Being my second blog post, with my first one being way back in January, I have decided to do a bit more reflecting than explaining this time.
I am now one year out of college, and my first ‘real world’ experience in a full-time “job” has been dynamic, interesting, and a time of self-discovery. This is an amazing organization, and I appreciate everything I’ve gained at the Red Cross as an AmeriCorps member. I want to leave a positive impact on this particular chapter, as well as tie up loose ends so when I pursue whatever is next; I leave no mysteries in my wake. But it is hard for me to focus on the here and now when I have future plans that need to be addressed. If anyone has figured out how to maintain focus on the future and on the here and now, please let me know – I will gladly give you my email address so we can chat. So in order to finish strong where I am and to stay loyal to my agenda, I think it would be a good idea for me to reflect on something I don’t devote much time to – the past. (Spot light, please.)
In this past year, what have I learned about myself? Well one, I’m a sucker for reflection and analysis. Pretty sure if someone were to ask me what I thought on a blank topic, or event, or idea, I would be up for some hearty discussion. If I can process something with just one other person, I feel more accomplished and more confident in whatever the decision or topic may be – which is great, because you get that in AmeriCorps! And I did not realize how much that is a part of the “AmeriCorps Way,” if you will, until I asked my other peers how their service environments unfolded.
And that brings me to something else I learned about myself: I NEED OTHER PEOPLE. Oh my goodness am I an extrovert. I learned I need community, collaboration, and teamwork in whatever exists in my future to give me energy, enthusiasm, and gumption for follow-through. At no other time was this clearer than when a large group of AmeriCorps member’s terms ended three months before mine did. The office wasn’t bustling, the energy was low, and everyone at our chapter felt the void. Unfortunately, that’s the nature of the beast. But feeling that void told me they had made an impact on my life, and I wouldn’t forget them. And that is what is so special about AmeriCorps too – it allows that room for brainstorming, creativity, teamwork, and morale building camaraderie and friendship among your fellow members. You don’t have to be an extrovert to serve with AmeriCorps, it does mean, though, you will not be an island at your site. You will not feel alone during your term. You will have accountability and people concerned for you, your service, and how you’re feeling about your time there. So great!
And the last thing isn’t really something I learned, but it’s more of something I just want to say about certain people – certain people that made this experience unforgettable. I won’t name names, but I think they’ll know who they are anyway.
I mentioned the first group already – the AmeriCorps I served with, and still serve with. I never imagined I could have so much fun with a group of such different people. I love them all, and will never forget what amazing people they are – they are all going to do great things in their lives! (But please come back...?)
Secondly, my Site Supervisor/program director, my DAT administrator, and my Red Cross boss have set the bar very high for any of my future bosses, mentors, and supervisors. Their concern for my well-being and my overall experience has been more than I ever expected – I feel spoiled with this amount of awesomeness in my authorities, to be honest, and will have a hard time adjusting when my next life chapter begins. And last, but not least, the Michigan AmeriCorps Member’s Council. The ambition, the personalities, the leaders, the connections, the trainings, the retreats, the projects, the hilarious cross-country skiing that made me almost wet my pants, and the friendships. What an unforgettable group of people. You guys were a gift to me and my AmeriCorps term. I just want to say “hank you”and I will miss every one of you.
There are hundreds of individuals across the state of Michigan, and thousands across the country that are coming upon the end of their term as AmeriCorps members. It can be stressful, especially if one has not discovered their next life step! I encourage every one of you reading this to take a few moments and think about – or maybe even write down – what your favorite aspects were of your term. What you learned, the highs, the lows, the people you encountered, and the people you helped. Goodness knows each one of you will have something to think about.
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