Reflection

          When I first got back to campus from Christmas break, I still had a nasty taste in my mouth about the first round that I couldn’t seem to get rid of. I thought for sure this next round wasn’t going to be any better. Even more so after we lost one member before leaving for break and then having an endless battle with another that was plaguing our team with a lot of unnecessary stress and negativity. However, I managed to reconnect with my teammates before we headed out as a team of 8 to Virginia. The sudden team adjustment gave me a little bit of hope for the second round.

 

                These six weeks went by very fast, almost a little too fast. Overall I really enjoyed my time in VA; I was not as isolated as I was during the first round. In fact, every once in while I was out and about with my teammates. This time we had sidewalks to get to places, which a lot of times stopped me from going crazy at the ESA. I never really got to go on long walks because the low temperatures wouldn’t allow me to do so, but sometimes our work days were so hectic that a walk to a nearby CVS was necessary. 

 

                Speaking of work, this round I learned many new skills that I thought I never would. I helped build a Roster Board which will help the FEMA Corps Branch keep track of all FEMA Corps Members. Knowing that I did something as big as that fills me up with a lot of pride. However, although I enjoyed the kind of work I did, sometimes things got extremely stressful, even more so when we had deadlines we had to meet one way or another. Being stuck in a small office with the rest of my teammates drove me to the edge sometimes, but often times we were always laughing and a having good time. I think that’s what matters most to me. You work hard, and then you play harder.

 

                This round also proved to be more difficult on a personal level as I had things going on at home that I couldn’t deal with because I was so far away. I also had difficulties dealing with myself for some reason, and often times I found myself wondering whether or not I fitted in with my team. As I struggled with myself, I also learned a lot more about my teammates. Not all are people listeners; some will hear you, but won’t really bother to listen to what you have to say, and others will get so overwhelmed that they would rather not deal with anything you say at all. And that’s okay! Everyone’s different; It’s just very hard to come to terms with that when all you want is help, but don’t know who to ask because you don’t who will respond to your call or not.

 

                However, despite not being able to really talk about my issues with my peers without making them go insane, I know now that most, if not all, of my teammates will always be there for me one way or another; I just have to reach out to them and they will get back to me. My Team Leader has also shown me on many occasions that he really does care for me as well, even if I drive him crazy sometimes. My team knows that if not being playful, then something is wrong with me. I’m slowly getting out of this dark hole I’m stuck in, and I have to thank my team for helping me cope (correctly) with some of my problems.

 

                I’m going to miss working in Crystal City; mostly because of the underground city! They had everything there, and I mean everything. Although my time in Virginia was really cold, I had a lovely stay here. These six weeks have gotten me closer to my team, and I can’t wait to see what our last round will bring. I’m sure next round will take home the gold!