Raise the Jolly Roger!

I realize I have not posted since starting my job two weeks ago as a counselor.  I am so busy during the day and so exhausted at night that writing about it is not high on my priority list.  Also, although I am busy, what I do is not blog-worthy.  I essentially go to class with the students from 9am-8pm, go to the gym during their study/free time at night, then stay up until they have to be on our floor or in their rooms, between 10:30 and midnight depending on the day of the week.  The first week was really hectic with a lot of things going on and trying to adjust to the system and adjust to handling teenagers.  This past week went much better and I think the next two weeks will be really fun!

On July 4, we took all 100+ students to a Pittsburgh Pirates game.  This involved taking them downtown on public transportation and then walking them a few blocks to the 6th street bridge, which we crossed to go to PNC Park.  It was a HOT day--the sun was beating on us all afternoon, and the temperature was close to 100 degrees.  80% of the students walked around inside or sat in the food stand areas, out of the sun, and the counselors took turns going inside and getting food.  The food was crazily overpriced, as expected, but that $6 cup of Rita's Ice sure hit the spot!

Around the 8th inning, the sun started to move behind the stadium and we were finally in the shade.  It also rained a bit, so the end of the game was fairly enjoyable.  The Pirates won (!!!) and then we were off to take the kids back to campus on the bus.

Walking across the Roberto Clemente Bridge to PNC Park

PNC Park Jumbotron!

My favorite skyline!  The view from Heinz Field is better, but I'll take it.

Pierogi race!

Play ball!

City of bridges <3

July 4 isn't complete without fireworks, but we wanted to keep it a surprise for the students.  We announced to the students a few days before that they would have a very early curfew (8:30pm) on July 4 because it would be a "liability" to let everyone go watch fireworks.  They bought it!  So at 8:30, each counselor told their floor a different lie to get them out of the dorm.  We walked them up to the highest point on campus (so. many. stairs.) and watched the fireworks over the city skyline.  Pittsburgh fireworks are amazing!!