Because I Hate Slacks

I'm leaving my bank job behind for a real job on an urban farm. 

That's right, a farm-- Complete with rows and rows of living, colorful food. And then there are chickens (which, currently, happen to be the only animals on the farm) for eggs, of course.

With still two and a half weeks left at the bank, I donated over half of my closet of "business casual" clothing and shoes to Lovelady Thrift Store, a place I  both love to give to and shop at for myself. This time especially, I very happily gave. Happily because I know that Lovelady is a great place, but most happily because I hate slacks.

It felt so liberating to rid myself of this business world clothing, though finding something to wear to work became a little more time consuming--Where did I put those pants? Oh yeah...--But well worth it.

Conversations about my new job go basically like this:

Me: I am joining AmeriCorps, and I will be working at Jones Valley Teaching Farm.

[Co-worker, friend, sibling, boss, curious bank customer, neighbor, mom, dad, grandparent, cousin, etc]: ...Jones Valley Teaching what? So, what'll you be doing there?

I'll try to summarize my answer in a nutshell, but it's really tough for me to briefly explain just what JVTF is all about and why I feel so passionate about working with them. Here's a little description from their website of what I'll basically be doing everyday:

"fight the systemic issues of health disparities, educational achievement and access to healthy food in an urban setting through immersion in Jones Valley’s educational programs, the urban farming process, and the enhancement of our communication and fundraising efforts on university and high school campuses." 

And I'll also be "introduced to topics of social entrepreneurship, sustainable agriculture, public education and community engagement through a comprehensive curriculum of readings, discussions, field visits, and group project-based work."

 If you know me well, I'm sure you can imagine how excited I am about this opportunity. I can honestly say that I have never been more excited about "work." And I cannot wait to share with you my upcoming urban farming experiences and everything I will learn. 

If you'd like to learn more about JVTF, click the picture below and check out the website.

Keep up with me here on Blogger where I'll be sharing with you weekly what's been going on on the farm.