The lasting impact of a great AmeriCorps experience
A little over ten years ago when I was midway through my senior year of college, I was forced to answer the question every college student tries to...
1 min read
When I graduated from college I was 21 years old and looking for direction. I had recently completed a month-long service trip abroad and had a newfound passion for service, but I didn’t know how to make it a sustainable part of my everyday life. I stumbled upon a website talking about AmeriCorps positions serving with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. The idea of full-time service and a position in construction was both exciting and terrifying to me, but I knew that this was my opportunity to really go outside of my comfort zone and learn something about myself. I had no idea how my service with AmeriCorps was going to change my life and shape my future.
AmeriCorps challenged me in a way I never had been before and was more rewarding than I ever imagined it would be. Working with volunteers on site everyday made me realize how much love and compassion exist in our community. Working with Habitat for Humanity homebuyer families inspired me to work hard and dream big. I was learning more and more about home construction, volunteer management and myself everyday. Before I knew it, my 2-year commitment of service was over. I felt like I had accomplished a lot but wasn’t ready to move on. I applied for a full-time position with TCHFH as a site supervisor. I wanted so badly to continue to be part of the solution to the affordable housing crisis in the Twin Cities. I began my AmeriCorps stint without any construction experience and ended it confident that I could supervise unskilled volunteers in the construction of an entire house. I got the job and started working for Habitat the day after my AmeriCorps term ended. I have been working for TCHFH ever since.
Serving in AmeriCorps was one of the most important things I have ever done, and there is no way I would be where I am today if I hadn’t been an AmeriCorps member. I will be forever thankful for my time as an AmeriCorps member.
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Betsy Reller, Twin Cities Habitat AmeriCorps member 2004-2006
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