I use public transportation to travel to and from my service. While there are many positives to traveling via public transportation such as reduced air pollution, increased physical exercise, saving money and more, there are also negatives. As you can tell from the title of this post, the main negative I have recently become concerned with is secondhand smoke.
Happy Thanksgiving
=) Domonique
Fundraising, Fashion Show, TEDTalks and Improv | Sunday Review
This past week was pretty busy. I attended a fundraising event for my service site, a local fashion show, a local TEDTalk event, and my last improv class of the season. Continue reading
Public Transportation
Rushing out of the house with no time to spare
Fumbling with me earbuds as I cross the street
I pass by the gym and witness boxing lessons
On my way to where X marks the spot
I see it coming, and I rush to be seen
Butterflies in my stomach as I once again feel green
I board, and it feels like all eyes on me
As I take a seat, my butterflies are swallowed by reality
I exit thinking that the hard part of my trip is over
Just in time for the train’s arrival
I board and walk to my usual spot
Leaning against the wall, effortlessly shifting my weight so that I do not fall
Reading to pass the time as we zoom by
I overhear, “All passenger must have in their possession…”
“Next station stop…”
I exit
Stairs over the escalator, and two at a time
Sandwich shops, Starbucks
“Is that where the local football team plays?”
I walk across the magic parking lot with prices that always fluctuate
The office is near
I have arrived at my destination
Homebound | Conclusion of “The Haunted Office”
As Danielle made her way from the kitchen back to the office, she decided to make a pit-stop in the bathroom. With only 10 minutes left, she decided to focus on preparing to leave.
“Yesterday, I didn’t go the bathroom before I left, which was a huge mistake. During my hour plus commute home, my bladder felt like it would burst at any moment, and there was no place for me to use the bathroom. I have to try to go now” Danielle thought to herself.
As she neared the bathroom, Danielle heard faint sounds.
“Here we go again. I’ve had enough surprises for one night.” Continue reading
Garlic, Onions, and Zombies Oh My | Part 2 of “The Haunted Office”
As Danielle approached the first floor kitchen, the smell of garlic and onions became stronger and stronger. At first she thought the smell came from the bucket of dirty dishes she was holding, then she realized that there was no way that horrible smell could come from the glasses and mugs of half finished water and coffee.
“Where is that smell coming from?” Danielle said to herself as she approached the kitchen. Continue reading
Ghostly Appearance | Part 1 of “The Haunted Office”
“ACHOO”
“Bless you. Are you okay Danielle? You have been sneezing like that all morning.”
“Its probably my allergies. My sister brought over her cat last night.”
“You sound horrible. I hope you feel better, and take a sick day if you need to. We have 10.” Continue reading
VISTA 50th Celebration
Earlier today all of the VISTAs in my region came together to participate in a day of service, and a ceremony to celebrate the 50th anniversary of AmeriCorps VISTA.
I began my day by speaking about my experience as a VISTA at my service site. My site specific AmeriCorps Director led the presentation which gave an overview of the history of my site, a presentation by the current VISTAs at my site, and a panel of scholars who my site serves. VISTA administrative officials and speakers during the 50th celebration ceremony were our audience.
Afterward, I joined the rest of the VISTAs in my region volunteering at an urban farm. Due to the presentation, I arrived near the end of the volunteer part of the day. I was helped distribute mulch, pulled weeds, and saw chickens.
The day ended with the VISTA 50th celebration ceremony began. The AmeriCorps VISTA National and State Directors opened and emceed the ceremony, while four people gave TEDTalk style presentations about poverty, empowering communities, and the impact of service as a VISTA.
=-) Domonique
The Truth
Professor, did I tell you I was accepted into Kalamazoo
You ask, which career it is that I wish to pursue
Oh, uh, well … when I grow up I want to be …
Honestly? the answer beats me
I’m scared through that I don’t have a clue
*Writing 201: Poetry, Imperfect, Limerick, Enjambment
Today the AmeriCorps members at my site had a networking and Linkedin professional development sessions. Although I enjoyed the sessions, one downfall was that I felt pressured to have a crystal clear plan (the majority of which came from myself). I want to be ok not knowing what I want to do after my year of service is over, but the truth is that I don’t and put a lot of pressure on myself to have a perfect plan.
Step 1: Get to know myself
=-) Domonique
Sick Days
“Personal, not sick”
“Physically, you seem fine”
“I guess so –cough, cough–”
* This poem was part an assignment for a WordPress poetry course I am taking, Writing 201: Poetry. My assignment was to write a poem in the format of a Haiku, include an alliteration, and be about screens in my life. My inspiration was from an interaction I had with my supervisor earlier today after she read an email I sent her.
=-) Domonique
Serve With Me 