Yesterday was a great day here in the beautiful LA! We worked extremely hard making planter benches, painting the basketball court and repainting the skate park. In the afternoon we were able to interact with some of the kids from the Boys and Girls Club. There was a huge game of basketball going on outside, and even City Year volunteers were helping with the girls basketball team that was practicing in the gym.
After the Boys and Girls club we went straight to Hillel for an amazing speaker, that I think touched every single person that listened. I think everyone is going to go out and try and raise money and make a difference because of her. She deffinitly made an impact on our group.
The Kent State group was not ready to go to bed after all the festivites that were planned for today. We decided to take a trip to Hollywood and see the Stars, Kodak Theater, and the Chineese Theater. It was a site to see.
We are all having such a great time and can't wait for another great day!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Good Memories
Alyson and Alison are writing this blog write now, and before this trip we had never known each others existence. Now we're really good friends and we're one of the hundreds of friendships that have been made on this alternative winter break trip:). People came to help the community from all over the world and it's amazing to see all the cooperation and connectedness from people all over the country.
After painting the murals yesterday, we were so happy to know that these would be hung up around the whole building and they'd be there forever. Some of the words on the murals were traits that we, and the Jewish community find important. For example- friendship, togetherness, respect, and responsibility. We have made a lasting impression on the kids!! WE LOVE IT HERE HAVING THE TIME OF OUR LIFE
After painting the murals yesterday, we were so happy to know that these would be hung up around the whole building and they'd be there forever. Some of the words on the murals were traits that we, and the Jewish community find important. For example- friendship, togetherness, respect, and responsibility. We have made a lasting impression on the kids!! WE LOVE IT HERE HAVING THE TIME OF OUR LIFE
Day 3 in LA!
So far this trip has been even better than I had expected. The speakers have really made me think about everyday problems in society that people do not think they have control over. The work that we have done at the Boys & Girls club of Santa Monica has not only brought us together as a peer group, but has also helped us see that we can personally make a difference, and influence the world around us. Although at the end of the day we are exhausted, we know that it was all very worth it. Personally, I know that I feel great going to sleep knowing that I am part of a larger group, bettering the world. The best feeling is knowing that once we do these great things for people in need, they might just pay it forward.
In addition to the work we have been doing during the day, we have been able to explore the city of LA. Last night we went to the Santa Monica pier and enjoyed that scenery. We walked around, made new friends, heard great music and got to taste a new part of LA. Everyday this great city has something new to offer, and I cannot wait to see what it has in store for us today!
In addition to the work we have been doing during the day, we have been able to explore the city of LA. Last night we went to the Santa Monica pier and enjoyed that scenery. We walked around, made new friends, heard great music and got to taste a new part of LA. Everyday this great city has something new to offer, and I cannot wait to see what it has in store for us today!
Hillel Helps in LA
I've been in Los Angeles now for 3 days of service and it's the most amazing experience! We are working at the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica and helping City Year, a non-profit organization, re-build the club. As a college student you don't often see the extreme poverty many people in the USA live in and being able to help young students and be a mentor is beyond fufilling. This trip is a great balance of community service and social interaction. Yesterday we built cubbies for the Boys and Girls Club so every student that goes to their after school program has a place for their stuff. At the end of the day we all boarded the bus, got ready and went out to Santa Monica for dinner on Pico Street, a well known Jewish community in LA and to shop and experience the Santa Monica Pier. The trip so far has been a great way to meet Jewish students my age and connect on a deeper level of service and friendship.
-Ally Kruzansky, University of Connecticut
-Ally Kruzansky, University of Connecticut
Creativity At It's Finest
This trip to Los Angeles has definitely been an adventure for me. I had no idea what to expect so I came in with an open mind. I love to be creative so when I found out we were making murals for the skate park I was excited. Skating is a great way for the kids in the boys and girls club to express themselves so I felt that drawing and painting these murals was a way of expressing myself. Through the use of inspirational pictures and paints of all colors, I was able to create something that will last forever...plus something to make the area just a little more lively. I hope that through my creativity and artistic skills I will be able to show kids that there are many things that one could do to inspire others to just be themselves and have fun!
Cari Covell
University of Delaware
Class of 2013
Cari Covell
University of Delaware
Class of 2013
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
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