Write. Write everyday.

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I have this rare but honorable privilege to be told personal stories from different people all over the world. They share these amazing stories. Some may be amazing because they are filled with joy and laughter; others because I can’t believe this sad story is real. Regardless, I am committing myself today to write one paragraph each day. One story written down in paper so that it may not be forgotten. So that great times could be shared and injustices not ignored. If you would like to share with me, I’m hear to listen.

What’s the end goal? To publish and leave a legacy. That each person never be forgotten.

Write. Write everyday.

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I have this rare but honorable privilege to be told personal stories from different people all over the world. They share these amazing stories. Some may be amazing because they are filled with joy and laughter; others because I can’t believe this sad story is real. Regardless, I am committing myself today to write one paragraph each day. One story written down in paper so that it may not be forgotten. So that great times could be shared and injustices not ignored. If you would like to share with me, I’m hear to listen.

What’s the end goal? To publish and leave a legacy. That each person never be forgotten.

Retail Has Humbled Me

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You can go to two different eating establishments in the same block and each one will have a different policy on whether or not an employee can tell you, “Excuse me; we’re closed.”

Knowing that I had a coffee meeting at 8 P.M., I called ahead to P coffee place and asked what time they would closed tonight. 9 P.M. Sounded reasonable. One hour and twenty-one minutes into the conversation, and I notice an employee starting to mop. I keep that in the back of my mine. As she gets closer towards my area, I ask “Excuse me, what time to you close?” “9.” Looking down at my phone, “Oh, I’m sorry to keep you waiting.” My coffee friend and I exit and look for another open location to continue our conversation. We find a fast food establishment just a couple feet away. We walk in and order at W fast food.

We are asked to stay on one side of the place, the area that has been cleaned. We have approximately thirty minutes before they close and we take advantage of it but quickly reengaging in our conversation. So much so that we again, don’t notice time and now we have over stayed by seventeen minutes. “Excuse, the dine in area is now closed.” “Oh, we’ll thank you anyway. Don’t worry, we work retail, we completely understand.”

And it is in that last sentence that I see how my paradigm, my frame of reference through which I view the world, has changed from three years ago. Before, I would have been insulted. How dare they kick me out, I’m a paying customer. How dare they interrupt my conversation and time.

Now, I can see it from [retail/food service] perspective. How dare overstay their time, I service them with a strong work ethic. How dare they hold me back on my closing duties, affect my payroll and keep me from my tasks.

And it is only after working retail that I realize: Wow. You have to have patience when you want to go home but you can’t tell someone to leave. My respects to all that or currently work in any kind of serving role. And if you have never experienced this, I encourage you to make it a goal; whether through a part-time/seasonal paid or volunteer position.

Retail Has Humbled Me

Posted on by
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You can go to two different eating establishments in the same block and each one will have a different policy on whether or not an employee can tell you, “Excuse me; we’re closed.”

Knowing that I had a coffee meeting at 8 P.M., I called ahead to P coffee place and asked what time they would closed tonight. 9 P.M. Sounded reasonable. One hour and twenty-one minutes into the conversation, and I notice an employee starting to mop. I keep that in the back of my mine. As she gets closer towards my area, I ask “Excuse me, what time to you close?” “9.” Looking down at my phone, “Oh, I’m sorry to keep you waiting.” My coffee friend and I exit and look for another open location to continue our conversation. We find a fast food establishment just a couple feet away. We walk in and order at W fast food.

We are asked to stay on one side of the place, the area that has been cleaned. We have approximately thirty minutes before they close and we take advantage of it but quickly reengaging in our conversation. So much so that we again, don’t notice time and now we have over stayed by seventeen minutes. “Excuse, the dine in area is now closed.” “Oh, we’ll thank you anyway. Don’t worry, we work retail, we completely understand.”

And it is in that last sentence that I see how my paradigm, my frame of reference through which I view the world, has changed from three years ago. Before, I would have been insulted. How dare they kick me out, I’m a paying customer. How dare they interrupt my conversation and time.

Now, I can see it from [retail/food service] perspective. How dare overstay their time, I service them with a strong work ethic. How dare they hold me back on my closing duties, affect my payroll and keep me from my tasks.

And it is only after working retail that I realize: Wow. You have to have patience when you want to go home but you can’t tell someone to leave. My respects to all that or currently work in any kind of serving role. And if you have never experienced this, I encourage you to make it a goal; wether through a part-time/seasonal paid or volunteer position.

Elgin recognizes new U.S. citizens (El Conquistador)

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First article published in a bilingual newspaper, El Conquistador. Friday, June 23, 2006. Review links below for full article clipping and more.

by Tracy Ibarra

ELGIN – Juan Castro, along with 30 other new U.S. Citizens, were recognized June 14 at the seventh Annual Elgin Recognition Program for New U.S. citizens that was held during a city council meeting.

The event, which had the Elgin Chambers packed with approximately 200, was organized by the Elgin New Citizens Recognition Commission, which includes founder Jerry Turnquist, Elgin Community College, City of Elgin Mayor Ed Shock, Elgin’s City Council, and citizens at large.

Citizenship class instructor at Elgin Community College Richard Reed gave a brief overview of the process the students have to go through in order to apply for citizenship. “These students really want to be citizens, so they’re willing to put the time and effort,” said Reed. Castro, who became a U.S. citizen in January, spoke at the recognition about his arrival to the United States when he was 18 years old from Guerrero, Mexico, about his wife and three kids, and his love for the United States.

“I love this country because it give me the opportunity for a better life and not just for me but for my family as well. I am proud to be an American citizen.” Castro said.

Abigail Martinez, a Huntley resident, was very happy for her friend Rosa Sanborn, another new U.S. citizen acknowledged at the recognition. “I’m excited for her because she’s been waiting for three years and I know she wants to live in this country for the rest of her life, so that she can have better opportunities,” Martinez said.

The event closed with the Elgin Choral Union Outreach Ensemble singing patriotic songs, including the National Anthem.

A reception, hosted by State Representative Ruth Munson (R-Elgin) and Senator J. Rauschenberger (R-Elgin), followed the ceremony.

Full Clipping – PDF – Elgin recognizes new U.S. citizens