12/9-12/13 Week in Review
Hello Friends,
Word of the week: Consideration
This week, we explored the theme of consideration on both micro and macro levels. We reflected on the importance of mindfulness in our interactions, recognizing that we often don’t know what others may be going through. This awareness inspired us to think deeply about how our words and actions impact others, regardless of intention.
We also celebrated one of our fellows' birthdays by cooking his favorite meal, Gochujang buttered noodles—a first-time recipe for everyone that turned out to be surprisingly delicious! If you’d like to try it yourself, here’s the recipe from The New York Times.
Our week included a meaningful volunteering session with People’s Place, supporting their Bag Holiday Hunger program. This initiative provides essential food items for families during the two-week winter break, a critical time when children lack access to school lunches. Each bag, filled with staples like cereal, milk, pancake mix, soup, and oats, serves as a vital resource for families.
We joined the effort to assemble 3,000 bags to serve families across the county. While the daily quota was 70 bags, our group managed to assemble 48, gaining a deeper understanding of the dedication required to meet this goal. Witnessing the scale of the need and the thoughtful response to food scarcity was humbling, reinforcing how purposeful action can create meaningful change in our communities.
Our December Table Talk guest was Caleb Wyatt, Production Manager (aka Swiss Army knife) of Hudsy TV. He shared his story of growing up in Atlanta and attending college at Bard. During his talk, Caleb spoke about his journey, the challenges and rewards of creative work, and the importance of building a mission-driven career while staying true to one’s values.
To close the week, we visited the Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History for a guided tour. Learning about the bakery’s history and its significance in Kingston’s immigrant community was both fascinating and inspiring. We also watched The Lost Rondout, a film documenting Kingston’s urban revitalization. This experience served as a perfect foundation for our upcoming Place Story project, where fellows will research and present on places that hold personal significance while practicing diverse research methods.
Our busy Thursday continued with an inspiring session led by TMI Workshop. TMI specializes in transmedia storytelling, helping individuals craft and share stories they may not initially see as valuable but are, in fact, deeply significant. The workshop encouraged fellows to explore and express these narratives, fostering a powerful sense of connection and authenticity. It was incredible to hear the fellows open up and share their stories, creating a moving and transformative experience in the welcoming space of the Good Work Institute.
Let’s carry the spirit of consideration and purposeful action as we continue throughout the weekend.
Have a good weekend,
Place Corps Team
:)