Week 8 FINAL REFLECTION

Chances for Children is aptly titled; it gives children a "chance" to be healthy. Ironically, it also gives us adults a "chance" to do something big by helping others. For me, there is nothing more rewarding then helping people- this is what life's all about! I came into the experience ready to do wwhat I love and and passionate about. It has proven to be all I wanted and more. I made new friends, worked in teams, had a "say", sharpened my marketing skills, became well-versed in the linguistics to the organization, learned about the world of marathons, inspired, recreuited and encouraged others to get involved and much more then I can fully grasp right now. As I reflect back over the past several weeks I feel honored to say that I worked with such generous and optimistic people. It wasn't always easy; being outdoors in this Arizona heat was awful. But it was the principle of what I was doing that kept me pushing harder and harder each day. I really loved how each day was something different. I never did the same thing or see the same people or do the same duties every day. One day I would be in charge or marketing, another day was PR, another day was presentations, the next was composing a media contact list, the next was working to put together PSA's, etc. Everyday had something new. I think I learned the most when I shadowed Susan Loken during her day. She really has an amazing personality and made me feel like I was already employed. She trusted me during her meeting presentation to answer questions and participate on behalf of the organization. I thought that was huge. From her, I learned about the inmportance of patience. She is a firm believer in "doing what you love, and do it well. Then, you will never have to work a day in your life."- this is something I try to emmulate in my every endeavor. It's not always a breeze. Sometimes things can be monotonous and tedious but if my attitude is where it needs to be, I can chose to take something "new" from each experience and in each day. I also learned more about the dynamics and linguistics to marketing and grants. Further solidifed within my internship position is how much I love kids. I found myself to get emotional in times where I had the chance to talk about the kids we are helping and showcasing photos from our events that were really endearing. (Visit our website at chancesforchildrenaz.com to see!) I just have really enjoyed working so hard with so many people for one common goal; helping others. As I said in the beginning and I will say again: NOTHING IS MORE REWARDING TO ME THEN MAKING A IDFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS. And, I sure hate to sound like pageant Patty over here with "world peace" speeches so I will leave you all with a poem I live by. It was also on my web portfolio from week 4 so if you've already seen it, sorry for the repetition but it's really a wonderful poem:
To laugh often and much,
To win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children,
to earn the appreciation of honest critics,
and endure the betrayal of false friends,
to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others,
to make the world a better place whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition,
to know that even one life has breathed better because you have lived...this, is to have succeeded.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
And so as I reflect back on my time here at Chances for Children, I think I can honestly say that I used and spent my time well; in an attempt to leave the world a bit better "whether by a healthy child" and in our case, 100s of 1000s of children. I beleive I can walk away saying perhaps one or two lives have "breathed better" simply because I have lived and chosen to take part in this organization. I have grown intrinsically, spiritually and emotionally. I feel like I have also grown in respect to implementing time management into my life a bit more and not taking myself too seriously. With the issues we see in the lives of some of these kids, I have learned to count my blessings and be grateful for my good health. That's all I can ask for is my health to remain where it is. I have grown to learn how very important it is take care of myself too. All of the facets that deal with our organization (health and fitness, education, awareness) have been eye opening. I may not be a child anymore but I dream of being a mother one day who can educate her own children on making healthy decisions. Without question this was a very positive experience and I highly enourage and recommend future BISer's to look into interning her (pending your two concentration areas, of course.) I would recommend it because it's upbeat, high energy, interactive and diverse. If you're not about sitting in front of a computer for eight hours a day and love working with a team, Chances for Children is so great. They really take you on and treat you as though you're an employee.
Not to sound like a broken record here but "helping others...helping others...helping others...." has been my "job" all summer so I cannot complain one bit. Writing my "IMPROVE" blog was actually a challege. I really had to reach and think of something to "change" to make better around here when truth is, these guys have it together. I was but a mere asset to a team that's already shooting for the stars all along and I'm really going to miss everyone! However, I do plan on participating in the very marathons I have been advocating this summer and if you or anyone you know would like to participate in the PF Changs Rock n' Roll Marathon in January 2011 then I encourage you to visit our website and sign up. And LADIES, we have a womens-only half marathon called "Sole Sisters" for women of all ages to participate in. I am a first timer myself but I beleive in the principles of this organization and in what we do here, so I can't imagine not participating.
Even in my final reflection I find that I am looking to the future with Chances for Children by doing all I can to help give these kids a chance.