After finishing my first two weeks at Cristo Rey Columbus, I’ve realized a whole new appreciation for those who spend 30+ years of their life working 9-5 every day of the week. As the transition to a full work schedule finally begins to normalize, I’m beginning to embrace the satisfaction of putting in a hard day’s work.

My exhaustion was nothing compared to that of the students’ at Cristo Rey, however. As they finished their week of final exams their auroras of  brain-dead excitement  for the months of summer was palpable. While they were pouring facts and information into multiple-choice bubbles and essay questions, I was busy preparing myself for a learning experience of my own.

My role for the initial first weeks of my fellowship position at Cristo Rey is primarily research-based. My first task was to put together a stakeholder analysis–to which my first *mental* response was “…okay, what?” But I was excited! What a cool opportunity. This is where my academic background really has prepared me well. I was given a task that I could trust was a reasonable request, and I simply had to spend the time educating myself on what it would entail. I was not only learning a new skill that would be very useful beyond my time with CRC but it was a valuable process that forced me to familiarize myself with the organization, its stakeholders, and the community environment in which they’re operating. PLUS, it gave me an opportunity to reconnect with an old professor. I hopeful that he would have valuable insight regarding where to begin finding credible resources in the non-profit academic literature world.

Another notable highlight was my morning trip to the Thurber Center for the Discovery District Civic Association monthly meeting. These gatherings are an opportunity for representatives of local businesses and organizations to network and share updates about their respective events and recent activities. It was an eye-opening learning experience to represent Cristo Rey and meet the other community leaders that share a passion for the betterment of the Columbus community.

Reflecting on my second week representing the Columbus Foundation, it was full of opportunities to challenge and develop my professional skill set while also learning more about the professional and civic environment here in the city of Columbus. Here’s to week three! 🙂