I had never felt that Delaware had much to offer me once I graduated college. Born and raised in Wilmington, all I wanted to do was get out as soon as possible. By the time I graduated from the University of Delaware, most of my friends had moved away. I found myself holding down three jobs and like most of my graduating class, living with my parents. Armed with a BA in English and a minor in History I knew that I had to get out and do more with my life.
Friends of mine had done AmeriCorps NCCC and City Year and had nothing but wonderful things to say about it. My passion, however, was more in the behind-the-scenes administrative work. That’s when I looked into becoming a VISTA. I didn’t care where I went to serve, but I knew I wanted to do something that involved working to strengthen a community and work with youth. Plugging those terms into the online portal, I stumbled upon YCVP and the available position as the Youth and Family Services Coordinator in Beaver Creek.
Now, 7 months into my year of service, I can safely say that this is the best thing that I could be doing at this point in my life. I have made wonderful connections with people in the Beaver Creek community and within the VISTA team. I have been told numerous times that my presence here has truly made a difference in the lives of those that I’ve helped. I had no expectations, no fantasies of what would happen when I came out here to serve. A little scared and somewhat hesitant, I stepped into a community as a stranger hoping to be accepted and welcomed. Today I am a resident, neighbor, and friend of those I work with and help every day. All I have wanted to do was help people and I’ve accomplished that and will continue to do so wherever I go.
I’m still unsure of what I will do once my year of service is up. Traveling is high up on my list, as is continuing my education in hopes of getting a Master’s Degree that will allow me to pursue my passion in working with youth and the community.
Hey all you blog readers. Maggie here. I wanted to say a quick fond farewell to one of our talented VISTA Leaders, Jon Rolph. Jon has been with YCVP since April 2009. He is moving on at the close of two years of National Service. Over the last two years Jon has worked to increase the community's ability to provide affordable housing and recruited and supported our current team of sensational members. Jon is an important part of the office here at YCVP and from the Staff and Team--- We will miss you.
