Day One in L.A.

Day one we woke up jet legged, but ready to take on the day. It was bagels and cream cheese followed by a pep talk by the City Year staff. The City Year staff told us about how excited the kids would be to meet us, and everyone became even more eager for the upcoming days.
    We walked outside into the beautiful California weather, greeted by our friendly bus driver. We took the bus to a Jewish old folks home. We weren't sure what to expect out of the elderly, but had heard they loved visitors. We all broke up into our after school program groups and went to different sections of the home. Some of us went into rooms were we we're fortunate enough to meet some incredible people.
    My group met with two lovely ladies named Lee and Francis. Lee told us of her days on Broadway, after she made clear the importance of being informed of our government. Francis told us of we travels, originally from Paris, France. She wouldn't say much, but quietly told us she had been rescued from the Holocaust. Both women, extremely knowledgable and upbeat were genuinely interested in our lives, which was a mutual feeling on our parts. It was a pleasure talking to these women, and we were lucky I have came across their room.
    We finished off our time at the old folks home learning Yiddish, participating in an afternoon stretching activity, singing songs, and playing games. It was a great beginning to our week in L.A.
    The rest of our eventful day involved the group exploring Santa Monica and all it's wonders. We ate amazing food, shopped, and enjoyed the beach. There were many venders, guitar players, singers, and even a guy telling jokes for a dollar up and down the streets.
    The rest of our night involved hearing from a speaker named Jackie Goldberg and the movie Waiting For Superman. Jackie taught us the power we have as people and future teachers. We learned of we don't begin to speak up and vote our education systems in the future will be no longer. The entire evening wrapped up with a discussion of speaking out for the future teachers and students of America.
    Today was quite moving, and life changing at the same time.  I think I can speak for everyone and say how excited I am for the rest of the trip.

Peace, love, L.A

-Abby Soble