Hi everyone! My name is Naomi and I'm from Philly. I headed to Oakland and I'm really excited to be serving in the beautiful state of California. It's a big move for me since I've never lived anywhere else. If I end up loving California (which I know I will), I will stay after my year is over. Well, I guess I will keep everyone posted on how things go. See ya!
Hi everyone! …read more
Hi everyone, We've started our digital storytelling workshops last week using Open Source software. The first group was from a boys juvenile detention camp. They were cool. They really got into their projects and enjoyed themselves in the process. This week we have a mixed group of kids ranging from 8 to 12 years old. I will post up some examples soon. …read more
I taught my first class last week and it went great! I usually just teach the Internet section of the class but this time I taught the whole thing. Our classes at OTX-West are 3 hours long and we teach basic computer training, Internet, and the OpenOffice programs Writer (similar to Word) and Impress (similar to PowerPoint). It was fun and the students and parents enjoyed it as well. I received great evaluations from them on my performance so that's cool. …read more
I've been in California for a month and a half now and I love it! I found a place to live in Alameda which is just outside of Oakland where I work. Alameda is really nice and safe. I love my job and the people I work with are really cool! I have been busy with a few projects at work. I developed an addition to their 3 hour Take Home Computer Class (THCP). This class provides Oakland students in grades 6-12 with basic computer training along with training on the Open Source software (OpenOffice, The Gimp, Audacity, typing tutors, anti-virus, anti-spyware, etc.) that we install on each computer. Once the students take the class, then they receive a free refurbished computer with free life time tech support. …read more
Hi Naomi!
I'm a CTC VISTA member down the road from you (okay, maybe a little further than just down the road) in sunny San Diego. I started my service in mid-September and moved to California because of it. I was born and raised in Indiana, never living anywhere else (except for a short year in Michigan my freshman year), so the move out here was a big one for me too. As predicted, I've fallen in love and plan to stay out here and find a job when my term is up! Good luck to you and welcome to California from one newcomer to another!
In service,
Laura
Hey Laura,
Thanks for the California greeting! I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who up and moved far from home to serve. I think I was the only one at the this years PSO that was relocating (I stuck out like a sore thumb with all my baggage and my cat). It's a little scary because I don't know anyone but I am looking forward to this experience of living somewhere other than Philly. I hope to fall in love with Cali as well so I can stay when my year is over. Take care of yourself!
Naomi