Alternative Spring Break - Memphis, TN

Back in March of this year I participated in Howard's Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program. As a team leader for ASB Memphis, TN, I assisted in planning and supervising service activities for students on the program’s health team.

ASB Memphis Team

Here' a look at some of the work we did. Also, you may see someone you know (eh hem, me) in the clip!

  

 Memphis is a terrific city and I'd love to visit again someday.

Winter Break

It’s been a long semester and a while since the last updates.  Here’s what’s been going on with me:
 

School

After lots of hard work (and a fair amount of whining), I got through the semester with all A’s! 

I applied and interviewed for Howard University’s Alternative Spring Break Program and am happy to announce that I will be a team leader for the Memphis, TN site!

My internship at Washington Hospital Center Transplant Services has been wonderful so far! I’m learning more than I could have imagined. I definitely believe that medical/healthcare social work is for me. I’m looking forward to spending my fall semester at the hospital as well.

Front Line Leaders Academy

My time with the 2012 class of the Front Line Leaders Academy is almost up! I’m confident that the program has prepared me to run someday. Fellows are now working on our graduation projects. One component of the project requires that I show off my fundraising skills.

If you’d like to help me and other younger, nontraditional candidates in building a progressive future please visit my FLLA page to find out how: http://kiagoestowashington.blogspot.com/p/flla.html Whether you give five dollars or fifty dollars, every little bit counts.

Christmas With Mickey!

I’ll be spending time with family in Florida for Christmas. I’m so excited our plans for Disney World. I hope to see my favorite Disney Princess, Cinderella! I'll be sure to share photos.

Happy Holidays, Everyone!

Gratitude 06.09 and 06.10.2012

Last two days:

June 10th


Robert Taylor's friendship - He joined me for lunch and prayed to my "purple fairy" when we blessed the meal. He's just awesome. 

Sense of humor - Laughing is a lot of fun. 

Opportunities to travel - I thought about this today as I wore my earrings from South Africa and purse from Costa Rica. O like collecting gems from all over. 

Summer heat - it is scorhing out there, but I like it. Makes me feel a live. This weather is also a good reason for frozen treats (I had two Slurpees today)! 

Sunday  mornings - the best way to end and begin a week. I always feel restored on Sundays. I certainly needed that today.



June 9th

My health - I'm grateful to be alive. I'm not perfect, but I'm still here. 

Peace and quiet - I've had a lot of it lately. A bit unnerving at first, but now I'm getting used to hanging out by myself. It's not so bad. 

Fellowship -  Genuine, compassionate, nonjudgmental connection is key. It's all will accept and offer from now on.

Tobey - For teaching me what fellowship means.

DC - One of the greatest cities ever. One life-changing experience after the other.

Gratitude 06.08.2012

1. The chance to right my wrongs - Second chances aren't always granted. Learning to use them wisely when I get them.
2. The gift & magic of David Bowie - How could I not be forever grateful for the music of the Thin White Duke aka Ziggy Stardust?
3. All the free/cheap attractions in DC - One can be entertained at little to no cost in the District.
4. Today's lessons - So many. The most important being love myself more.
5. Having a creative and curious spirit - I'd be awfully boring and bored otherwise.

Gratitude 06.07.2012

A friend suggested I keep a gratitude list (à la Oprah). Here goes.

My first list:

Mama who loves me - I'll always and forever be grateful for her.

Time with friends this summer - I'm blessed to know so many good people.

Seeing another day - Self explanatory, no?

The strength to press forward -Without it I'd be stuck in some not-so-positive spots.

The reality of a power greater than myself - "reality" should probably read "realization". Took me a long while to get to this point. Still exploring because I believe there's something for me to find.

South Africa Photos, finally!

And now what you’ve been waiting for: South Africa pics!  Click on the links below to view photo albums of my trip to Cape Town. 

Album 1

Traveling to Africa

Album 2

Visit to University of the Western Cape

Album 3

Agency Visits and Groot Constantia Wine Estate

Album 4

Parliament, Department of Social Development and Market

Album 5

Desmond Tutu and Agency Visits

Album 6

District Six Museum, Waterfront and Robben Island

Album 7

Volunteering at the Ark City of Refuge

Album 8

Our last days in Africa. Farewell Dinner

Hope you enjoy. Videos to be posted soon.

May Updates

Happy Memorial Day, y’all!  Things are still terrific here in DC. Looks like it's going to be a great summer.

I updated this blog a bit. My contact information and career profile are now located on the “About Me” page.

FLLA’s first meeting was held in Detroit, MI. We met with young elected officials and political communications expert Joel Silberman to boost our political leadership and communication skills. Who knew one could grow and learn so much over a weekend? Here’s this year’s class of fellows. The future looks good, huh?!

The school year has ended and I’m looking forward to the final stage of Howard's MSW program. Sadly, my internship at Community of Hope’s Marie Reed Health Center has also ended. The good news is that I continue to volunteer there and starting this July, I’ll be working there as a part-time Clinical Case Manager! You all may be tired of my raving about Community of Hope, but oh well. It really is a great organization. I’m happy that I can continue to be involved with such a great place.

Speaking of Community of Hope, I recently attended a volunteer appreciation event where I was awarded a Presidential Volunteer Service Award for my work as Marie Reed Health Center's Clinical MSW Intern! Check me out:

Lapel Pin and Program

Program

Letter from President Obama!

Certificate

I start interning at Washington Hospital Center next school year. Looking forward to working in the Kidney Transplant Department and learning more about transplant social work.