AmeriCorps

Preschool Head Start Teacher

September 2019 - May 2020 • Malibu, CA

What I liked

I loved impacting children in a meaningful way and watching them grow in their creativity and intellect

What I wish was different

I have no suggestions, the job was wonderful

Advice

Give your all to the experience. It is deeply rewarding as well as a good job

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VISTA

August 2017 • Casper, WY

What I liked

The opportunity to learn about new fields while working; the educational award for completing my term of service; the people I worked with, both other VISTAs as well as community volunteers; the experience overall.

What I wish was different

I wish the vetting process for host sites would be a little more thorough. I feel this would help in determining if a host site is actually capable of using VISTAs to their full capabilities, or if another Americorps group would fit their needs better.

Advice

It's tough to be a VISTA- you work hard for very little money. But if you can stick it out, when you're year is done you will have gained a lot of experience that you can't put a price on.

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Contact Tracer and Case Investigator

July - September 2020 • Denver, CO

What I liked

Very flexible schedule.

What I wish was different

I wish I had learned more about public health and gotten contacts. I was never in direct contact with a supervisor since there were so many employees.

Advice

The work load is very up and down so be prepared to go from no work to too much work from one day to the next.

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Jacksonville Teacher Residency

August 2020 • Jacksonville, FL

What I liked

I like that I am able to get a year of experience in my career field while being mentored by an experienced teacher.

What I wish was different

Advice

I would say do as much as possible. Always offer to help with things around the classroom. I would also say have confidence and do not be afraid to be a presence in the classroom.

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Americorps Vista

May - August 2020 • Grinnell, IA

What I liked

The interview process and the work environment. The kids and coworkers were wonderful.

What I wish was different

The pay was hardly livable, and my supervisor was an ignorant man who did not make accommodations for disabled children who partook in his program.

Advice

The pay isn't ideal, but the experience is incredible.

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21st Century Program Specialist

October 2019 - August 2020 • Tucson, AZ

What I liked

I liked the experience I gathered. Working in a school was nothing that I have done before and I truly enjoyed that.

What I wish was different

I wish that the may was different. It is definitely a side job type of service.

Advice

I would try to keep a constant steady schedule that breaks up all your hours evenly. Even do the extra opportunities so you will definitely finish by the end of your contract. I would not hesitate to speak up also.

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AmeriCorps Emergency Response Initiative Member

June - August 2020 • Eagan, MN

What I liked

What I wish was different

Advice

Making connections with my non-profit was a great thing to do! My executive director connected me with several other people so I would have others to talk to about career options after I graduated and these connections helped me learn a lot about other opportunities!

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Americorps

June - August 2020 • Woonsocket, RI

What I liked

I liked being able to interact with the youth of my community and be a positive role model for them.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Summer Associate

June - August 2020 • New York City, NY

What I liked

Giving back to my community in a concrete way

What I wish was different

I wish I'd been able to connect more with VISTAs serving at different sites.

Advice

If you like serving your community, this is a great way to do that and make new connections!

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AmeriCorps Emergency Response Member

June - August 2020 • Oak Park Heights, MN

What I liked

I enjoyed working with the elderly. I liked that AmeriCorps had diversity training. I had an overall positive experience.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Summer Associate

June - August 2019 • Missoula, MT

What I liked

Working directly with middle schoolers and elementary students, fellow team members and team leaders, making a difference in the community.

What I wish was different

Hours/schedule to fulfill 300 hour requirement through Nonprofit program service in charge of schedule (Flagship) was not scheduled well for any Americorps service member.

Advice

If you're involved and engaged with the students, you're doing great! There's no one way to do service. The kids look up to you so just be a good role model for them and HAVE FUN!!

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Student Success Coach

July 2020 • Dallas, TX

What I liked

This is a community service job, but really helps you stand out for future opportunities. You gain critical people skills and learn how to interact with people of different backgrounds. You also know you are making a difference in your students' lives. It is a one year commitment, but at the end, you are eligible for the Segal Education Award which really helps if you want to pursue further studies.

What I wish was different

Advice

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AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associate

June - August 2020 • Hamilton, MT

What I liked

I was the Project Coordinator for the playground renovations for Evergreen Kids Corner preschool. My children attended the preschool so I was really glad to help improve upon their wonderful outdoor learning and play space.

What I wish was different

Due to COVID concerns, we couldn’t get the volunteer help we needed. Where we sought to bring community involvement and outreach, organizations were unwilling to send volunteers.

Advice

I was unaware of AmeriCorps Summer Associate programs until this year, and was super impressed by their student based employment. They offer great education awards to student and seek to build up impoverished communities. It’s a nationwide organization and honestly, every college student should experience working as a AmeriCorps service member!

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AmeriCorp Vista

June - August 2020 • Fridley, MN

What I liked

I loved getting to work with kids! I enjoyed planning lessons for them and getting to play and read to them.

What I wish was different

I wish I had more to do! Sometimes I would run out of projects and I'd wish I could help more.

Advice

Go for it! AmeriCorps is a great experience and there is so much you are able to do. I was able to teach and read to kids but there are so many opportunities for one to apply their skills.

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Garden Program Coordinator

June - September 2020 • Lansing, MI

What I liked

I liked the independence I had over my tasks and how much time I spent outdoors.

What I wish was different

Advice

Stretch in the morning before starting service!

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Americorps VISTA

June - August 2020 • Rochester, NY

What I liked

I was able to give back to the community that has done so much for me!

What I wish was different

I wish it did not have to be changed to a remote experience.

Advice

You have to be genuinely caring about the community, and have to be adaptive and flexible with your site.

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AmeriCorps Service Member

June - August 2020 • Buffalo, NY

What I liked

I enjoyed my job entirely. I was combatting summer learning loss with kids, so it was really awesome to see the children I worked with grow this summer both academically and socio-emotionally. It was a very rewarding experience. Even though there were some tough days, I believe I made just as much of an impact on the kids as they left on me.

What I wish was different

I wish COVID-19 not happened because then I could have done a lot more activities with the children. However, I thought the place I worked at did a very good job of abiding by social distancing and COVID-19 guidelines. No one got sick with the virus during the time I worked there and I am forever thankful for that.

Advice

Come prepared for anything if you work with kids. Make sure you can act quickly if a problem arises but also try and let the children solve it on their own.

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