Harriet is asleep upstairs on our bed! It's the best time to blog about something or spend some time playing some games I've always wanted to. I mean, otherwise Harriet would just LOVE to sit on my keyboard and I can't do anything else other than to shut down, bring her away and let her fall asleep on my lap. She wouldn't sit on my lap quietly if I were to be sitting here in front of my laptop. There's just something about the keyboard, both on the laptop and desktop that she just likes to sit on and stare back at us. Then she would proceed to sleep on it.. Oh Harriet, what would I do without you. :)

Anyhoo, I have always feel like people don't understand me. To be honest, I don't know why that bothers me either.

??

The thing that triggered me today was the "statement" about me being a volunteer.
I love the fact that I get to spend some of my time doing something, but is it really for a good cause? At least that's what people would think I am doing so. I just do it because it makes me feel good.. also for me to gain some experience; people skills and potentially some 'working' skills, so that I could get a paid job after. It really is a good start to things.. I don't do it for the sole reason of me wanting to give back and be credited for that. I don't do it to tell people to see how good I am of a person, 'giving back' to whatever cause I am involved in. I just do it because it makes me feel good. It sounds rather selfish, but I am definitely getting something out of these experiences.

Back when I was an "intern" at Zoo Negara, I despised people who volunteered at the zoo. Because to be frank, I don't know what they are learning from these ONE DAY experience. Don't forget, volunteers are free manpower. Who wouldn't appreciate free man power for the day? I do feel like I would lose out for wasting one day of doing something and not learning anything from it. Anyways, back to those volunteers at Zoo Negara, they gave me that vibe where they are just doing it just so they are happy with the thought of "doing something good for the community". Then, the keepers weren't going to risk much and of course only gave the volunteers sweeping and cleaning tasks. Of course, volunteers would complain. This is when you know they aren't really sincere about volunteering in the first place. Sigh. 'Volunteering with friends' is even worse.

WELL. That wasn't very nice of me.

Because getting a spot as a volunteer for both RSPCA and Melbourne Zoo was a considerably lengthy process to go through.
1. Constant search and refresh on their websites about volunteer position openings.
2. Apply with a resume (includes questions to get to know you a little better).
3. Attend an interview.
4. Go through training.
5. Sit for an assessment/ test.
6. CONGRATULATIONS.
It takes about a month from the time you apply til the day you actually start as a volunteer.
There is also a probation period of 3 months with a commitment of at least one shift per fortnight.

YAY!
It's almost like a job.. with no pay.

Initially when I started, I wondered why am I doing so much eventhough I am only a volunteer. I don't really do simple stuff, I am actually helping to do stuff so that the 'company' runs smoother. I actually get pretty knackered by the end of each shift I do. I get absolutely happy when I get to be relieved early, but I wouldn't mind staying for the entire duration either. Like I said, it really does feel like I am working, for no pay. I was also hating on the fact that some people are doing less work than me but are getting paid to do them. BUT HEY, people need to start somewhere.. right? I sure hope so.

But I am really grateful that there are such positions available where it gives me a chance to learn some life/work skills before I get paid for my first job. Otherwise, I am probably never going to get hired.. at least I am hoping I am doing the right things this time. Aussies are serious about experiences, no matter how big or small, they would rather hire someone who has heaps more experience than somebody who has nothing. It's not about the brains here, it's all about EXPERIENCE.

I've always wanted to volunteer at RSPCA, but I never really gotten the chance to. This was back in uni when I lived in Clayton and was busy playing frisbee and "studying". But after I've graduated, I thought it would be a good start for me. It was the very first thing that I got a successful response from after a series of sorrys. From there, I knew I had to take a certificate 2 in Animal Care, a diploma sort of degree that focuses on the technical part rather than books and brains. During my 22nd birthday, Jinwei brought me to the zoo and I told myself I want to work there someday. I kept true to what I said, and applied for a volunteer position (after being rejected for a paid role). Which I was very proud of getting! But now I know that I probably don't want to work in a zoo for the rest of my life..

For my 23rd birthday, I will be spending my day at the zoo as a volunteer. :)

I am beaming on the inside. It is like a dream come true.

But of course, dreams have now been made to reality. Now I need to get a paid job somewhere..