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.
On August 5, 2023, I walked across the stage at the Addition Financial Arena to receive my bachelor’s degree in integrated business with a specialization in Human Resources from the University of Central Florida. What should have been the most monumental moment of my life felt surprisingly underwhelming. Perhaps because the educational journey had taken me eight years, or maybe because I was on and off the stage in less than two minutes.
Still, that moment taught me a valuable lesson: life is a rollercoaster, full of ups and downs, but the key is to enjoy the ride. After graduation, prioritizing that mindset became essential in my search for peace and fulfillment.
Immediately after graduation, I moved to Houston—a city I had never visited—to secure an HR job. However, after six months of rejection, I realized that the quote-on-quote dream job I had envisioned wasn’t what I truly needed. My best friend recommended AmeriCorps, and taking a leap of faith, I decided to join. Becoming part of AmeriCorps was the best decision I have ever made.
As a Greater Houston Opportunity Youth Collaborative VISTA, I channel my passion for administration, service, and advocacy into impactful capacity-building initiatives. This role has allowed me to gain valuable professional experience, expand my network, and enhance my communication skills. These opportunities have further ignited my ambition to pursue even more challenging endeavors.
After completing my service, I plan to pursue my passions by earning a master’s in international human resources development at National Taiwan Normal University in Taipei City.