Dear Journal,

Guardare sempre davanti a voi per quello che è dietro di voi si sta spingendo in avanti.

Always look ahead of you for what's behind you is pushing you forward.

(I'm sure someone said something similar to this before, but these words have been repeating themselves in my mind for about a week now).

~

Last week I finished up my initial outreach phone calls to 112 Non-FYS students, or as my team and I are now referring to them - our foster students.

(Theme song of the ABC Family show, The Fosters)

My favorite space in the office to make these phone calls is right next to my best friend, Daniella. As we were on the phone with our foster mentees, we would constantly make each other laugh, which in turn, would result in our students laughing or giggling along with us. It broke down a barrier, in my opinion. It made the call feel more real and light-hearted - the way it should be.

A lot of the students I spoke to expressed thankfulness for the support my team and I will be providing them with. One student's response stood out to me the most: "Thank you so much. I can't wait to meet you. I was waiting for your phone call because I read I would be contacted soon in the email you sent. Thank you for the support!"

(From the ABC Family show, The Fosters)

Hearing the excitement and sincerity in the students' voices has made me even more excited for the two Freshman Hangouts my team and I planned out for the upcoming week (10/17) & (10/18). Our sign-up numbers exceeded the expectation! The only things left to do are finalize our special presentations for our foster mentees and finalize the agenda we've created for ourselves. This week has definitely taught me much more on the value of teamwork because without the contributions of everyone on the 'Guardians' team these hangouts wouldn't be possible!

~

As for my FYS mentees, I haven't seen them since the last week in September :( Though I've sent them weekly emails, I miss being with them in class. The professor I work with complimented the peer tips in each email. Definitely lovely to hear that! Fortunately, I'll get to return to my mentees this coming Tuesday, which is also when half of them have academic advisement! Exciting!! Already getting ready for next semester. Time flies.

~

Reflecting on my own journey, this past week has left me smiling. I feel content with where I am and where I am going. The professor I work under in the psychology research lab I'm a part of invited me to a conference this coming March in Boston (I might even have an authorship!).

I made John Jay's softball team! One of my mentees congratulated me and said she now had a reason to attend every single game!

I was asked to be a guest speaker at my old high school during their Open House (10/15). I loved speaking to the prospective students! I especially loved being back at St. John's Prep - walking those familiar halls and catching up with my prep family. I miss them.

Lastly, my amazing supervisor, Nancy, nominated me to attend a Women In Leadership Conference at the end of this month at Hunter College.

My eyes are focused on the blues skies ahead.

Until next time,

Samantha