When going into new spaces, your first day is a projection of how forever will go. Walking into this new chapter of life made me nervous, having a fellowship is the step into your future career. Foreseeing the future shouldn’t be anything I’m scared of but on June 5^th I had multiple questions for myself. I asked myself “how should I carry myself in this work environment?” “What if I don’t fit in with my host site?” and “how will I show my strengths as a worker?” I filled myself with doubt before I even made it to my first day. Once I made it to the Columbus Foundation and met Dr.Lomax and Becca, my uneasy feelings surely went away. I was welcomed with open arms and never felt more comfortable anywhere else. Dr.Lomax spoke words of encouragement to me and my fellow peers, which finally made me excited to foresee the future. 

 I am a fellow at the Central Community House (Central), a non-profit community center in Columbus, Ohio that provides essential support to neighbors in need. When walking into the building I felt a warm and inviting spirit from all the employees there. Everyone had a big smile on their faces, and I couldn’t stop hearing laughter. The sound of laughter and happiness was something I needed in a work environment. Art is a huge factor in CCH, walking in you see many beautiful African American paintings and even exclusive ones from Africa. You feel the way the art brightens the halls; art brings together the sense of being at a home away from home. On CCH website you see their emphasis on bringing people together and helping build communities, with such an open and safe work environment I am excited to be able to contribute to their mission.