Monday, December 5, 2011

Mayor's Office - Wilson School Holiday Adopt-A-Class Project

In the beginning of Mayor Gordon's first term, it was a tradition to make an Annual Christmas Party. In 2007, we replace the traditional Christmas Party with adopting a head-start (preschool) class from the Wilson School and deliver presents. We've been doing this now for four years with 2011 being the fifth and last one for Mayor Gordon. I was project manager of this project last year, and I'm honored with the title this year again.

The headstart teacher has the little 4-5 year old kids writing to Santa and making their wish list. We received their little wish lists this week and reading the letters was really heartwarming. The student's from these headstart classes come from low income families. Some students are so humble and innocent that they even ask for presents for their parents and siblings instead of asking for themselves.

My job is to collect donations from our staff and coordinate the shopping, wrapping and delivery date. My coworkers call me "The Office Elf". I'm super exited to get this project moving. Our delivery date and Holiday Celebration is December 22. I've collected the money and now is time for one of my favorite parts of this project; the shopping and wrapping.

My most favorite part of this project is seeing their little faces light up with joy when they receive their presents. I can't wait to see them rip through that wrapping paper with joy!

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Finals, Vacation, and Christamas

I can't believe finals are already here! This semester has surely flew by. I've been writing research papers like crazy and at the same time getting ready for a vacation. I  don't know why I decided to take a vacation during finals week. To top it off, Christmas is right around the corner as well!

My papers are ready to be turned in, vacation is in motion as we speak, and Christmas? Well, I don't think I'm ready for that just yet. I have not done any Christmas shopping at all. I was thinking of doing some shopping here in DC, but I don't have room in my luggage. I guess I'll do my shopping when I return to Phoenix. I'm just glad my papers are done and that I'll be a semester less to graduate.

Good luck to all this week on finals!

Washington, DC is amazing

It's been an amazing experience here in Washington, DC. I've been touring since Friday, Dec. 2! I've visited The White House, U.S. Capitol, National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington Cemetery, Pentagon, Georgetown, and many other incredible historic places.  I've also visited about five museums, American National History Museum being my favorite. My request to tour The White House was sent too late and I couldn't experience a tour. Seeing it from the outside was good enough for me.

I was amazed to see that DC is very culturally diverse. I've met people from all over the world. I even met a nephew from the Governor of Nigeria! I also met many Asian people. I guess it was a given since I stayed in Chinatown. Lol... Our hotel has been awesome and located in a great central location to all of the national monuments and museums.

What a wonderful experience it has been visiting Washington, DC. I'm proud of what our country has done to make it an incredible place to live. God bless our country and those who fight at war to keep our country safe.

At my favorite memorial, the Abraham Lincoln Memorial.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Interview with Phoenix Police Code Enforcement Dept.

Today I interviewed with Phoenix Police Code Enforcement Department. The interview panel consisted of four people, two being males and the other two females. I was really nervous while I was waiting for them to call me in. Once I entered the room and saw that I knew one of the interviewers, I felt a little relieved. Her presence made me feel more confident and relaxed.

The interview consisted of approximately 16 questions and lasted about 20 minutes. I walked in and shook their hands then I sat down in a little desk right in-front of their table. We had a little breathe in breathe out session for relaxation. I thought that was really neat of them to do that. In the back of my head I was reminding myself to; sit up straight, make eye contact, ask questions, and all those little things we sometimes forget to do.

The position was for a Administrative Assistant I at the Vehicle Impound area. This position directly supervises five-six Administrative Aides and up to three temporary agency staff; it indirectly supervises an additional seventeen Administrative Aides and numerous agency staff. To be honest this position doesn't fit me. I'm glad they took me into consideration for an interview, but I think I need to look for something that is more in my area. I have no knowledge in regards to impounds nor supervising a group of five-six people.

I'm glad I got to experience the feeling of interviewing once again. Hoping I get another interview soon with Phoenix Police Dept or Aviation. I also just applied with U.S. House of Representatives - Office of Congressman Ed Pastor as a Constituent Services Representative. I'm staying positive something will come soon.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Slow day with great news

Today was a slow day at the office. It gave me time to organize files, catch up with scheduling pending meetings for the Mayor, reply to couple emails, and even do a little bit of homework. It's rare when we have days like this one at the office. Usually it's hectic and always working 100 mph. I also did some cleaning and started putting away my personal belongings. We have exactly five weeks left in the office.

Five weeks left and some of us still looking where to go. Luckily, I got a call for an interview tomorrow! My interview is with Phoenix Police Department Public Records Office. I'm a little bit nervous because I haven't had an interview in 8 years! I've been practicing and reviewing the usual questions they ask at interviews. Hoping I do well and nail it.

2011 City of Phoenix Community Service Fund Drive

The City of Phoenix Employees have been giving their time and dollars to the community through the Community Service Fund Drive for over 30 years. As a result, over $13.5 MILLION has been given in the last 10 years alone!

Countless employees have believed in this effort and worked hard to positively impact Phoenix beyond our daily jobs.

The effort is planned through a team of volunteer employees knows as the Executive Committee and led by an annual Campaign Chairperson. Support is given through the Human Resources Department, which houses the Drive's history and functions by lending some services of an employee.

As the CSFD is not an offical city function or an organzation unto itself, we need a community organization partner to carry out our goals and distribute the dollars raised each year.

Our partner is the Valley of the Sun United Way (VSUW), a respected non-profit organization in our community since 1925. The VSUW assists our CSFD with expertise and resources for our campaigns. It also serves as the distributor to all the agencies we have chosen to be on our list.

I'm proud to say that I've been a CSFD representative for the Office of the Mayor for two years now. We've helped raise money through making personal contributions and sponsoring little fundraising events to reach a our own department goal. Usually, CSFD has a goal to raise $1 million each year, and I'm excited to say that we did achieve it once again this year. Approximately 5,131 employees donated to the campaign in support of VSUW, the Environmental Fund for Arizona and other programs.

The successful campaign will be celebrated at the CSFD Awards breakfast on Wednesday, Nov. 30. I'm proud to be part of this team who put all their effort to meet our goal, considering the economic challenges employees and the city organizations face.

Why You Should Shop Phoenix for the Holidays!

Spend the holidays shopping at locally owned businesses to find that unique gift, or satisfy your holiday cravings at one of the many locally owned restaurants in Phoenix.

When you do your shopping in Phoenix, taxes from the merchandise you buy goes directly to the city's General Fund. City sales taxes are about 40 percent of the total General Fund revenue, which pays for city services such as police and fire protection, parks, libraries, senior centers and street maintenance.

When you make purchases at local and small businesses more of your money re-circulates in the community instead of being sent out of state. That means more jobs, neighborhood improvement and community development for Phoenix.

Let's support the cause and Shop Local Phoenix to support our local businesses and our community services and programs!