events.