Hello there, my name is Nikki Alvarez, and I am currently a junior at Metropolitan Arts & Technology High School. My high school has a few graduation requirements, just like any other school, but one different requirement is having to intern at a business, company or organization for 70 hours and get some work experience. This program at my school is called WLE (Work-Learning Experience). I was calling around one day for a spot at an adoption agency, the FBI, the police department and such but everyone had a new policy about having to be 18+. So then, I was thinking to myself "Where can I intern? Where would I be able to work with kids, give back to the community, and where would i feel welcome?" I thought for a while, and decided to call Nonoko at The S.M.A.R.T Program. I graduated from this program in 2007. Yup, it's been 3 years, and now looking at the pictures on the wall from the past students and the ones that attend now, I feel old---because I can say that they look so young! I mentioned this to Tara, whom I just met today, and she said "Well you looked like that once too!" That made me think, wow...time passes by so fast! I haven't really spoken to the staff members or kept in touch with S.M.A.R.T. until a few weeks ago. They switched locations so today was my first time seeing the new facility, and compared to the old one, I LOVE IT! It's a lot bigger, the walls are bright and colorful like the personalities in this building and it just feels so cozy. I met 4 new staff members today, and they are all so friendly, funny and kind. I love how the environment feels, it's very comfortable, laid back and calm. Today, all 5 staff members and I sat around a table and ate some very delicious food that came from Tara's best friend. The food I tried was a new experience and the meal altogether felt a bit like a family. So far, I have put together some marketing packets, I have organized the students' binders and made copies of papers. I've caught up a bit with Nonoko, and learned more about what the program is doing now and how things are, 3 years later. Right now I am listening to Nonoko talk about how this week is San Francisco Beer Week! Or something of that sort. This building is so lonely right now, but I can't wait until the kids get here around 3:30/4. Seeing all the kids will liven up the building more and also take me back to memory lane where I can see myself talking with Nancy, Jessica and Jacky (S.M.A.R.T alumni) about life. This program makes me miss everything, but sometimes you have to grow up! I'm going to figure out how to put pictures up here, seeing that I have to take 4-8 pictures for my school assignment for today anyways. So far, I love what I am doing here, and how everyone is super friendly. I thought I would come in with an awkward feel to it, but hey, I warmed up pretty fast! I come in once a week, and I can't wait to see what is in store for me. I hope that I can be looked up to by the "youngsters" here. They really are youngsters now that I think about it! Jeeeeez. Time flies. Well, I've written a lot already, and I think I've ran out of things to say for now, sooooo....I will wait until the little ones arrive, and then take pictures.Of course after I get to know them and vice versa!....Otherwise that would be creepy. =]
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