Comings and Goings

I feel as though I'm starting to really get into the swing of things. The duties I have are still mostly on the menial side, but I really enjoy them--like printing the Amateur Night certificates and watching videotapes of old events to make sure they're good quality. I'm getting along very well with everyone at the office and so far, I feel like I've done a good job of being available and supportive in every way to my mentors.

My one concern is--should I be taking more initiative? I feel like I come to them for tasks and they give me things to do, which suits me fine. But should I be coming up with my own projects and going to them for input? I don't think I know enough yet to really create something substantial. But I don't want them to feel like I'm expecting them to come up with duties for me. I want to make their jobs easier and add something of my own as well. Hopefully I'll be able to find a balance between being a helpful assistant and actively contributing to the Apollo culture.

Now That I'm Settled...

By this point, I feel established at the Apollo. I have a nice little desk outside my coworkers' offices, with a computer from the medieval times and desk space. To be honest, I wish my computer weren't quite so ancient; everything takes longer and it makes it really hard to view files or run any kind of program. But oh well, there's much worse in this world to be dealt with.

Friday was my first full day (10-6) and it was exhausting but very fun. I did a lot of running papers back and forth, printing and stapling for the Open House that was the next day. But I also got some time to edit and even help write a bit of the hosts' scripts for the Open House, and that was really the best part. It was kind of nerce-wracking, considering the number of people who would be hearing and speaking those lines, but I did my best and actually got a compliment from the head of that project this week, which was REALLY gratifying.

Now we're starting another project, one slated for performance in June, and I can't wait. It has to do with African music and afrobeat musicians. A version of it was performed in Paris last year, and now they're doing it again at the Apollo. I can't wait to be involved, and it seems like I might have more to do, especially since I was asked to research all the people involved.

Well, that's all for now. I'll check in soon!

First Thoughts!

I've had my first day at the Apollo, and it was great! The atmosphere is warm but very professional; I have to remember, as one of my many new pieces of information, to dress the part. Everyone was very friendly and happy to help me out, especially the security folks who took my (terrifying) picture for my ID badge. I must say, I like having a badge on a lanyard and everything.

My two mentors are absolutely all-business. They are very kind and never hesitate to explain things to me, but they obviously have a lot of work to do and need someone who can keep up and learn as they work instead of hanging around on the sidelines. I need to be a player, not a substitute, and I'm prepared to work as hard as I can and show them that I'm active instead of passive. I also want to make sure I take advantage of the experience I'm getting, so my work keeps improving over time.

That's all for now, first day impressions. Check back soon!