First day of internship: check.
Everyone else started Tuesday but AFSC didn't want me till today, so it was my first day. The LA office is really only 2 people- we share our office space with some of the regional employees so we're in a pretty big office downtown, but it's really only 2 other people and I working on our programs and projects. So one of my bosses picked me up from the office this morning and we went to one of the gardens AFSC organizes at a local community center and looked around at what needs to be done for the upcoming planting season today. The kids were out of school because today was a furlough day so we didn't stay long, but on Thursdays I'll be in the garden for at least part of the day working with the kids to maintain it. On Tuesday I'll be going into a school in South LA and helping to teach HIPP- the Help to Increase the Peace Program where we talk about social issues the kids are dealing with, like gang violence and police brutality. Next Tuesday we'll be taking a walking tour of the community and taking pictures of the community assets and some of the negative aspects of the local community as well, so that should be an interesting introduction to the program. And in the mornings/the time when I'm not in the garden I'll be working on researching grants and writing proposals.
I'm hoping to also do some kind of a photography project and incorporate something creative into my time here. So I'm excited about the experience (and having my very own office!) It should be a good semester.