FSGWA Blog
November 3rd Director’s Report: Self Sufficiency Activities Day
Once again, the Academy students, mentors and volunteers made our November 3rd event a fun and information filled day. The self-sufficiency activities included participating in five learning stations where we learned critical information on 1) preparing a basic budget, 2) housing options and costs (including knowing what a security deposit is), 3) savvy shopping including when and where to buy for a cost savings, 4) personal care - sewing buttons, ironing, and fixing laundry mistakes, and 5) small home repairs such as fixing carpet burns, wax in carpet and small dings in drywall. We also reviewed our SAT/ACT vocabulary words from October and learned a new way to memorize our new 100 words for November.
The GWU Summit Challenge Course was a hit! The day began with a chill in the air, but the sky was blue and sunny and the temperature warmed up with every passing hour. It was a perfect October day. Students and mentors and volunteers hugged hello upon arrival and the trail course began with fun activities that helped us find common interests among us.
The tour of our nation's Capitol building was outstanding! The students were wonderful and our tour guide complimented them on their attentiveness and thoughtful questions. Everyone was so happy to see each other after the month apart. Lots of smiles, hugs, and catching-up! Our mentors and volunteers did a great job keeping track of everyone and keeping us on schedule since we had such a busy agenda. I think I speak for all of us that we were awed by the beauty of the architecture, the paintings, the sculptures, and the sheer magnitude of the history that exists in this special heart of our government.
All of us at the First Star Greater Washington Academy concluded that our May 19th event was probably one of the most powerful and meaningful times we have had together. After students refreshed themselves with fresh orange juice and bananas, we began the day with a deep yoga exercise to promote openness for contemplative thinking. We discussed May Foster Care Awareness Month and how we each have to engage in sharing knowledge and advocacy for what we are doing and needing in our lives. The four students who performed at the Arena Stage last Friday shared their play's mission and everyone had a chance to look at the “Building Blocks” of their own lives, as well as discuss the “Moving Targets” in life and how we each “Carry On”. 
Good tidings to all,