Mad about MADNESS

Happy New Year from the New Heights office!

This month has been incredibly busy for me and the rest of the New Heights team, as we figure out our strategies for growing and changing in the year ahead. Our biggest fundraiser, MADNESS, is coming up in a few months, and the entire team is already busy making plans for the venue and event. It’s amazing how much time and effort goes into the production of an event this large (we typically have several hundred people in attendance) and how much we all depend on one another to get everything done on time. I also think it’s really inspiring how much help we get from a much larger network of civically-minded individuals and organizations. At larger events like MADNESS, and other opportunities within the nonprofit community, it’s plain to see that there is a whole movement that is dedicated to ensuring educational equity and fighting NYC-area poverty. Knowing that I’m part of something that is so much larger than my individual position really encourages me to bring my all to my work.

I’ve been pretty impressed by how much interest and involvement there’s been from the larger New York community. Our event planning committees draw upon tons of different subcultures, from artists to business-owners to athletes, and each individual has their own reasons for getting involved and their own ideas of how they can contribute. Learning how others approach civic engagement and nonprofit work is, I think, a pretty crucial step in appreciating how my work creates meaning for myself in the world. The side conversations that I’ve had in the office and at fundraising events have been learning experiences that add a lot of depth to everything that I’m learning on the job.

MADNESS is going to require a lot of work from everyone in the office, but I’m really excited to see how everything comes together – and to hopefully meet some interesting new people in the process!

P55...in the Nation's service

I can’t believe 2011 is almost over…between graduating from college, beginning my Project 55 fellowship and making my home in a new city, I’ve barely had time to sit back and reflect on what the year has meant for my life and for society as a whole. This year has been pretty tumultuous for everyone. The tough job market and overall economic instability has caused many to question the value of a degree and the ease of establishing a career. While graduating during a recession is certainly less than ideal, I’m happy that my generation is thinking more critically about what we should value and what our obligations are to society. I’m really thankful for the inspiration that Project 55 – and the other outlets that connect Princetonians with civic engagement opportunities – brings to recent grads who are confused about the directions that their lives should take.

“Princeton in the nation’s service, and in the service of all nations.” It’s a cute motto, but what does it mean once you leave Fitz-Randolph Gate? It means that there isn’t necessarily a conflict between making a living and making a difference in one’s community. It means that receiving a Princeton education is a privilege that goes hand in hand with certain social responsibilities. At this point last year, I was searching for a career that resonated with my personal interests and my ethical convictions. Now, several months into my fellowship, I have a much better idea of my professional strengths and a great deal of faith in the potential of positive social change. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has been similarly inspired by the challenging but rewarding work that we’ve all been doing since graduation, and it’s great to see so many other recent Princeton grads that are doing great work in the world. I’m excited to see what changes 2012 will bring for the Alumnicorps and the future of civic engagement!