It's been quite a while from the last time I've written in this blog. In no way did I entirely forget about it; I have just been swamped from juggling many things on my plate at the moment and haven't really found the time to sit myself down to write up a decent enough post.
So, what exactly have I been up to this past month? Between the span of August and now, I have been continuing a summer job I acquired in May as a Community Development Worker for the Vietnamese Women's Association of Toronto (VWAT). This association is a non-for-profit organization who provides free social services for those who require it (you need not be Vietnamese). Embedded in these services include, but are not limited to: community housing, immigration papers, counselling, translation, adjustment for newcomers (immigrants), etc. Moreover, aside from these services, VWAT strives to foster the growth of the Torontonian community, reaching out to children, youths and seniors with the hopes of one day becoming a nationally--and possible an internationally--recognized association. For more information, please feel free to visit: http://vwat.org/ and their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/VWAToronto
During my summer employment position there, I was responsible for numerous tasks: writing letters to funders and politicians, asking for their continued support; leading a senior group in their community gardening project, taking them to different places including the Toronto Botanical Gardens; planning and teaching the weekly Canadian Citizenship Classes for anyone who wishes to obtain permanent residence in Canada both in Vietnamese and English; planning and leading a summer Day Camp for children between the ages of 5-15; and performing other administrative duties including the planning of the annual Mid-Autumn Lantern that just took place less than a month ago on September 17, 2011 at the Harbourfront Center.
Albeit only a temporary position, I've learned a lot through my working experience at VWAT and had the fortunate opportunity to develop quite a repertoire of skills whilst working with individuals off different age groups. It was undoubtedly a rewarding experience and if given the chance, I would not mind returning next year. I've met a lot of new faces, some of which I've established a close bond with and that's what makes working fun--being around people who bring enjoyment both into the job you do and into your day overall. I would add quite a bunch of photos, but for privacy purposes, I'll have to reserve photos of individuals.
Aside from this, with the coming of September, University returns once again and I am back for my third round out of five. Instead of the common five, I am taking six courses and they are proving to be a mouthful. There are a multitude of readings, assignments, and upcoming midterms that finding some breathing room is quite rare and difficult. Nonetheless, I am still kicking and I am excited to see what this year has in store. With that being said, it's evident that I have less time to write leisurely so my novel has been somewhat put on a hiatus. I have been intermittently writing and ideas are still pouring through, but it will take a much longer time before anything new gets posted. I hope to get a couple more in before the New Year.
On a final note, I have been asked to do an article soon so do keep an eye out for this. I have promised the person that after my mid-terms I'll work on the piece. I will also try to write more often even if it's a minor blurb. Anything is better than nothing, right?
I hope all of you are doing well and I thank you for popping by from time to time.
My best wishes to you all,
Nhan
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