I chose to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA for many reasons—many of which are personal and selfish—but chief among them is a compulsion to serve the community that gave me an education.

I grew up in Ellensburg, Washington to middle-class parents. I am blonde-haired, blue-eyed, male, and heterosexual. In other words, I’ve never experienced adversity related to my race, class, gender, or sexual orientation. I graduated high-school in 2014, and, due to a track scholarship, decided to attend the University of Montana that autumn. I had no concrete idea of what I wanted to study or what I wanted to do after receiving a degree, but the opportunity of a reduced-cost education is hard to pass up. After my freshman year, I was given a Resident Assistant position—which covered housing and food costs—which I held through 2017, when I graduated with a Bachelor’s in English. Due to two more years of eligibility with the Track team, I continued with a Master’s in English, for which I was given a Graduate Assistant position—which covers tuition and provides a stipend.

The story of my time at the University of Montana is highlighted not by any qualities that I may or may not have, but rather, by the opportunities I was given. In the midst of a student-debt crisis, I somehow managed to escape college debt-free. While I certainly had to work hard to manage school, work, and athletics; it is not hyperbolic to say that I was given an education. And while I did not initially imagine that I would stay in Missoula for another year, I sincerely believe it to be my duty.

My graduate degree focused on Environmental Literature, and following this year, I intend to study Environmental Law and (hopefully) make a positive impact on the many environmental issues we face. Yet, this year, I am working at the Veterans Advocacy Clinic at the UM Law School. Despite not being close to my primary areas of interest, it was the best position for me for one reason: by writing grant proposals, I have the opportunity to give directly back to the community and University that funded my education.

Montana has the second highest per-capita veteran population in the country (91,000+) and many face veteran-specific legal issues that impede their ability to reintegrate into civilian society, secure a sustaining income, or cope with the physical and mental traumas they endured while in service to our country. And ironically, many veterans experience legal issues because of personality changes resulting from psychological trauma, like post-traumatic stress disorder, thus creating a vicious cycle.

If, as a VISTA, I can help the Veterans Advocacy Clinic to resolve more Montana veterans’ legal issues, I will have succeeded not only in giving back to the University, but in giving back to veterans in-need, who are undoubtedly deserving of assistance. It is challenging, engaging, and sometimes frustrating work, but it is certainly worth a year of my time.

I believe that it is a moral imperative for we with privilege to give back—whether with time or money—to our communities and those in-need wherever possible. As a college-educated and privileged person, I have the duty to serve. As a VISTA, I have the opportunity to serve.