Final Day of Service: A Day of Reflection

As my year of service draws to a close, I realize AmeriCorps has given me much more than I anticipated. It has truly been a life-altering experience that has made me stronger and maybe a little wiser.

AmeriCorps encouraged me to change my lifestyle. Because of my very limited income, I had to perfect my financial management skills. This led to me riding my bike to work almost everyday. I also learned the importance of separating work and play; everyday will not be perfect. I can relish in the beauty of knowing that regardless of how much I liked or disliked my day, I know that everyday has a purpose, meaning, and has taught me a little more about my abilities. I plan to continue these habits, especially the bike riding, because I now know that I can do it; it's not as hard as I might have anticipated.

Moreover, I've always been an advocate of lifelong service, and I easily forsee myself making a career in public service. AmeriCorps provided me with the tools and experience to see that this was a possibility. I really can make a living changing the world, and I can't imagine any other way I'd like to spend the rest of my life.

As I look to the future, I know every detail in my life's plan hasn't been laid out. However, I do know the direction my path is heading. And that makes me feel just a bit better.

Signing off,

Elizabeth Bento

A Kit Kat Bar

Whatever happened to people appreciating the work you do for them? I'm trying to stay positive throughout my AmeriCorps term, but sometimes I am shocked by the attitude people have toward others that are trying to help them.

Today I checked in on a tutor and two of her students. One was working diligently while the other was shooting "hoops" at the garbage can. The hoop-shooter said he was all done with his work, and he should be rewarded for all the work he had done. This coming from a guy who was 20 minutes late to tutoring, had given his tutor a hard time, and breezed through his work by randomly answering questions--even though he knew the work.

The situation improved after I pulled him aside, but give me a break! It is hard for me to understand the mentality of biting the hand that feeds you, so to speak.

Pressure and Inspiration

Many people have been asking what I will be doing after my year of service. I feel the same way I felt right before I graduated from the university: confused, undecided, unorganized, and somewhat inadequate. Everytime, I avert my eyes and reply with a quietly exasperated, "I don't know." And, everytime I am greeted with furrowed brows and sympathetic, "oh's." It's always difficult being in a situation that is waiting on the outcome of decisions beyond my control.

However, as I consider my situation more and more, I keep thinking I want to continue serving in the AmeriCorps but in a different capacity. I think it would be fun, challenging, and a great experience. I would really like to be a VISTA leader; we'll see how the tide turns.

On another note, I had a wonderful and inspiring experience at the Service Symposium. It was great absorbing the essence of AmeriCorps through a creative medium. I really love it when I can get together with other AmeriCorps members and relate to them on a totally different level than others can really understand.

Sick but getting better...

What a whirlwind of a week! In some ways, I'm surprised I'm still standing. Last weekend, I caught one mighty bug, and it made this last week pretty draining. Add two days of training that mostly consisted of lecturing, loads of problems while I was at the training, and a crabby co-worker, and it makes for a very heavy week.

Perception = Reality?

Today a colleague broke-down crying. I wasn't sure what I could do to help her; I felt really awful. I never do well settings like that. Work and her personal life are very complicated right now. I tried my best to comfort her and listen. I feel like I reassured her some.

Unfortunately, I also learned about some drama occurring between colleagues at work. I never like knowing the drama--it just complicates work much more than it already is. Even though I'm not in the middle of it, I am aware of it and it influences my opinion of my surroundings.

One's perception can be their reality. Yesterday, I attended a retreat that discussed humor in the workplace. Unfortunately, the discussion--in its entirety--fell flat. While the topic was very helpful, the presentation seemed somewhat juvenile. It also lacked inclusiveness--part of the point of the retreat was to help us all get to know each other, and this retreat was not successful in accomplishing this. However, I did like the advice and still had a wonderful time.

On a positive note, I'm planning this kicking volunteer recognition ceremony. I'm very excited because I think it is going to be really great. It's somewhat tough because I have a small budget, but I'm not too worried--I'm a queen of bargain shopping.

A Second Year?

Lately, I have been seriously considering the possibility of a second year in the AmeriCorps. I love the program and truly feel I am having an impact in my community. I love the AmeriCorps members I have met along the way. I love being in a community of people committed to service.

If I am going to do a second year of AmeriCorps, I should do it when I am the most passionate and when I have few obligations. The small stipend hasn't been too much of a burden; I've managed fairly well.

However, if I took on a second year, I would want it to challenge me in new ways. Therefore, I would probably consider a position at a different site. We'll see how things turn out.

Adventure!

Another adventure in my life as a tutor...I realized today I have a fair amount in common with some of the ESL students that come to SE Works. Today, I shared stories with a student from Moldova. We talked about how our parents immigrated, and the impact immigration had on their lives and ours. We shared similar struggles, achievements, and gratitude for our lives in the United States. At the end of our session, she said she appreciated being able to relate to someone about this, and I appreciated poking my head a little more outside the box.

In my life as a volunteer coordinator...I've been busy trying to plan an upcoming volunteer recognition ceremony. I really want the ceremony to be something special, an event volunteers, staff, and students view as special and noteworthy. Send me your thoughts on themes, award ideas, etc.