So, lots has happened. I got a job. I LOVE it. I am an AmeriCorps VISTA. The easiest way to describe it is as a domestic PeaceCorp, but really, it's a lot more than that. The aim of the VISTA program is to eliminate poverty, and so VISTA's all over the country work within low income communities to do that. I will serve for a year, and then have the option to renew at the end of the year for a maximum of three years. At the end of the year I have the option to take an educational grant of $5300, or a cash stipend of $1500. I can take the ed. grant for a max of two years. I do get a "living stipend" every month, but it's not a paycheck haha. Since AmeriCorps is a federally funded program there are certain restrictions we have to go by. The official term of what I am is "federal volunteer" :).
I work with the Center for the School of the Future, through USU. I work within the school district here in Logan, and have been lucky enough so far to work at the kid's school, Bridger Elementary. I am sure that will change though, once things get worked out. I am just there temporarily.
The beginning of April I had to go to Los Angeles for PSO, or Pre Service Orientation. There we learned about the mission of the AmeriCorps program, took an oath of service, had FBI background checks done, and made friends. There were 24 people from Utah at PSO, and I feel like I made some lifelong friends at PSO. It was a very interesting experience. The facilitator of the group that I was in said something that really resonated with me, and that was that this year of service can be life changing if we let it. I've only been doing this a short time, but I know it will be life changing for me.
Earlier this week I went to SLC for more orientation/training/conference. It was the annual conference for the Utah Commission on VOlunteers. It was very interesting as well.
So far I am loving what I do. I would like to make a career out of volunteering, I think. :)
2 Totally cool people said::
Wait...I think I took a double take! You actually updated your blog! AMAZING! ;)
I am glad I told you about the job. I am also glad you got it and that you are happy with it. You honestly seem so much happier now that you are working again.
p.s. WHERE ARE THE PICTURES???!!!
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