Summer in Salt Lake: Week One

This week was a fun one at the IRC . On Monday, I got thrown right into the mix of things, attending meetings and talking to refugees right off the bat.

I helped refugees apply for jobs, attended the weekly staff meeting, assisted teaching Computer Class and Job Club, helping refugees get started on their lives in the US.

So far working at the IRC seems to be a difficult, but very rewarding job. On Thursday morning, I took one of the refugees to a job interview. He did a very good job during the interview, but also talked about an emotional time in his life-- when his parents were killed when he was just a kid. Here's to hoping he gets that job!

This week also happens to be the US Olympic Team Swimming Trials... and since Michael Phelps made swimming popular, NBC has been showing it LIVE every single night! Woah. I feel so out of touch with the swimming world-- with all of my swimming idols during my swimming career either retired (Aaron Piersol), or not as fast & on top of their game as they used to be (Natalie Coughlin). It's been interesting watching those young kids take over (Missy Franklin)!

Today I did a little bit of exploring Salt Lake City. The farmer's market at Pioneer Park was interesting, and I just drove around after that to see what there is to see. Next weekend (or at some point) I definitely plan to go to Lisa Falls in Snowbird, and Park City-- maybe to the farmer's market there, but also for some hiking.

:)

PS- The IRC is always accepting donations of new or gently-used items, including bikes, couches, clothes, toiletries, etc. to assist refugees with their resettlement. You can find the nearest location at rescue.org.

New Adventure (to Utah)

In less than 30 hours, I will be embarking on a new adventure... off to Salt Lake City, UT to work for the International Rescue Committee (IRC) as an Intern in the Economic Empowerment & Employment department. So basically I will be assisting newly resettled refugees find work in Salt Lake City! But first, I have to get there. I am driving the 12 (ish) hour drive by myself over 2 days this weekend to start work on Monday morning at 9am. I am really nervous to start this new internship, mostly because I still have no idea what to expect. I know that I will be helping people find jobs-- but really, how does one go about doing that? Eek. I'm also nervous because I think I'm forgetting to pack important things (though Utah is civilized, so I will be able to buy those things). And lastly, I'll miss San Diego & the people (and kitties) who are there... But overall, I am super excited to have this internship. I'm excited to work with refugees & to help them in any way that I can (to find a job). Maybe it will even help me with my future job search-- knowing what I want, knowing what to look for, and even improving my own interview skills. I'm also really excited about all of the fun that I will have in Salt Lake-- there is so much hiking & outdoorsy fun! Plus I will be able to reconnect with a few friends from High School! Salt Lake City, here I come. For 10 weeks. :) From the last time I was in Salt Lake City: View from the U.