meaning in the numbers

For the last little while I have been struggling at my internship. I would have periodic thoughts of worthlessness while I plugged numbers into excel spreadsheets and made endless photocopies, searching in every corner of the building for something of meaning to do. After a conversation with a friend who is in a much more direct contact possition with people, I have come to the realization that there is incredible meaning in the numbers. Without an operations team, FareStart couldn't run. It requires keeping track of book and organizing lists and contacting people and doing a lot of unsexy number management. It's to easy to disregard this form of work, defaulting to the fact that it doesn't work directly with people and that there are no intimate life connections. The company's accountant isn't the first person that you would peg to be screaming the benefits of FareStart from a rooftop somewhere but their presence is essential. I think that what this ultimately comes down to is the makeup of the people inan organization. There are people who see intrensic value in keeping track of numbers and organizing events and to place them in a counseling situation with a student would be less than ideal. they would want to do more and see more results. There are other people that need faces in their equaitions, that could bear the thought of typing and computering all day long, with out a shread of human interaction. The beautiful potential is when all of these different types of pepole come together under strong and balanced leadership, working for the whole of the community through their specific gifts and talents. I don't know if I have found my nitch. I don't think that it is in operations but thats alright. The people that I work with are amazing and deeply love their jobs.

The number crunch might seem unglamours to some but it is a vital part of any organization, a part that cannot be overlooked in the running of a company or ministry.

I am currently working on a sexy numbers project though, something that I see amazing value in. I get to compile a list of the size of each individual serving of food for our childcare sites, linking them the the USDA's nutrional charts, and then reviewing the meals to ensure that they are balanced and healthy. I live the sense of purpose that I feel, knowing that through my contribution little tummies might be fuller and that potentially undernurished children can receive balanced meals.