Let me take you to my last semester at Endicott College:
A cold February evening, probably procrastinating working on my thesis, I found myself talking with one of my closest friends, Lindsey, on iChat. The context of our conversation centered on spring break. A few months prior Lindsey committed to going on the Alternative Spring Break (ASB) trip to New Orleans. As we began talking, I expressed my excitement for her, and frankly, how I wish I applied. With no concrete plans for my last spring break, suddenly, an opportunity presented itself. Lindsey revealed that two individuals dropped out of the trip and if I got in touch with the trip advisors, I could potentially join. Two days later, I found myself sending letters to family and friends asking for donations in support of ASB. My first experience on ASB changed my perspective on volunteering, family, and faith, and I knew this trip would bring new revelations -- especially at a time when graduation loomed in the near future.
(Me and Lindsey)
A cold February evening, probably procrastinating working on my thesis, I found myself talking with one of my closest friends, Lindsey, on iChat. The context of our conversation centered on spring break. A few months prior Lindsey committed to going on the Alternative Spring Break (ASB) trip to New Orleans. As we began talking, I expressed my excitement for her, and frankly, how I wish I applied. With no concrete plans for my last spring break, suddenly, an opportunity presented itself. Lindsey revealed that two individuals dropped out of the trip and if I got in touch with the trip advisors, I could potentially join. Two days later, I found myself sending letters to family and friends asking for donations in support of ASB. My first experience on ASB changed my perspective on volunteering, family, and faith, and I knew this trip would bring new revelations -- especially at a time when graduation loomed in the near future.
(Me and Lindsey)For nearly four years, I struggled with individuals who suggested new graduate nurses work two years on a medical-surgical floor. That's certainly not how I wanted to start off my nursing career, nor how I envisioned myself as a nurse. So when I expressed my interest in following a rather unconventional route, aka AmeriCorps, you can imagine the reaction. But by the time senior year rolled around, those who knew me well enough recognized I'd follow whatever path I felt fit me. Yet at the same time, I masked the inner debate I constantly had with myself of whether I focus on nursing or my passion for service. And when I stepped off the plane in New Orleans, despite my contentment, my mind raced over the thought of the future.
You see, I feel best when I volunteer and help others. That's mostly why I became a nurse. But as I progressed through nursing school, I realized the quintessential nursing role wasn't where I would find that fulfillment I envisioned. My concerns grew greater and I frequently thought, is this profession really what's right for me? By the time March and ASB rolled around, the subject of applying for jobs and preparing for the NCLEX came up in nearly every conversation with professors, peers, and family. So inevitably, the height of my anxiety regarding the future was at its climax while in New Orleans. Yet I never imagined that one volunteer trip and one woman could solidify my years of indecision into a clear, concise plan so quickly.
I'll admit, I'm not the troublemaker (shocking news, I know...). Predictably, I never had to encounter the Associate Dean of Students during my time at Endicott. Well, until I decided to go on ASB. Much to my delight, Brandi (the gal who possesses the previously mentioned, kind of seriously intense title), was just the 'trip leader turned mentor', I needed. In between painting, moving ladders, and scraping paint, we talked at great length about my 'life dilemma.' As an AmeriCorps alumna, she shared stories from her term of service at Citizens School and how positive AmeriCorps impacted her career. Before I knew it, I found myself back in Beverly and in Brandi's office, filling out applications for AmeriCorps positions across the country. Brandi encouraged me to follow my passion, so I did.
You see, I feel best when I volunteer and help others. That's mostly why I became a nurse. But as I progressed through nursing school, I realized the quintessential nursing role wasn't where I would find that fulfillment I envisioned. My concerns grew greater and I frequently thought, is this profession really what's right for me? By the time March and ASB rolled around, the subject of applying for jobs and preparing for the NCLEX came up in nearly every conversation with professors, peers, and family. So inevitably, the height of my anxiety regarding the future was at its climax while in New Orleans. Yet I never imagined that one volunteer trip and one woman could solidify my years of indecision into a clear, concise plan so quickly.
I'll admit, I'm not the troublemaker (shocking news, I know...). Predictably, I never had to encounter the Associate Dean of Students during my time at Endicott. Well, until I decided to go on ASB. Much to my delight, Brandi (the gal who possesses the previously mentioned, kind of seriously intense title), was just the 'trip leader turned mentor', I needed. In between painting, moving ladders, and scraping paint, we talked at great length about my 'life dilemma.' As an AmeriCorps alumna, she shared stories from her term of service at Citizens School and how positive AmeriCorps impacted her career. Before I knew it, I found myself back in Beverly and in Brandi's office, filling out applications for AmeriCorps positions across the country. Brandi encouraged me to follow my passion, so I did.
(Brandi and me) 
Now let me bring you to the present:
Seven months ago I received a phone call that completely changed the direction of my life. After months of applying myself to various AmeriCorps positions across the country, I finally heard the words, "We would like to offer you the position." At last my grandiose ideas of 'saving the world' were becoming more of a reality. Within 4 weeks I found myself in a town the size of my high school and a state I never visited before. However, in double the amount of time it took for Michele to call me from my interview to offering me the position (Roughly 18 hours, but who's counting?) I already knew I made the right decision. Immediately I began meeting with various hospital administrators and staff to find out how we were going to create a healthier community through the Health Home initiative. My role as the AmeriCorps Rural Health Promoter has shaped me into a stronger person and unique nurse and provided me with opportunity I never would have experienced as a med-surge nurse. Every day, the work we do impacts the patients of the Pomeroy Medical Clinic and I know this work will only grow greater. The impact myself and the 75,000 other AmeriCorps members across this nation have on communities as small as Pomeroy and large as NYC makes the United States a better place to live. We give children an opportunity to succeed in school, build homes for those devastated by natural disasters, and assist the unemployed with finding jobs... just to name a few. We give of our time with an unselfish and nonjudgmental attitude. We fulfill the ideals our country was founded on everyday by helping others. AmeriCorps works to making our country a better place to live for all. We focus on 'our backyard,' but realize how we can impact the world through our actions.
Why am I sharing this story with you?
On February 19th, congress proposed the complete elimination of the National Corporation for Community Service, the umbrella over which AmeriCorps falls under. AmeriCorps works. It changes the lives of not only those who members provide service to, but the individuals like myself who devote our time to serve others and live on less than minimum wage (about $5.00/hour... ish). Taking away AmeriCorps would effect our country in an extremely detrimental manner. We cannot allow dollar-driven politicians to cut AmeriCorps, the effect would devastate communities and individuals everywhere.
Do your part:
Stand for AmeriCorps. Sign the petition. Call your state representatives. Tell them that AmeriCorps works and we value volunteerism. Educate yourself. Stay alert to what's going on in Washington D.C.
Save AmeriCorps Petition
Save AmeriCorps Petition
As JFK said, "Don't ask what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." AmeriCorps members takes this concept to heart every single day. So, what will you do for your country?
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