Time flies, I must say. It has passed half-way point of my position at the Concordia Place as a CAPS Fellow and my first time living in Chicago – I am very grateful for everything thus far.

Concordia Place is a nonprofit with a focus on providing growth and opportunities through inclusive early childhood, teen leadership, and senior wellness programs to the community. Having the opportunity to work at an organization that has been changing the lives of Chicago children and families for 35 years is such a great honor. However, initially I almost didn’t take the offer:

The fact that I lack experience in an organization for children before in addition to any advancement related work experience gives me worries because I hope to do a good job with my limited time there. Prior to my first day of work, I was very nervous and timid and did not know how to cope with the doubt and fear – what if I don’t fit in. Not until my week at work, I found that everyone works in the office is very welcoming and friendly – they are always willing to help me learning new things very patiently.

The very first picture I took on my first day at work

Since my first day working at Concordia Place, I’ve gotten the opportunity to develop various skills such as in fundraising and marketing. A new early learning center, Concordia Day, is opening in Ravenswood (see picture below) and I am very glad to be a part of this historical establishment and given my help and support. I am able to learn very hands-on marketing skills from a marketing consultant and how to communicate with local businesses about the organization.

The finishing look of part of Concordia Day

My boss, Cameron, is the bomb. (The “badass” lady who’s giving a speech standing on the bench is her 😉 We bonded over “sweet tea” during our first meal as we discovered that she is from the South and I also went to high school in the South. Not only she is one of the most understanding and helpful people I’ve ever met, she sat down with me on my first day to discuss my objectives for my time at Concordia Place so I could get the most of my experience there. I started to gain confidence from learning her stories and experience.

Cameron giving an introduction of Concordia Place to volunteers from Deloitte on Impact Day

Living in Chicago for the first time has been a blast – I absolutely love the Chicago summer! There are fun events going on almost every day and every weekend. And my real Chicago experience can’t be completed without my beloved “Team Chicago”: Bri, Erin, and, Meow (aka. Evan). Whether it’s going on a spontaneous photoshoot on the street in the middle of the night or watching the Prestige more than 3 times together within a month as it has become part of the “rituals”, being able to have such a support group like them really makes this summer memorable.

#Selfie while waiting on Uber to dinner on my birthday!

Now as I look back in time, I am gradually figuring out how to cope with my fear and confusion. When I have to think about not fitting in or not belonging, like “how to put a giraffe into a refrigerator”, the answer is simply: open the refrigerator, put in the giraffe, and close the door (where there’s a will there’s a way).