Ever since I was a small child, I was enraptured by the idea of service to one’s country, even if for just a year. I think something of great importance is transferred when offering yourself, your skills and your abilities, to the larger community. It can help develop the social connective tissues that allow us to build common ground, providing a foundation upon which we can all grow and flourish. 

I was born and raised in Missoula, Montana, but chose to pursue my college education and early career outside of the state. I love my home, but I am also terribly curious about the rest of the world as well. I’ve managed to live and travel not only throughout the US, but the globe as well. In my own awkward ways, I have tried to take advantage of every opportunity to learn and explore. And while this is delightful and enriching to myself, I missed home and the foundation that nurtured this curious spirit of mine. It was time to come home, and maybe offer up a little of myself.

I am currently six months into my VISTA service. It is also six months since Montana first issued a stay at home order to protect our communities from a global pandemic. I think even in the best of times, service is about flexibility and adaptability. Over and over, the most common advice or encouragement one hears from veteran members is that your service is what you make of it. Through these trying times, I’ve watched the organizations and individuals I serve choose kindness and understanding. 

AmeriCorps service is an opportunity for members to expand their own personal and professional growth. By working with organizations seeking to make lasting changes, volunteers have an opportunity to truly understand the work that is required. We get to have access to some of the most dedicated and resilient leaders. And not just access, but coaching and mentorship.

I had the wonderful advantage of learning from the previous cohort of VISTA volunteers, who had six or even nine months of work on projects dashed just as they were to come to fruition. And while frustration and disappointment certainly clamored to be felt, so many leaned into the question “but what now?” with genuine curiosity. They and their organizations regrouped, and examined the fundamentals of what needed to be done to serve their communities. 

I am eager to see the work of the newest cohort of volunteers unfold. They have the enormous advantage of entering service aware and ready for a pandemic changed world.

A willingness to ride doubt and uncertainty with grace and patience has certainly been a fundamental aspect of my service. I have watched the extraordinary lengths my coworkers and peers have taken to rise to the occasion. I am honored to be amongst their number. And I am delighted that so many are choosing to serve my home state. Together I hope we craft a resilient future!