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Svetlana Sergievskaya causes lyrical chess wars (thegirlisme) wrote in valarlogs,
@ 2015-08-03 08:47:00

Entry tags:

!complete, meg giry, svetlana sergievskaya

Who: Meg Giry and Svetlana Sergievskaya
What: Meg is signing up to do volunteer work
When: 3 August 2015, morning
Where: Svetlana's office type place
Warnings: Low
Status: Thread | Complete

It wasn't even nine o'clock yet and already Svetlana could feel the increasing temperature and humidity. Whatever people wanted to believe about California, how it was a nice moderate temperature year round and no humidity? They were sorely mistaken. It may have once been that way for all she knew, but that wasn't the case anymore. Even so, there wasn't much that she could do about the matter. There were fans in the office (since why would the building need central cooling?) and those made due plus staying hydrated. At least it wasn't too uncomfortable. Just the prelude of it getting there.

As it was, she had been at her desk for nearly an hour now, going over paper work and scheduling. There were speaking engagements that needed to be filled, figure out who to send, there were walks and training sessions as well as tables at local schools and street events. Summer was winding to a close, and that meant that there was a lot of scheduling. Not to mention that with school starting within the next few weeks for some of the volunteers, they would need more.

Absently the blonde woman sipped her tea, fully engrossed in her current work pile. She had appointments in the afternoon that would take her out of the office and so she wanted to get a head start when it came to actually getting scheduling concerns worked out.

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charmingdancer
2015-08-04 12:38 am UTC (link)

Meg enjoyed California’s weather, even when it was nasty and muggy and generally miserable. She’d grown up wanting to live in a warmer climate. They say ‘be careful what you wish for’, but Meg was perfectly content with the hand she’d been dealt. She missed sweaters and tights, but she never really complained. Inside the building was a different story, though. It felt like someone had taken all of the heat and humidity of this area of California and trapped it inside four walls. Meg slipped out of her lightweight cardigan and folded it over her one forearm. Maybe there would be fans where she was meeting Svetlana.

She was really looking forward to finding out if she’d be a good fit volunteering there. It was like that documentary had spurred her onward. She hadn’t finished watching it, but she’d watched enough to realize that trafficking was a huge problem. It made her want to do something to stop it, to help the people it affected.

Meg rounded a corner, smiling when she realized she was at the right office. She rapped her knuckles lightly on the doorframe to announce her presence.

“Hello. I’m here to see Svetlana Sergieskaya?”

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thegirlisme
2015-08-04 12:49 am UTC (link)

Hearing someone rapping on the doorframe, Svetlana blinked and looked up. She hadn't been expecting anyone but that never really seemed to stop the flow of people who would stop by her office, be it for suggestions or to give her more paperwork or someone who needed her help. But that wasn't the case. Instead it was the young woman she had spoken to on Valarnet.

"Hello, you've come to the right office."

Was that the correct phrase? English idioms were always confusing. And while she'd been speaking English for years since she'd been doing conferences, had learned it in school and had lived in America for a little over a year now, she still struggled at times with the language and the turns of phrases that were used. But no matter.

Having stood up, Svetlana motioned to the chair on the opposite side of her desk, putting aside the scheduling that would now have to be dealt with later. No matter. Once Meg was seated, Svetlana sat down as well.

"How can I help you?"

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charmingdancer
2015-08-06 03:52 am UTC (link)

A tiny smile of relief formed on Meg’s face. She was glad she’d found her way to the right office. It would have been kind of embarrassing to have gotten lost. When Svetlana gestured to the chair, Meg quickly took a seat, careful to tuck her skirt under as she sat down.

“You mentioned something on Valarnet about people being able to volunteer here. I thought maybe I could pitch in and help out if you needed me.” Of course, she did have a job, but hours at the tea shoppe were pretty flexible. There was also the occasional dance workshop, but those occurred once a month, tops. Meg had a lot of free time and a burning desire to help people and do something good. It seemed like this was a good match for her, but she would let Svetlana decide that.

“Do you have some kind of paperwork for people who are interested in volunteer work?” Meg had even come prepared with her own pen. She’d never volunteered before, but she was a quick study. She was certain that if Svetlana or whoever her superior would be would give her clear instructions that she would be able to do a good job.

