Summer Update

Just posted this on my tumblr:

Hello Tumblr, I’ve missed you! I’m sorry to have been away, but I worked 35 hours this week at my new job, started a class at Rivier College, and I just got home from cat-sitting!

First, my new job:

So I’m working at the Regina Library at Rivier College as the assistant to the Director of Technical Services. Basically my job consists of adding new records to the catalog and getting the books ready to go out on the shelves. I code, print, label, laminate, cover, stick, stamp and scan. I feel like I’ve already learned so much, and my boss has been great about training me to learn the library lingo so I feel smart (I have a notebook). I have my own desk and computer, and a fancy scanner. I love that beeping barcode noise.

My boss keeps asking if I’m bored, because so much of the work is repetitive and detail-oriented. But if you’ve ever met me, you know that I like routine and organization, so this job was designed for me. My second day at work I spent 15 minutes dusting and re-organizing my desk. I work Monday through Friday, 9 to 4:30 and I get a half hour for lunch. Most of the other librarians are older, so I typically eat on my own outside and read. It’s been beautiful weather and today I realized that my bench has a direct view of the volleyball court, where a few shirtless men just happened to be playing. What a fortunate coincidence…

Anyway, my favorite part of my job is probably getting to be the first one to open a book. I love that sound when the spine cracks and the smell of new paper. Ice cream Thursdays with the girls from upstairs are also fun.

Next, my class.

You didn’t think that a full time job would be enough, did you? I’m taking a 300-level Religion class called ‘Challenge of Peace’ on Monday and Wednesday nights and so far it’s really interesting. At the end of the term I’m doing a research project on Shirin Ebadi, who is amazing, and right now we’re covering Gandhi. This is the course description:

A critical study of the human and economic costs of violence, non-violent alternatives, conflict resolution, the peace and justice connection, the role of the individual, family, school, and organized religion in developing an orientation for peace and social justice. Special emphasis is placed on Catholic social teaching and the quest for peace in the major religions. Individual, spiritual, and educational perspectives on peace and social justice are experienced through discussions, role playing, teaching, and community service. Multicultural issues related to peace are delineated and explored.

The class is small, like St. Mike’s, but it’s kind of weird being with adults. I think they offer a different perspective (as do some other students in the class), and this is good because I am learning how to listen to different ideas and formulate intelligent and thoughtful responses. The 3 credits will transfer as a pass or fail (I plan on passing) and will count as one of my required 300 level classes for my Religious Studies major.

Ironically, my professor Brother Paul is a St. Mike’s alum. They’re everywhere! When I went to IT to get my Rivier Staff badge, they guy who worked there was an alum as well. I guess the St. Mike’s spirit is contagious.

Oh, did I mention I’m also going to be volunteering on Thursdays at the Wadleigh Memorial Library? I helped there for two years in high school and worked with the Children’s Room librarians. They’re going to set aside special projects for me this summer (like re-labeling the book bins). The librarians there are so nice, I love helping out.

I’m excited for the long weekend- Monday I’m going to the beach with my best friend Liz. It’s weird to think that a year ago we were going to Hampton for senior skip day… So much has happened since then!

Good night! I’ll again post soon, I promise.

ps. I’m desperately missing VT (I made a vanilla milkshake and put maple syrup in it) and my best VT friend, Derek. I can’t wait for him to come home from France next week! He’s studying there with a group of St. Mike’s students and I haven’t talked to him in almost three weeks. Love you Derek!