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Justin Murry |
When I first got the news that
I was going to be teamed up with HFHGLA, I was hesitant. I didn’t know exactly
what the organization did. However, my entire viewpoint of the organization was
changed when I met with partner families Amanda Jordan and Mr. and Mrs. Draughan
during the Collegiate Challenge dinners. Meeting them put a face to the papers
I saw on my desk. I was able to see the impact HFH GLA has had on their lives
and though unaware at the time they changed my life. To be honest, there were
days I just wanted to sleep in and hang out with my friends, but after meeting
these families it made working in the office to further HFH GLA’s mission even
more worthwhile.
I’ve loved my time with HFH
GLA, it has been an unforgettable, life changing experience. I am sad that my
time is coming to an end, but I am excited to go back to school and get more
youth involved in the affiliate. I had the opportunity to be a part of the
planning process of World Habitat Day and Act! Speak! Build! Week. Act! Speak! Build! Week gives young
adults and kids an opportunity to advocate, educate, and get their community
involved in HFH GLA’s mission to eliminate substandard living. As a past
participant last year I’ve been encouraged and I believe you can change a young
person’s whole life, if you educate them about homeownership at an earlier age.
As I begin my last week at
HFHGLA I can’t help, but remember my first day walking into the doors of the
Figueroa office intimidated and nervous about the upcoming weeks. As the weeks
unfolded, I sat in on various department meetings and surprisingly I was asked
what I thought. I went to the Board Retreat at Disneyland and I was treated
like I was an important part of the HFH GLA family. I had the chance to observe
what makes this affiliate so great by working with various departments as a
requirement of my internship. I worked alongside the very busy Homeowner Relations
Department, the amazing Isabel Lee in Executive, the hilarious and hardworking
Darrell Simien in Construction, all the Superheroes in Development, and the
energetic Power Women in EMC. I’ve had an experience most people dream of
having and I’ve loved every second of my internship. I want to say thank you to
all the staff, homeowners, and volunteers who have changed my view of the
world. I hope I will always be
considered a part of the HFH GLA family.
Has your life been impacted by Habitat for Humanity? Please share your story here in our comments or join the conversation on Facebook.
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Labels: act speak build week, advocacy, affordable housing, bank of america student leaders, green building, habitat for humanity los angeles, internship, nickels for nails, Youth United