Puzzle Pieces
Interview with Wendi Garrison, Senior Recreation Manager
By Carla Paulette Botello | May 31st 2016
I can hear my mentor -Wendi Garrison- talking on the phone in the office next door; her wedged heels making a soft thud against the colored carpet. I hear the soft ring of my computer’s five minute reminder, it reads Interview with Wendi 2pm-3pm. I move my hand, and swiftly click on the dismiss button, -it makes me more nervous than necessary- and stand up to walk the few steps to Wendi’s office. I knock and wait for her exuberant voice to let me in.
Wendi Garrison is a Senior Recreation Manager, in charge of the three following centers: Heritage Recreation Center, Norman Park Senior Center, and Loma Verde Recreation Center. Even though Wendi isn't originated from San Diego, her love of the weather and cat make her enjoy her life here. Even though she loves San Diego, there is something she loves more and that is her job. Wendi truly enjoys giving to others; if you need a new activity, Wendi has it all figured out, if your center needs funding, she know how and where to get it. Such an amazing person deserves an amazing story, and she is not far from it.
I enter her office, with recorder in hand, and let my eyes wander over the objects she perfectly displays. The vibrant, sky blue colors on the corner of her office make you look there first. An intricate arrangement of sea shells and white sand make you want to take of your shoes and walk on it. To the right, are the pale pink tones with alluring Japanese writing and images of her family. If you look closely, you can see a very small speck of green -a Seattle Seahawks small poster.
With her poise and bright smile, Wendi gestures for me to take a seat on one of the beige chairs facing her. Her swift hand movement then switches to interlaced fingers, balanced carefully on her wooden desk. I hear the sound of the recorder touching the desk, and press start. I am eager to know a little more about the person who has been teaching me so many things throughout my time here.