Key Club - My first meeting (September 28, 2009)

Today was my first Key Club meeting. I didn't know what to expect. I originally decided to join Key Club because I thought that it would enable me to become a part of something bigger than myself (which learning outcome 6 refers to - issues of global importance), and I want to do something that benefits the community. In addition Hyanna had told me that it would look good on college applications so she thought I should join. 

I went into the meeting and Hyanna began explaining what needed to be done. $15 needed to be brought in by next Wednesday (membership dues I believe) and then she said that every weekend, on either Saturday or Sunday, there is one community service opportunity available and that in the beginning of every week, starting with the meeting, she will ask for volunteers to participate.

It was then that I realized that my already packed schedule or so I thought (which consists of Prom Committee and anything related to it, homework, and work on Saturday and Sunday) is going to need to be reorganized if I want to do at least the requested 50 hours of community service for Key Club. Up until this school year, I had PLENTY of free time and was able to work every day after school (at Stop & Shop) and still manage to complete all my homework. This year however it's not that easy - I already work only 2 days at my job (the weekend) and after hearing that the Key Club activities are on the weekend, I realized two things; I need to prioritize (for example, put Key Club and my schoolwork before my job). To keep track of when the different community service activities are on the weekend, I decided I need a calendar of my own where I can write down the dates so I can plan ahead, ask for the required days off from my job, and therefore enable myself to participate. 

My first thought by the time the Key Club meeting was over was, can I do this? Do I have enough time? Should I say I can't do it? I came to the conclusion that instead of giving up before even trying, I need to prioritize and make time for Key Club. I spoke to my manager at work and she said if I tell her on Monday what day I need off on the weekend for Key Club, she can work with me on it to find another time for me to work, which I was thankful for. I WILL be able to do it, and I am going to do my absolute best to prioritize, to organize my schedule so I have time for everything (particularly what is important), and show that I am committed to every responsibility that I undertake. Now that I've thought about it, it shouldn't be that hard; I can do Key Club activities every other week AND keep my job, do Prom Committee and get my homework done. I am on my way to realizing what learning outcome 5 requires (commitment to the activity) and I will do whatever it takes, fully acknowledging that it is not going to be easy but will pay off in the long run, for me and for others as well. 

By the way when I say that I have a packed schedule, I am referring to the fact that I have homework in every class every night, work on the weekends, and little free time. It's a big change from what I am used to, but that doesn't mean that I can't make time for what is important.