Blog 25: Mentorship

Literal
-mentorship log
-Antoinette Contreras (or Monique Jaime), 626-965-4000

Interpretive
The most important thing I've gained from my experience at Yoganette was being able to communicate with others. When I first started as a receptionist, I had to go the extra inch to service the students and make sure they had a great experience at the studio. It was weird for me to talk to people who weren't my own age, so I was a little shy but eventually I was able to overcome my fear. Usually I'm pretty comfortable enough to speak to people my own age, but it was definitely different to be able to communicate to people of superiority or higher respect. Communication is a big deal here at the studio. I actually had some communication problems with my mentors about my scheduling. I usually am scheduled to come in on Wednesdays and Sundays but due to my work schedules, I would come in on Saturday morning instead of Wednesday. I failed to let Monique know which caused so much confusion. Thankfully she was very understanding which made me realize that communication is pretty much vital in any relationship, professional or personal.

Applied
Although I wasn't able to have a hands-on experience with teachers as they were teaching classes, I was able to have amazing one-on-one conversations with Antoinette, Kellie (Hicks), and Monique. These three are all teachers at Yoganette who are always willing to help me out on my senior project even though I didn't have access to any yoga related activities. Instead, while classes were going on, I would talk to them about my essential question, my interviews, research, and any other yoga related questions I had. Like I said, I might not have had any hands-on experience by shadowing a teacher, but every conversation I've had during my shift at Yoganette was full of quality and substance.

Happy Easter from Yoganette!

I was very proud of the board that I update every week. I drew a bunny doing yoga! Anyway, it's so cool that I am in charge of updating the board because I'm usually one of the first people to know about new specials and workshops.

Photoshoot at the Studio.

I was cleaning the studio at my normal time of closing, but for some reason, my mentors were still there. I asked them what was going on and they told me they were holding a photoshoot for the new class they're offering, YBarre. YBarre is similar to PiYo (pilates & yoga) but with the use of "ballerina barres."

Gifts!

My mentor was out for an event in Hawaii and she brought all of the sevas (helpers) a little gift! Inside is an IslandGirl Lip Gloss, naturally scented by flowers, wrapped in heart spotted wrapping paper. Good karma is awesome!

Blog 11: Mentorship 10 hours Check

1.   Where are you doing your mentorship? 
I am doing my mentorship at Yoganette Yoga Studio in West Covina, CA.
2.   Who is your contact?
Antoinette Contreras
3.   How many total hours have you done (total hours should be reflected in your mentorship log located on the right hand side of your blog like your WB)?   
I have done approximately 70 hours including classes as well as maintaining the studio.
4.   Summarize the 10 hours of service you did.
The 10 hours of service I did was pretty simple -- I took a couple classes and maintained the cleanliness of the lobby, studio, back rooms, and bathrooms.
5.   Email your house teacher the name of your contact and their phone number.
Just in case - Antoinette Contreras / 626) 965-4000

Blog 1: Summer Mentorship Component

Mentor
Antoinette Contreras
626) 965-4000
antoinette@yoganette.com

Literal (Know)

1. June 16, 2012 (4 hours) - Antoinette, the owner of Yoganette Yoga Studio, showed me the ropes of being a receptionist at her facility. I learned how to use Dharma Tribe (system to keep up with students & classes) and how to check students in with it. Throughout the rest of the time I was there, it was my responsibility to keep the lounge and restrooms tidy.
2. June 23, 2012 (5 hours, 30 mins) - After my usual 4 hours being a receptionist, I took my first yoga class with Alain. It was a very exclusive class with only 3 other women participating with me. He taught me that there were multiple forms of yoga such as Vinyasa and Bikram but advised me not to try it yet seeing as I was a beginner. 
3. June 30, 2012 (5 hours, 30 mins) - I arrived at the studio a lot earlier than the instructors themselves, so Antoinette agreed to give me a key to open it. Though I've only volunteered for a short amount of time, I already felt at home and comfortable with my fellow volunteers once I was handed the key. With all of the trust the studio has instilled in me, I felt like I should take on more responsibility. I assisted students to their classes and tidied up the entire studio during and in between classes. After my usual 8-12 shift, I took another class that has never been brought to my attention. Erica, one of the instructors that trained me, urged me to take a Restorative class. Not knowing what I was getting into, I went ahead and took it. Surprisingly, this was the polar opposite of what I thought it would be. Throughout the 90 minute class, it contained little to no movement, just relaxing which can alter perspectives of yoga.

Mentorship Spreadsheet

Literal (Need to know)

1. How many types of yoga are there?
2. Which types of yoga promote stress relief? Weight loss? Flexibility?
3. What types of yoga should one stray away from if they suffer from sensitive conditions such as scoliosis?
4. Should you eat healthier to gain a better experience while taking yoga classes?
5. How does one know which intensity to practice with certain conditions or if they're simply a beginner?

Interpretive

The most important thing I've gained from this amazing experience was that there are innumerable amounts of yoga. Coming into the studio, I thought that we'd only be stretching and doing some "downward facing dogs" but boy, was I wrong. Each instructor has their own style and way of teaching. Depending on which class you take, you can either relax, sleep or sweat because yoga is truly a workout.

Applied
What I did made me want to stick with yoga because it's such an amazing feeling after a long, stressful day. For those 90 minutes, you forget all of your worries and burdens and live in the present. Not only do you clear your mind but you exercise your physical health as well. With my current knowledge of yoga, I'd like to learn as much as Antoinette knows and share it with others because it's something healthy you can resort to opposed to others.