My AmeriCorps Story

To celebrate AmeriCorps Week, I thought I would share my AmeriCorps Story here:

After graduation in May 2011, I was searching and applying for any job I found that sounded at least slightly interesting (I'm sure others have been in that boat right?). I knew that I enjoyed service work and volunteering from high school and college so while I was in my non-profit search phase (which might not be a phase anymore, but a for-sure job interest), I found a listing for an AmeriCorps member at my local American Red Cross. I knew virtual nothing about AmeriCorps when I saw the job position, but the job description sounded like a perfect job for me (I would get to work with youth at one of the most well-known and trusted non-profit agencies!) and so I applied. I quickly got a call from my now supervisor asking me to come in for an interview! My interview went very well (but I was remarkably stressed - I had had only a few interview before and I had never wanted the job as bad as I had wanted this one). Within a few days, I got another call and the job was offered to me! I was so happy! A week or so later, I was in the office filling out the huge stack of AmeriCorps paperwork and getting fingerprinted for my background check at the police station.

I can't believe this all happened only six months ago! I've gotten to train over 6,000 youth with health, safety, and disaster preparedness courses (and collaborated with over 10 new venues to teach my classes(the others were places where the AC member went last year)). I've worked with youth volunteers and helped them complete new service projects. I attended the Iowa Nonprofit Summit and various other trainings. And I've started my disaster volunteer training. I've learned so much about working with youth, volunteers, and co-workers. (Lastly, bonus: I now know where most of my local schools are located - not that that is super helpful unless someone gives me directions to someplace in relation to schools)

So far, I have loved my experience with AmeriCorps. I feel proud of the work that I've done and of that black round logo that represents others doing great work too! This week I had a webinar that was hosted by some AC Alumni who are now doing amazing things and I'm so proud of all the great work that other AC members are doing/have done/will do. I've gained a lot of experience and new skills that I'm excited to take with me to whatever lies ahead. I'm sure the next six months will be as great as the previous.

One last neat thing about AmeriCorps: There is a network of AmeriCorps alumni - AmeriCorps Alums (which bothers me a bit because "alums" should be "alumni" to be more correct, but anyway). They have different alumni groups all over the U.S. and host different events/complete service projects as alumni of an amazing organization. So when I'm done with my term, I'm really not done. AmeriCorps will be a part of me forever which I think is pretty awesome!

Happy AmeriCorps Week!