Okay so I am about to make my first blog entry…Yay for me! So before I begin there are few things I must tell you first.

1. Yes, I know am in graduate school, but my spelling and grammar are awful! (while I appreciate spell check and use it often it should not be used as a learning device…dictionary what?). Please try to ignore the embarrassing mistakes.
2. I am sorry if I make you say to yourself “what the heck is she talking about?” I tend to jump around.
LASTLY
3. I like details…..sorry.

Now that that’s over, and if you agree with the above terms then please continue reading.

I thought that I would write about the 5w’s that led me to where I am today.

Who- My name is Lisa Valentino I am in the MSW (Masters of Social Work) program at Cal State LA. After receiving my B.A. I tried my hardest to find a job, but couldn’t. I was advised to go back to school, but the thought of another 2 years in school seemed like a daunting task so I decided to pursue something different. Needless to say the next two years of my life seemed like they were missing something, I was not happy in my job a needed to make a change. I applied to three schools (I swear I thought I forgot how to write a paper, and to write 10 pages on why a school should accept me..well…10 pages about myself….really I had not done that much and was not that interesting) and accepted the first school I heard from. This was the greatest thing that I could have done for myself.
I have always been one to grasp any new opportunity I could get my hands on. Cal State LA has provided me with so much. The past year I truly feel that I have accomplished so much. I was working for the greatest company ever, located in south central, El Nido Family Centers. Here I counseled teen moms, taught a job preparation course and gave a grief and loss training. But I the most exciting thing happened about 2 months ago. I took a trip up to Sacramento for a Lobby Days Event in which I was able to meet with our state senators to discuss new bills that would possibly improve our state. It was so great to advocate like that for something that you knew could affect many people.
And now, I am about to embark on another journey/ chapter of my life….I am going to Africa!!!

What- (what what in the…naw…oh! Never Mind…haha ;-) ) you read me right…I am going to Africa, and on the way home I am stopping in Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris.

Where- I will be staying at the University of Ghana, located in the city of Accra. I will be working at the Police Hospital in the City of Accra, but I am not sure what I will be doing. I will post about it.

When- I leave in 7 ½ hours…..I have butterflies….lots of them…and they are multiplying!!!
Why- I get asked this question often…why? What, you have to pay to go…why? I have to say…why not? This trip is not about going on a vacation, its about learning something new. I am going to Africa, to do work, live in a different culture other than my own. How cool is that! I think one of my professor said it best when he said “ you all are going to have an amazing experience. You will get to see what its like to live with less, and work with less. Maybe you can learn to provide more for someone with less.” How many people can say at such a young age that they are going on a trip of a life time (nice plug for my blog…huh!) but that is what I am doing. I feel like I am living a dream. We are not going to Ghana to provide the people of Ghana with the “right way of doing things” like many people do. We are going to Ghana to learn something different than what we know, and the only thing that I will provide is my love.

I want to thank everyone EVERYONE for all that you have done and keep doing for me. Its sad to say, but I cant believe it has taken me this long to know and say, that I have the GREATEST LIFE ever! I am so fortunate and blessed. I truly mean it from the bottom of my heart, when I say that I love you all so incredibly much, words will never be enough to describe what you all mean to me. Thank you for all your love, help and support I truly admire, respect and appreciate each of you. Faith, hope and love…its all you need.

Okay well…I will be back on Friday or Sat night it all depends on if we have electricity or not.

Hugs <3