Today was day one of Advanced Training Academy (ATA). Nick returned after his two weeks of time off and I didn't realize how much I missed him until he was back. Arthur was gone and while it felt weird, it was almost better. Anyways, enough of that.
The most impactful part of the day was the activity called Cross the Line. I've done this activity before and loved it, but it's extremely emotional and forces people out of their comfort zone. The activity started with a line of tape that stretched across the entire room, dividing it in half. Everyone (all 200 of us) started on one side of the linen. Charlie Rose read statements and if they applied to you, you crossed the line. This is a silent activity, which sets a somber and serious mood. Some of the statements were lighter, such as "Cross the line if you are proud of your work at City Year," but then other statements are much more serious, such as "Cross the lines if you have ever dealt with an eating disorder." It is such a moving activity that never ceases to amaze me. I am always surprised at the people who cross the line for certain things.
I love finding out people's stories and what makes them them. Activities like these are so difficult and bring me to tears, but they are what make City Year so special. Charlie Rose said it earlier and it's so true. Nowhere else will a job put you through exercises like this, but nowhere else will you feel so connected to a job and to your work. I truly believe that.
I have my senior corps interview tomorrow and am FREAKING OUT. With everything that happened with ARthur and my team, I haven't really thought about it. That's probably good in the long run, but right now, I'm feeling a little unprepared. Send good thoughts and blessings my way at nine. I'll need all the luck I can get.
Karen was talking to me and trying to give me a pep talk tonight and she decided on this as my mantra for tomorrow. I think I'll leave it as my quote of the day....
"I AM SARAH DANDRIDGE RUSSO AND I AM AWESOME"
Amen to that last line.
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