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thegirlisme
2015-08-06 05:21 am UTC (link)

And if there had been any doubt before that this was the young woman from the network, she just verified it. So instead Svetlana nodded as Meg explained why she was there.

"Of course, we're always happy to have volunteers." And they were. The more people who could help, the better. It also allowed for a variety of opportunities as well as easy coordination. You know, when Svetlana wasn't fighting paper work and scheduling. But that scheduling was more for the bigger events and less for what foot volunteers would be needing.

"Yes, let me get that for you." Standing up, the Russian woman went to a filing cabinet and then pulled out the form before returning to her desk, handing it to Meg. "If you could just fill this out, I can put you into the computer." It was a basic form, availability, contact, things of that nature. Interests and specialities. "Most volunteers help run tables for us at events. Sometimes they come to the speeches or marathons and help there. But it is based on your availability."

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charmingdancer
2015-08-08 04:30 am UTC (link)

Meg’s smile broadened slightly when Svetlana mentioned that they were always happy to have volunteers. If volunteers were in need, there was less pressure on her as an applicant. Maybe the rest of summer break would be spent doing something altruistic. She liked that idea. Spending the summer just sitting around and going to the occasional dance workshop was boring and made her feel a little useless.

Standing up slightly, Meg took the application from Svetlana and smiled a little. She sat back down tentatively. “Is this something I can fill out here or should I take it home?”

Meg could do it either way. She’d have more time if it was meant to be filled out at home, but at the same time the lack of a deadline would mean she’d just leave it on her desk for days before so much as filling out her name. If she had the option of filling it out in Svetlana’s office she would definitely be speedy about it. She wouldn’t rush, of course, because she wanted to make a good impression. She really did want to earn a position volunteering there.

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thegirlisme
2015-08-08 05:37 am UTC (link)

If there was one thing that was important for volunteers, it was a willingness to participate. She knew that some schools had classes where students had to volunteer, it was for a grade or credits. And while it was good to get people involved, she personally preferred those who chose to be instead of those who were there because they had to be, and thus didn't put forth as much effort or energy. Especially when what they were dealing with was something like human trafficking.

"It's up to you. If you feel more comfortable doing so at home, that's fine. But if you want to fill it out now, that is fine as well."

Really, Svetlana was flexible on that front. After all, sometimes people had to check their calendars and so would fill it out at home, or needed to look information up.

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charmingdancer
2015-08-15 12:09 am UTC (link)

Oh, Meg was most definitely willing to participate. She had a drive inside her to do good. It was what made her such a kind person. Given that she was usually happy when she was busy, it was what made her such a happy person, as well. Meg’s inner sunshine was always begging to be let out. It let itself out when she danced as that was what brought her the most joy in life, but it also let itself out when Meg believed herself to be a good person.

“No, I think I’ll fill it out here, actually.” She smiled a little. “Do you have a pen I can borrow?”

Already, Meg had a good feeling about the place. She liked to believe that a person’s workspace could say at least a little bit about what the person was like. Svetlana’s was neat and organized and Meg took that to mean that Svetlana was all business when she had to be. It was an important quality for a leader to have and as a volunteer, Meg was looking to work for a good leader.

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thegirlisme
2015-08-15 01:09 am UTC (link)

Svetlana wouldn't consider herself a leader, though she did tend to be in charge of things between her references from Moscow, as well as with Vital Voices. They helped her settle and gave her the training that was necessary. Then again, she rarely took time for herself and more often than not, her life was her work, and it showed.

"Of course."

Handing a pen over to Meg, the Russian woman gave a slight smile before turning back to her computer to pull up the programme she would need to input Meg's information into once the form was filled out. It never hurt to be extra prepared. Also, she wanted to be efficient. She well knew how a lack of efficiency could mean life or death. How not having everything in order could hold things up. The joys of dealing with a lot of red tape.

