07/30/09: Back for More

What's that? He's really back!

I guess I just couldn't stay away. The power of the Teen Center has once again called to me, and I have returned. With summer approaching, I began to rekindle enthusiasm for this fantastic project. With the end of school came a freer schedule and fewer other commitments. I could think of no better way to spend my time than to continue my work with the Task Force.

Now four and a half months being gone wasn't that long. After all, I was part of the team for over a year. I think that I'll get the hang of it again pretty quickly. I feel that I can greatly contribute to the talented new team that I've heard so much about. I look forward to a hardworking, fun, and productive summer. Everyone keeps telling me that I am coming back at just the right time, and that it should be very interesting. I hope to capitalize on this situation and help to keep the project running strong.

Progress is a meal, and I am hungry.

07/28/09: Hiring a Contractor

The process of hiring a contractor was more challenging than we expected. There were a lot of good firms who wanted to build our future teen center but there was only room for one.

We had to recommend a firm to the YMCA Board of Directors. We went through long discussions about what we liked about each firm and every time we voted we heard from everyone that “we couldn’t go wrong with either of the final two firms”.

In the Teen Task Force meetings there were important facts mentioned: how they seemed very excited about the project and working with us, their experience working with similar projects, their proposed fees, etc.

After discussing for hours and hours, we came to the conclusion that two of the Teen Task Force members should present our recommendation to the Board. After the presentation the Board decided that they should interview each of the final two firms because they wanted to know them both better. After the Board and the two firms met, Pankow was selected as the best fit for the project.

This experienced has helped us a lot. It showed us how we have to pick between two really good firms and that we need to communicate to everyone involved in the decision about everything we do in the process of hiring new firms.

Pankow Special Projects is a pioneer in using new construction methods and working on ‘green’ projects. More information on Pankow Special Projects can be found here.

07/02/09: Easy as Pie

In late June we went to the City of Berkeley Design Review meeting. Design Review is basically where a committee looks over the building’s designs and either approves or does not approve of them. Chris and I were asked to talk for a few minutes before our design was shown in order to prep the committee about why we were there that day. Chris and I wrote our lines a couple days before and boy was I nervous! I had never spoken in front of a board like this before, and I didn’t know what to expect. I practiced numerous times, over and over again. Finally the day came and I was so nervous I could hardly stand! Chris and I practiced a few more times and I finally got it down. We presented about half an hour after the meeting started. Our presentation only lasted about a minute, but I was so glad for it to be over! It turned out to be easy as pie, and I was no longer worried. So we sat down and continued to listen to the conversation. In the end, the committee approved us to move onto the Zoning Adjustments Board and then come back to them for another preliminary review next month.

A Subcommittee of the City of Berkeley Zoning Adjustments Board, the Design Review Committee is charged with the review and approval of design proposals for projects in non-residential districts. More information including meeting agendas and minutes for the Design Review Committee can be found here.

07/01/09: My Opinion Matters

Working for the Teen Task Force so far has been an amazing experience. The opportunity came about when my principal suggested that this job would suit my personality and felt I had a place here. After he explained to me the type of setting it was and all the doors that it would open for me, I was instantly interested. I think it’s great to be able to use my uniqueness and creativity to contribute to a project that will benefit my peers and me in the future. I enjoy every aspect of it, especially knowing that my opinion matters.

John is the first Teen Center Task Force member from B-Tech – Berkeley Technology Academy. Just what is B-Tech? Find out more about B-Tech here.

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.