The past week has been a fury of commotion as almost all of the teams were here to transition between their first and second round projects. Most of my work got pushed aside as members scrambled in and out of the office trying to make copies, email documents, or just vent about whatever seemed to ail them. It was refreshing to have the activity to relieve the monotony of regular office life.
It's hard for me to explain my current position as a Support Team Leader (STL) to those who became familiar with the work I did last year as a Field Team Leader. In general I work with the NCCC staff to provide logistical support to the teams out in the field. The fourteen teems are divided into three units and each unit gets one STL. There are three other STL positions. One person works closely with media and community relations, one with the program department to develop projects, and another with operations. The six of us are the only members who reside on campus full time. The rest of the Corps moves in and out as their projects demand. With housing, food, and transportation provided, it's a pretty good gig. It allows for a lot more stability than life in the field.
Last week I took a trip out to Denver to meet up with Griff, one of the TLs from last year. It's a pretty fantastic city with a culture that is very active and environmentally conscience. It was refreshing to see those priorities being held by the majority. We spent the four days visiting some of his friends and relatives while also exploring the area. It's really nice to experience a new place with someone who's got a passion for and knowledge of it already.
I've enjoyed some shorter trips recently too. Becky, Kelly, Robyn and myself all spent a weekend in Atlantic City. Although I'm generally turned off by the constant overstimulation of casinos it turned out to be a great reunion. It would be nearly impossible not to enjoy myself in the company of some of my closest friends. We spend the days on the boardwalk before dressing up and heading out for dinner, drinks and dancing; three Ds that always go well together.
While people come and go from everyday life there are some relationships that are important to hold on to. It's the people who you can see after months apart and still carry on as if it hadn't been a day who have the ability to bring you back to yourself. They can remind you of a bigger picture when you get caught up in whatever current stressors consume your thoughts. I have gained a lot of appreciation for those people this month.
