In our VISTA Spotlight, our OneStar AmeriCorps VISTA members share in their own words about the transformative experience of serving with nonprofits and agencies in Texas working to eliminate poverty.
Since completing my first full VISTA term earlier this year I ‘ve gained a new understanding of what it means to serve in AmeriCorps. Initially, I had joined the VISTA program to broaden my work experience and to explore the various career paths in the non-profit world. Instead, I learned the true value of service in your own community. I am forever changed because of the wonderful experiences I had while serving as a VISTA.
I experienced firsthand the passion, empathy, and determination it takes to serve in non-profits. While in service you see right away the reason each organization exists, the problem they are trying to solve, and the needs of the communities they serve. In service, I found my true strengths and how every effort made to improve the community counts. I started out as an alumni coordinator, but I ended up a mentor, an advocate, and a fighter. I will forever be grateful for the opportunities AmeriCorps VISTA program gave me and I will encourage others to join so they too can make a difference in themselves and their community.