It seems like yesterday that I was sitting in the office watching Zoe write her “last goodbye” and now it is my turn! All this seems way too soon, and I really don’t want to leave!
I still remember the first day of work when I was (surprise!) asked to put a binding into a stack of hole-punched papers—manually. Definitely not something I thought I would be doing on my first job, but most certainly an interesting way to start!
The atmosphere here is always so upbeat and cheerful, and that makes it a joy coming to work every morning. (Except maybe on those days when I—oops—stayed up too late!) I don’t think I will ever forget my time here.
If you asked me to do double-sided copies two months ago, I would have looked at you with a baffled face. Now, if you ask me to do the same thing, I’ll jump at the chance and make you five copies in next to no time. (I really love printing copies….) Not only that, but I’m a complete pro when it comes to opening boxes, writing addresses, making labels, packaging books and envelopes, and writing thank you cards. (Yes, again, the cards!)
When I first came into my job, I was really just one of those “I don’t really care about my community” type of a teenager. But now, after seeing what non-profit organizations do, I feel like I’m finally part of something and I want to give back. I think this is one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through these six weeks. I’m so grateful for that.
Thank you so much Keren. And you too, Joanna! And Reparata! Thank you to everyone for everything.
And now, inspired by Zoe, I have two haikus to share as well!
When I am eating
I hold spoons and forks like pencils
I write so much now!
Flourishing of words
Poems are hard to understand
And often too short
–WriteGirl high school intern Yvonne, age 16
Here are some photos from our good-bye lunch with Yvonne at the fabulous Nickel Diner on Main Street!






From 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., more than 65 teen girls from Pasadena and beyond, along with their mentors, will participate in the workshop part of PlayWriteGirl. They will learn about monologue and scene-writing in sessions led by guest writers, including screenwriter Robin Swicord (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), screenwriter Gina Prince-Bythewood (Secret Life of Bees), producer Jennifer Crittenden (The New Adventures of Old Christine, Seinfeld), Martha Williamson and Jule Selbo (Touched by an Angel) and playwrights Laural Meade and Jennie Webb.
Living, laughing, loving, crying are the four words that describe the 2008 Women’s Conference. Organized by California First Lady Maria Shriver, it’s the only place I can think of where you’ll find Condoleezza Rice, Bono, Gloria Steinem, Warren Buffet and Jennifer Lopez can all be seen in the same room. The conference covered topics starting from strength and courage to business and entrepreneurship. They succeeded in covering every topic in between. Whether it was advice or a personal story, I can guarantee that everyone in the audience learned something. The Women’s Conference was spiritual, environmental; it offered information about parenting, finance and activism. Although it was a little lengthy and there wasn’t any place to rest our legs (especially in the seats we were given), the important thing is that it was informational and enjoyable.