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charmingdancer
2015-08-18 12:35 am UTC (link)

Meg took the pen, smiling up at the older woman gratefully. “Thanks!” She chirped before turning her full attention to the application before her. There were no strange questions. Meg could understand the purpose of every question asked, therefore it wasn’t weird in the slightest. She answered each and every one honestly, though she did try to use language that would make her sound perhaps a little bit more professional than what was actually real. Sweeten it up a little bit. It wasn’t too far of a stretch, of course. That would have been outright lying instead of embellishing and Meg only ever really lied to spare people’s feelings. Other than that, she was an oddly honest person.

With Meg scribbling as quickly and legibly as she possibly could, it was only about fifteen or twenty minutes before she’d completed the entire thing. She slid the paperwork across the desk along with the pen she’d borrowed.

“Do you get many people volunteering around here?” She smiled curiously.

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thegirlisme
2015-08-18 12:44 am UTC (link)

A small smile was given as Meg handed her back the paperwork and pen, returning the pen to her desk drawer and putting the paperwork on her keyboard so that she remembered to input the information once Meg ended up leaving. For now, she was content to answer whatever questions the college student might have. Which seemed to be about the number of people who volunteered.

"It goes in waves based on time of year and if volunteer work is required for any coursework or university credit."

That was one of the things they did try for. Beyond giving back to the community and doing their best to help those who needed it and were afraid, they also created partnerships with different local universities to get students involved in the process as well.

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charmingdancer
2015-08-23 11:17 pm UTC (link)

“Oh, I never even thought of that! Although I don’t know if a dance major would need credit from volunteering. It’s something I’ll have to look into.” Meg nodded, smiling cheerily. She’d gone into this purely to help out. If she benefitted from volunteering at this organization that would just be a cherry on top of the metaphorical sundae. A silver lining with the absence of a dark cloud.

“Can I ask you a question?” She paused for a moment. “How did you get into this line of work? Did you just have a desire to help vulnerable people?” Meg didn’t do it intentionally or even knowingly, but she leaned in slightly, tilted her head to the side curiously. It was a very noble cause to work for, but Svetlana’s motivations for working there were interesting to Meg. She knew why she was here. It was because of that documentary that had broken her heart.

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thegirlisme
2015-08-24 06:57 pm UTC (link)

Svetlana knew that some universities had classes or majors where volunteering was necessary so it was always a good idea to bring it up, just in case. She wasn't really sure which departments at which universities required it. Just that there was paperwork for her to sign at the end of the term and they took that in and got whatever credit they needed. It seemed mostly about making connections in the real world, or just getting the experience for what they were doing.

"Of course." It was a valid question, and Svetlana tilted her head some as she thought about it. What exactly had prompted it? She had gone to university uncertain of what she wanted to do, but it was there that she had made the decision and focus she wanted.

"I was in University. It was Moscow State Institution of International Relations. There were always whispers about girls who were told they would work in different countries and then no one heard from them. I put the pieces together, saw how it was handled in Russia and in different countries..." It really had all just fallen into place for her. Between the loss of her brother and what she read and saw. "It just seemed to fit."

Shrugging, Svetlana was about to say something else when someone knocked, catching her attention.

"Yes?"

"It's Nadiya." And cursing in Russian, Svetlana stood up and smiled apologetically to Meg, switching back to English. "I'm sorry but I seem to be needed elsewhere now. It was nice meeting you and I will be sending you information on projects."

Waiting until Meg was up, she walked her to the door of her office so that she could find her way out before turning to go handle the situation that had come up suddenly.

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charmingdancer
2015-08-28 01:34 am UTC (link)

Meg frowned a little when Svetlana began talking about hearing stories about the disappearing girls. She had never witnessed such things firsthand, but they still turned her stomach. Maybe it was because she was still a little naive, but Meg still had a hard time believing that people could hurt or exploit other people. Knowing that they did was a hard truth to swallow.

Then Svetlana was needed elsewhere. Meg rose to her feet, straightening her purse over her shoulder. She smiled understandingly at Svetlana.

“It was wonderful meeting you. I can’t wait to start here.” It was the truth, too. Meg knew that she was sorely lacking in worldly experience. Helping out here could have been just the thing for her. She walked out of the office, smiling over her shoulder once again before finding her way out of the building.

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