Friday, September 5, 2008

I can’t believe that my first week has already come to an end. I know I have 49 more weeks to look forward to, but I am going to miss Utah. My supervisor told me that I was going to be missed. “Aww, don’t say that,” I replied. I’ve had fun working with all the Associates and I’ve had a great learning experience. Not did I only learn about the life of Mormons, but also the life of refugees. The Humanitarian Center is a great service. If you would like to take on a career that focuses on providing for the less fortunate, then working for a Philanthropic organization is a great option. 

After my last day of work, I had to explore the Great Salt Lake. I’ve been there before, but never during the summer. They actually have a beach there. People are soaking in the sun and riding the waves. Alright, there are absolutely no waves in this lake, even if you throw a rock. I tracked down one of the Park Rangers for an interview. He shared some interesting fact about the lake that I will have posted on my videos soon. I spent a couple hours there to hike, chase the Bison, and get a Utah suntan. 

Just when I thought the day was over, I ran into a BMX competitor. I caught him jumping off a ramp, flying 10 feet in the air. I asked him if biking and skating was a popular thing to do in Utah. “Oh yea, most Extreme athletes come from Utah. It’s a year around sport.  We just take the wheels off the boards in the summertime and they become snowboards.”  No wonder Salt Lake City had a chance to host the Olympic Games. Utah State’s License plates also say “Best Snow in the World.”

Off to Denver, Colorado…..

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

At work, I asked one of the associates if the Humanitarian Center has vending machines.  “Yes, we sure do,” he responded.  “Do they sell Coca-Cola?” I asked.  “Yes, we sure do,” he repeated.  I was surprised to hear that they did sell Coke.  “Isn’t it against the Mormon religion to drink caffeine?” I asked.  “Yes, but we still have it,” he stated.  I walked over to find the vending machines and there it was.  I got a closer look because I was shocked that they would provide Coca-Cola in a Mormon facility.  I knew there had to be a catch; it was caffeine free.  Good luck finding caffeine free Coca-Cola outside of Utah. 

After work, I went out to explore some tourist traps.  One rule that I always follow is to never explore a city by car.  I always walk or take public transportation in order to experience/observe more than I would in a car.  Whether I need to walk 1 mile or 30 to cover the city, I will never use a car.  Today, I walked quite a bit to reach Temple Square.  It is impossible to get lost looking for Temple Square.  Salt Lake City is built on a grid system that its focal point is Temple Square.  Temple Square has the Tabernacle, the Church Museum and Library, Conference Center, Joseph Smith Memorial Building, Church Office Building, Assembly Hall, Beehive House, and of course the very sacred Salt Lake Temple.  I wanted to

film one of the tours that the Mormon Sisters direct, but the security of The Church prohibited filming.  I told them about my project and 30 minutes later I was given a Media Pass that permitted me to film anything and everything, besides the sacred Temple.  Actually, I was given a VIP tour because I was 1 of 2 people on the tour. 

After having the guided tour of Temple Square, I went to explore an attraction on my own.

I took the train up to the 2002 Winter Olympic Stadium at the University of Utah.  There was not much left of the site; even the Olympic Torch was no longer flaming.  At least I had a chance to see the flame ignited when I attended the Olympics at the same location.  Since there was nothing to see at the Olympic site, I went back down to Temple Square to look inside the Conference Center.  As I approached the entrance with the camera in my hand, my nose started to bleed.  My hands were full to even try to stop it.  I rushed to look for a restroom as the elderly tour guides starred at me and asked if I was ok.  “Yea, didn’t really have water today.  Is the restroom near?”  When I came out of the restroom, I was a little embarrassed when I asked one of the elderly tour guides for a tour, but everyone in Salt Lake City is friendly. 

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

I am going to have a lot of first days, but today was the one that kicked off the 50 Jobs in 50 States Tour.   I’ve been waiting for this first day for such a longgggggg time that it felt like it wasn’t my first day.  Working at the Humanitarian Center was exactly how I pictured it.  It was a huge warehouse in the industrial part of town that had elderly and mentally challenged volunteers.   It reminded me of the volunteers that they had when I worked at the YMCA.  The one thing that surprised me was how many foreigners there were.  One of my co-workers happened to be a refugee from Burma.  I am not sure if he was trying to make me cry by telling me his story, but it wasn’t uncommon for those that were working at the Humanitarian Center.

Today, I was placed with 3 others to package Hygiene Kits that will be sent to New Orleans because of Hurricane Gustav.  The boss told me that The Church is intending to send 500,000 Hygiene Kits, which seemed like a lot knowing I only made 200.  Although employees felt the pressure of meeting the daily quota, it seemed like they were grateful to be there. 

All 150 employees, mostly refugees that were aided by The Church went to the cafeteria once the alarm sounded.  It was quite a sight to see.  Refugees from all over the world came together by the referral of the Church’s Bishop.  The program of the Humanitarian Service is quite astounding.  Here’s how the program called “Developing Self-Reliance” works:

A refugee, immigrant, or citizen is accepted into the program by the Bishop.  Their skills and interests are then assessed.  They are taught English, essential job skills, business partnerships, on-site job training, or could earn an off-site technical certification.  After that is completed, they are given employment preparation, such as interviewing skills and creating a resume.  Finally, after a 2-year program; job placement. 

Well I am off to explore downtown Salt Lake City……..