This past week we had a kids’ camp here and it was a fun week getting to interact with them but also having some free time to ourselves. The majority of the week I lifeguarded and was in the dish room but I gained much needed experience in both of those areas. Whether it was saving a camper from the pool or finding the best method in cleaning trays, I was able to find the best method to complete my task. Our interaction with the camp was not a lot, but it was definitely a learning experience throughout this entire week.
This past week I had the Graceland takeover on Instagram and posted pictures about my life here at Happy Valley. I was able to appreciate a lot about being here because I took a lot of time deciding on what to post on the Instagram account. One photo I posted was me and Tim.
The caption said: It has been my pleasure to have gotten to know this man Tim Dodds the past few weeks. I took this internship without knowing much about it except hearing from other people on how amazing it is. Tim has definitely been the biggest reason why this internship has been incredible because he has taught me a lot about perseverance and continues to do extraordinary things. He has great strength and teaches others what it means to be sophistrong.
Having the Graceland Instagram for one day proved to me how blessed I was to be here and how I am learning a lot from other individuals and constantly making myself better.
One activity I picked up on this past week was beach volleyball. On my day off, Bryan and me went to the beach and played hours of beach volleyball and it was a great time! There are a lot of people here in Santa Cruz who appreciate the sport and I picked up on that despite not being great at it. It was nice to try something that I do not always get to try and I will continue going back when given the opportunity.
This past week I also got to start my own compost pile and I will proceed to brag on it. Number one, I was the first to use hay in my compost out of all the other interns. Next, I had 5 compost buckets rather than 2 or 3 compared to everyone else. I also have the biggest compost pile out of everyone else and it is looking great. I am looking forward to how well my pile will turn out and how much it will benefit all the plants that will grow from it once its finished!
The highlight of my week was my sister coming up to visit me this past week. She typically does not go on trips and I rarely get to spend time with her. However, she came this past Thursday and I was able to show her the Redwoods, and show her my garden, and give her a tour of my life here at Happy Valley. It was much needed family time and I am looking forward to this next week with the Senior High Camp!
