05/22/09: I could hardly sit still all week!

When I first heard about the YMCA Teen Task Force, I thought it was such a neat concept - how teens got to contribute their ideas and opinions on the Teen Center. I immediately wanted to be a part of this project, or at least apply to be part of it. So I got an application and filled it out!

I waited for a few days, which seemed like years, to hear back from somebody, and soon I did! Antonia called me to do a phone screening, which is basically a phone interview. I was so nervous, but Antonia totally made me feel comfortable, which helped with the whole process.

Then, a few days later I received yet another call from a member of the Teen Task Force saying that Tracy wanted to meet with me for a one-on-one meeting. I was so excited that I was called back, but nervous as well! What was she going to ask me? Was I going to know all the answers to her questions? My mind was racing with various thoughts about this interview. The day of the interview approached, and I was as nervous as ever! Finally, the day came, and the interview I had been worried about quickly passed.

I was so anxious to hear back from them I could hardly sit still all week. Then I received a phone call saying that they wanted me to come back for a third and final interview! Whew! I was already getting used to this interview thing, so I figured I shouldn’t worry about this one and just do my best. For my third and final interview, Chris, Viviana, and Maria put me on the hot seat by asking questions about why I wanted to be on the Teen Task Force or what I could bring to the group. A few days later I was asked to join the team!

It feels good to be part of this team and I'm looking forward to be up and running in no time!

05/21/09: Interviewing building contractors

Adults being surrounded by a bunch of teenagers, eager to ask them questions. What a concept. Adults being surrounded by a bunch of teenagers, eager to interview them for a job! Now that’s an idea no one could even fathom.

But that’s exactly what happened because the Task Force is in the process of identifying a general contractor to build the Teen Center.

The Task Force recently interviewed our first of three general contractor candidates and we are hoping to have made our recommendation to the YMCA Board by the end of the month.

All three firms we interviewed were very well prepared but only two were highly energetic and engaging. It also seemed like one candidate tried to avoid our questions by not answering them directly.

The experience of interviewing adults for a job was quite refreshing. I really got a different perspective on what its like on the other end, and how I can better prepare for an interview in the future. It was definitely a great learning experience, and I took a lot from it. I hope to improve myself as an interviewee for the future and learn something from all of this.

Be sure to check back for announcement on the selection of a contractor!

05/18/09: Starting new chapters in our lives

People say every good thing must come to an end, and in our case the journey of the Teen Center Task Force is coming to an end for some but not for a bad reason.

Some of us are starting new chapters in our lives and are going off to college. We’ve lost some people already along the way but with new blood coming onto the project we’re still going strong. There’s going to be a big hole left with the original members gone after the summer and some are leaving sooner.

Me? I’m not really going anywhere (lolz) just yet. I’m sad that’s it’s going to be just me and one other who started from the beginning, but I am looking forward to getting to know the new people and continuing on with this project.