Halfway mark at UC Berkeley!

Celebrating the Fourth of July!

Our time at UC Berkeley thus far has been outstanding! July 4th we hiked to strawberry canyon to lay by the poolside and enjoy the California sunshine. Our night continued when our friend from Berkeley drove Kristen and I to the Berkeley hills to watch the fireworks from three different cities: Berkeley, San Francisco, and Sausalito. The view was spectacular, although the weather in Berkeley is colder than what I am used to in Connecticut!

Crossroads dining hall July 4th decorations!

 The next day Brian, the general manager at Foothills planned a field trip with us to visit St. Vincent de Paul in Oakland. St. Vincent de Paul is a community center which helps with food assistance, job training, and also has a thrift store located within the building. Melanie D, the Giving and Events manager at St. Vincent de Paul provided Brian, Kristen and I a tour of the facility. We had the opportunity to meet several employees and learned how they are trying to help the community. They offer two work force training programs, Champion Workforce and Kitchen of Champions. The programs were designed to help individuals who are re-entering the workforce. We toured the kitchen and watched the Kitchen of Champions group prepare meal for the individuals! I enjoyed the tour at St. Vincent de Paul, and one day would enjoy working with an organization similar to this!

Kristen, me, and Elise at the county fair!

Saturday we traveled to Pleasanton to attend the Alameda County Fair. Kristen and I as well as the Crossroads marketing team explored the county fair to brainstorm ideas for our dinner event. We had the opportunity to watch a motocross show and a horse race, while eating deep fried Oreo's and nacho cheese fries! The fair provided an opportunity for Kristen and I to consider a variety of decorations for our dinner event.

Horse race at the county fair.

Kristen and the marketing team at the horse race.

At the beginning of the week we had the opportunity to work first hand in the two of the retail locations on campus. Monday, Kristen and I worked in Pat Browns, where we served customers burritos, sandwiches, and entrees. Tuesday we worked in Golden Bear Cafe, serving breakfast and lunch to numerous customers. 

On Wednesday we worked with Sean M, who works with Cal catering and is the General Manager of the training table and Early Childhood Education Program. Training table is for the football, volleyball, and womens/mens basketball teams. During the preseason training table provides three meals a day for the athletes, and at least one meal a day during regular season. He showed us the different stadium kitchen facilities, the process of placing an order, and USDA food regulations for the Early Childhood Education Program. We enjoyed spending time with Sean and learning about what his job entails!

Elise and I enjoying the fair!