To say that I had a good time with Team Rubicon would be a major understatement. I arrived in the Bay Area about one year ago as I was going through an unpleasant divorce. I started to isolate myself from a lot of things that used to make me happy. Volunteering my time for the benefit of others was very rewarding to me at one point.
![](https://cdn-ep-wordpress-prod-wus.azureedge.net/app/uploads/2023/09/2017.03.02_SuperGenius_Weema_005-1024x768-1.jpg)
Catherine McLaughlin joined 20 greyshirts out on Operation Super Genius to serve those affected by severe flooding in San Jose, CA.
When I heard about Team Rubicon, I was hesitant at first. I didn’t think I would be accepted. I didn’t think I would fit in. Not only was I proved very wrong, I was treated as if I was no different than the next person who raised their hand to serve in the wake of severe flooding in San Jose, CA. I formed friendships and bonded with people I barely knew. I felt like I was part of a family. I was doing something great, and I was having a good time doing it.
![](https://cdn-ep-wordpress-prod-wus.azureedge.net/app/uploads/2017/03/FB_IMG_1488741436002-960x960.jpg)
Making friends during muckout operations is easy. Just ask Catherine.
Despite all the troubles and worries and problems I’ve been facing lately, I felt like myself again, and I want to thank TR for helping me reconnect with that feeling again and allowing me to become that much more independent. I’ll take home with me the confidence and happiness I thought I’d lost.