Last month, I attended a national AmeriCorps VISTA training conference in Dallas, Texas. It was very special to be at such a large gathering of people in a similar position as me. A lot of the time, when talking to people about AmeriCorps, they don’t really know what the program is or how it works. There were many opportunities for collaboration, networking, and discussion of VISTA-related topics. It was nice to be able to talk about the ups and downs of service within the diverse melting pot of members dedicated to diverse AmeriCorps roles. 

Hearing about others’ experiences in service made me reflect on my own. Many of us shared similar struggles and successes. One of our workshops focused on “compassion fatigue.” Compassion fatigue is the reaction to the chronic stress of working in a social service role. Compassion fatigue can have a physical, emotional, or mental effect on a person. Naturally, compassion fatigue often in AmeriCorps members. For our activity during this workshop, we just had to go around the room and talk to other members about our struggles with compassion fatigue at our service site. I met members who analyzed murder statistics in large cities, were educators, helped immigrants settle into new cities, and helped feed houseless people in their cities. My service site is a Historical Museum that used to be a military base, where compassion fatigue does not always present itself in the usual ways. We work with kids, usually on field trips, only for a few hours at a time. This does not allow us to get to know these kids, and one might suspect a kid has a rough home life, but usually, we never know for sure. 

After talking to a few people about the compassion fatigue they have experienced, it was very different than what I have experienced. Many of these members are working with trauma much more directly than I do. As I realized this, I felt the imposter syndrome creeping up on me. Surrounded by fellow members tackling much heavier issues than I was, I made a self-deprecating joke to my activity partner in the compassion fatigue workshop. 

I was surprised when her response was neither dismissive nor just a simple laugh. She gave me a new perspective that shifted my mindset. She said to me, “There are plenty of kids who are having tough times at home or kids who are passionate about history. Going on field trips must help them to get away from their tough times at home or at school or help spark a passion for history, even if it’s just for a few hours”. I was a little bit caught off guard by her sincerity, but I appreciated it a lot. 

Reflecting on her words, I realized that museums do have a role in shaping the lives of the youth we serve. While our work may not entail the immediate challenges faced by other AmeriCorps members, it has a unique impact on the lives of those who come through our museum doors. Museums foster an environment where young minds can develop a love for learning. While they may not involve direct interventions or immediate solutions to social issues, museums contribute to the broader narrative of empowerment and education. 

In the tapestry of AmeriCorps service, each thread plays an important role. So, as I continue my service in the museum, I carry with me the realization that our service, although different, is meaningful and impactful.