My Very Own McFarland

        I've always dreamed of having my own "McFarland, USA" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-VAOlHGE6Q) from the moment the movie came out. I remember when first arriving to my neighborhood here in LA and driving past the school, I expressed, "The Lord has given me my very own McFarland!" It felt just right and like a perfectly tailored gift from God bestowed to me. And that's exactly what it's been. The start of this job has been quite the transition. I've had to go from my schedule-less summer days to waking up at 5:45 am and arriving to my job early, because as many have said "early means on time." It has been a bit of a change working 10 hours a day, but overall, I've enjoyed being busy and living out the mission God has forme in this season of life. 

            To give a general description of my daily schedule, it usually begins with my team blasting music and clapping or (semi-)dancing in front of the school’s entrance as the students walk through embarrassed or annoyed at our attempts to get them hyped for the school day. Lol. I can’t blame them. It is a bit early to be that hype in the morning.

              Then after this time we call “power greeting”, my team and I go our separate ways to our designated classrooms to help students who may need extra help. So far I’ve loved the classes I am assigned, which include Algebra 1, English, and Ethnic Studies. It definitely has been interesting being in the high school setting once again, but not as the student this time. I’ve enjoyed sitting in the classroom and actually learning without the pressure of having to take notes for a grade or to “prove my intelligence.”

              But overall, what has intrigued me the most since my time in the school this past week and a half, is learning about and observing the school’s demographics and commonalities among the students. The school is considered a larger one and is composed mainly of Hispanic and African American students from the surrounding community of the lower/middle socio-economic class level. There are a handful of students who are English Language Learners (ELL) and know very little English. Although I struggle many times in my Spanish, I enjoy talking with the ELL students as it helps me practice my Spanish, while I attempt to provide help to the students as well.

              Additionally, in my interactions with the students, many shared that they failed their classes last school year over Zoom, and some have expressed that they thought of themselves as “dumb” because of their past struggles in academics. I also noticed that many of the students don’t have a high belief in themselves, as they would express that they didn’t think they were capable and they shared in a lighhearted manner that they come from a household of name calling and tough love. This was eye opening and really encouraged me to be present and focused this school year in helping them not only succeed academically, but also to provide that encouragement that can build belief in themselves.

              The days, although long in hours, pass by pretty quick, and are pretty enjoyable thanks to my team I get to work with. Thankful that we are all supportive and purposeful in our decision for this year long commitment with City Year.

              Besides all this, a random/fun thing occurred just last week! There was an AT&T commercial casually being filmed during the school day in the auditorium. Why was I so amazed by this? LOL. This is California! And not only that, this is Los Angles, just a few minutes from the heart of Hollywood. However, the commercial filming wasn’t the first time Hollywood stepped on the school’s premises. Supposedly the show “All American” was filmed here at the school as well.

              In all this, it’s definitely been a process getting into the new groove of things and finding the rhythm of this new job. In just a couple of days working here, I’ve learned so much and have been seeking to grow in my mindset and the ability to be present and content, which is a good set up for the next blogpost to come because, believe me, I have a lot to say about being content in this season. Stay tuned! It will be a good one. 😉

-Brittany 😊        

Take a look into my first week by watching the video: https://animoto.com/play/fbj2ja51u9L0vyK1arf1lA

Month One and It's Only Just Begun

    August 8^th marked one month of living in Los Angeles, California and wow, what a journey it has been so far! Within this first month I have experienced so much and learned so much about myself, the world, people, different perspectives, and God.

    As I reflect on this path month, I can’t help but think about the month leading up to July 8^th- the day I hopped on the plane with all my things and moved here to The City of Angels. Two weeks before the start of this journey, my dad took my sister and I to Kema Board Walk, which is a pier consisting of rollercoasters and small rides near the beach. With my sister aware that I have a loath for rollercoasters, she suggested the three of us take it easy and go on the ferris wheel. This ride was relaxing and fun, but there definitely wasn’t any sense of terror like that of the bigger rides surrounding us. Then after this ride, my sister jokingly suggested that we ride the swinging ship ride. Surprisingly, I said “YES!” As I was seated and ready for the ride, I was only slightly nervous and thought I finally outgrew my fear of rollercoasters since I did not feel the same sense of anxiety I had for rollercoasters when I was younger.

    However, I quickly learned that this was because the ride was just getting started. Haha! As the boat ride progressed, the boat vigorously swooshed up and down repeatedly to where it was quickly confirmed to me why I never enjoyed rollercoasters- they are excruciatingly uncomfortable and bring about a dreadful feeling that can’t be stopped till the ride is over. During the whole ride I screamed at the top of my lungs, closed my eyes shut, and held on to my sister’s hand with all my might. These three things eased the discomfort of the ride. During the whole thing, I clearly remember thinking, “IF I CAN DO THIS, I CAN DO ANYTHINGG!!” In other words, I felt that if I could voluntarily say yes to this scary ride, I could definitely do whatever God was telling me to do and move to California, even if it was scary and full of unknowns.

    Once the ride ended, I was shaking with adrenaline and filled with relief and laughter at the whole experience, thinking, “Wow! I can’t believe I just did that!” Although I did not realize it in the moment, this situation was very significant and symbolic for the new season that I was to step into that coming week in California.

    Fast forward a few weeks later to now- August 8^th.   I sit here in my room thinking about month number one in LA, which I can say was truly amazing, adventurous, new, and exciting! However, there were also many times when it was the exact opposite, and it was very tough, uncomfortable, and foreign. I experienced a small degree of culture shock and there were definitely times when I felt defeated, ungrateful, lonely, and forgot why God sent me here. But during one of my moments with the Lord in my bedroom, He reminded me of this boat ride rollercoaster. He reminded me how I held so tightly to my sister’s hand, which brought comfort and alleviated the stress of the ride. There was no doubt in my mind that I was letting go of her hand. I needed her hand to keep me grounded during the two-minute adrenaline rush.

    The Lord reminded me that in the same way that I held so tightly to my sister’s hand, I needed to hold on to Him no matter what I face here in this journey. I needed to hold on like it says in Psalm 91: 14-16 (MSG), “’If you’ll hold on to me for dear life…I’ll get you out of any trouble. I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times.’” There is much to be said, which will probably come in a later post, but if there is anything that God taught me since my time here it is this: hold on to God and He will never let you go. He is everything I need in every situation.

    So, here’s to month one in California and it’s just the beginning! Thank you again to all those who have prayed for me, reached out, and supported me through this journey so far. Extremely grateful for each and every one of you!

-Brittany Prada 💛

Check out a slideshow about my first month here: https://animoto.com/play/2baEkLHPXxQ1xKL5q2YW3w