People always tell me that I am a hard worker. Even when I started working in high-school, my mother (as usual) would brag to our families and friends. During phone conversations, I would hear here sometimes saying, "Yes, Agi just got back from work." I have permanently adopted the saying "work hard, play hard." But now I am in-between these few months. I have been in-between work since I returned from China.
It has been interesting adjusting to life without cash at hand. So, I have taken time to catch up on life until I
Find and re-discover a hobby.
I have always been musical and recently decided to take a month challenge to practice on the guitar. The only string instruments I have played are the cello and violin, but those were played with just a few strums and plucks with the bow. Hopefully my musical background (with my few piano skills) will kick in, especially in reading my beginner sheet music.
Re-evaluate your passions and goals.
I have had many volunteer experiences in my community, but did not consider how the environment impacted my comfort as I served. I have worked with diverse people and in multicultural settings. Even though I want to practice immigration law, I am happiest in a setting where I am engaged in multicultural community advocacy.
Figure out what motivates you in life.
I have given meaning to my different life stages like I remember when making good grades was the ultimate goal. Now I am beginning to consider all of the limitless possibilities that I could take with my education and career. I tried answering the question of what makes me the most happiest. The truth is that I am most fulfilled when I am helping others and knowing that they can refer to me as someone who can help. I chose immigration law because I know the pain of not knowing you might be separated from a parent or loved one. I witnessed my mothers' struggles to obtain status in the United States. At age 10, hearing her read aloud her deportation letter made me realize that I did not want to grow up with another family member, I wanted her to raise me. Her advocate inspired me because she worked hard to keep my family together. I saw the powerful impact an immigration attorney can have in positively changing the life of others, families. I want to be that person who helps those in need of a voice to protect their human dignities.
Learn something new.
I have been contemplating whether or not I made the right decision by taking a 400 level Human Services course because it is outside of my major study and the curriculum is for Human Services Studies students. It is also my senior year and I still have 12 hours in my major to complete. Despite all of that, I think I will learn how to better communicate with others (my future immigrant clients) because this course allows me to evaluate myself and personal biases so that I can understand how to serve others in the most impartial capacity. I will learn new standards of professionalism in client relations services.
Explore the unknown.
What is Americorps and how can it help me with my future advocacy interest? That was my inquiry this summer. While studying in China for six weeks I received an email about an interview for a position in Charlotte as an immigration program assistant. I applied for the position just before boarding my flight with doubts that I would receive the position because of my schedule, transportation limitations, and the fact that I am still active in my undergraduate studies. Despite those fears, I was notified by my director that I received the position two days later. I returned to the United States with excitement for a program that would help me explore my immigration advocacy interest. After filling out paper work with Americorps Access last week, I learned that I would develop my professional skills in clients relations services, and organization management and collaboration.
Hone in on your skills.
The irony is that I never thought I was a good cook. But I have taken the time to prepare more meals (besides my financial decision to lower my meal plan) so that I can practice for when I am in "the real world." (That is not to say the MTV reality show where young adults live together.) The real world means no time to go to Trexler (my university cafeteria) for a meal hour because I will be out and about, ordering out or busy with at home affairs. To my surprise, "my mommy did not raise no fool." I have prepared several "customized" dishes ranging from pasta to seafood salmon gravy. All of this could not be accomplished without my Elite Gourmet Crock Pot.
Do something to find your voice.
I have decided to be a storyteller which is not far from my personality. I am innovative and love creative writing, poetry and all. Now, I will be able to tell my story of self-efficacy during my educational journey and experiences in life. I networked with the organization called Right Moves for Youth (RMFY) which empowers disadvantaged and struggling youth to build their character and an understanding of their self worth. The term self-efficacy was re-introduced to me the fall of my junior year after attending a discussion panel of Queens Alumni. After my first training session with RMFY, I realized that I am a Rights Moves for Youth because I too had role models in my life who provided resources to help me in my educational pursuits despite my personal and family struggles. Now I am on my way to completing my undergraduate studies.
But most of all be carefree.
I used to refer to myself as a wanderer but with a negative connotation. After realizing that all of these aspects of my life, I now see that I am a wanderer similar to chameleon, I can adapt easily to new environments. So, I am beginning to see the bright side of things. In my senior year of undergrad, I reflect on my past experiences and try to make those memories (good or bad) last for a life-time. I like to travel and experience diverse cultures and people. I aspire to work in areas of multicultural community advocacy. I am innovative and willing to explore new things. I have developed a sense of self-efficacy because of my decisions to step outside of my comfort zone and explore new things. "Now, I take time with every experience as if it was just freshman year but somehow I am a senior."
You can apply that checklist to your daily life and for how ever long but remember to reflect on any changes you see in your character. Try apply that to what every your in-between stage may be. What will you learn from the time in-between?
