Blog Posts Do What You Love Love What You Do by Justin Allison
August 2, 2021
I’ve worked seasonally for quite awhile now and must say I do really enjoy the lifestyle. Getting to spend time in different places and constantly pursuing what I am passionate about are a few of the perks. Last summer however, due to the pandemic providing limited options I ended up working a seasonal job that paid the bills (quite well I might add) but wasn’t anything I was actually passionate about. Fortunately I love what I do in the winter and it was able to reset and bring me back to a level of homeostasis following the summer.
This year I was given the opportunity to transition from seasonal to year-round at my winter job. I decided that since I liked working there so much during the winter months I’d stay to see if the opposite season would generate similar feelings. Unfortunately during the non-snowy months my winter position there changes roles and it honestly became a bit of a drag. I was constantly questioning why I was there and what kind of if any difference I was actually making in the world; as well as why I knowingly continued to work a job that countered so many of my personal morals and ethics in life.
During this mental gymnastics of a time it was brought to my attention that Gallatin Valley Farm to School was looking to fill an AmeriCorps Vista Summer Associate position. It was like I was in the middle of a dark storm but in the distance I could see the clouds starting to part and the sunshine barely peeking through. I immediately filled out the application and shortly after I found myself accepting the position and transitioning back into not only the seasonal lifestyle that I love, but also back into year-round work I am passionate about.
In a time where media and technology have a suffocating grasp on our society, especially our youth, it restores a certain sense of hope to work with an organization like GVF2S that counters the new norm/standard. Getting kids back outside, hands-on, and learning skills and knowledge that even on an individual level can make a lasting impact on the planet and peoples lives. I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of this process throughout the summer so far by helping facilitate summer camps and other learning opportunities for nearly 200 kids ranging in age from 4-14. Some of my favorite activities/highlights have been visiting one of the farms for Amaltheia Organic Dairy with the Belgrade Middle School program, getting kids engaged in hands-on gardening, and just seeing the overall excitement level these kids have to interact with the natural world.
My time so far as an Americorps Summer Associate with GVF2S has been exactly what I was looking for. It has been so refreshing to work with like minded individuals who share so many similar passions and are motivated to make a difference. I greatly look forward to my remaining 2.5 weeks of the summer and am now considering a full year of service!