Blog 2: Summer Mentorship Component

1. If you'd like to browse at my mentorship log, click here.
2. My first mentorship was with Gary Mitchell from Planet Rehab: (323) 350-0873. My second mentorship was with Anne O'Donnell from Father Kolbe Missionaries of the Immaculata: (626) 543-5458.
3. From my mentorship with Gary questions like, "Why do we use plastics so much,", "Why are there people so dirty,", and "Are these people really this gross," came up frequently. You do not believe what I found on the floor of a public family beach. People should have more shame and a sense of cleanliness. From my mentorship with Anne not many questions of the work i was doing came up. The questions I had were for Marge Volpe, rest in peace. She was a funny spiritual Italian woman, so talented and full of life. She worked for National Geographic's Traveler magazine and traveled the world constantly. I had questions for her, questions that will forever go unanswered. The items in her house were so interesting, everything had a story. It's like you could feel that everything in the house once had a significant past life. I found letters from NASA thanking her for her support and mention in Traveler magazine! I found the letters among her plenitude of Italian cook-books! I had a question from both organizations, but it was more of a question for me, "What can I do to help these good people more, and promote their cause?" All I want to do is help better this world, so where do I start?
4. The most important thing I gained from these experiences was to trust people more. Both parties go out of their way to make me feel at home, feel comfortable, and to have fun. I don't confide in people and I will never ask for help. In all my days, I've learned to not trust a single soul and just face life on my own. These two organizations showed me that yes, there are bad people, but, also that it's ok to let your guard down. They're both like family to me and I hope to one day be able to be as kind as they all are.
5. I know now that for this senior project I will be an animal rehabilitator. The time I spent with Gary was so much fun. Helping the environment and animals isn't only about cleaning them up and giving them a home, it's about making a change in the community as well. The position is well rounded and satisfying.