Guest blog by Shannon Twiss,
Lead Volunteer Coordinator and AmeriCorps Service Member
Welcome, reader, to my experience as an AmeriCorps member over the last two years in the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity program! In case the quotation marks aren't a dead giveaway, the headers below are all in jest. I have truly loved my time in AmeriCorps, and below are just a few reasons why.
I see my roommates at work and my coworkers at home. I’m stuck with a tight-knit, passionate, caring community of people who live and work together.
I’ve become a walking advertisement. When I wear the Habitat for Humanity logo, strangers ask me about it, and I’m forced to talk about how much I love my service.
My social calendar is too full! With all these new friends, I barely have time for anything else.
I eat more sweets. Habitat for Humanity staff deeply appreciate AmeriCorps members’ service, and often express it in the form of donuts.
I keep learning new things. Apparently, one skill set is not enough. Instead I keep accidentally acquiring new ones.
I’m on a budget. By choosing to live and serve on a limited living allowance, I’ve come to understand some of the experiences of the people I’m serving and the challenges they face.
I get my hands (and clothes) dirty. If I spend a day on a construction site, I come home with paint and dirt under my nails, and a sense of satisfaction at having made a tangible difference in someone’s life.
I lost the fun and freedom of single life. I had the unfortunate experience of falling in love with a fellow member who shares my values, goals and commitment to service.
I’ve been forced out of my comfort zone. Sticking to the things I know is an option that has not been made available to me.
My education award is burning a hole in my pocket. AmeriCorps supports its members with an education award, and it keeps burning holes in my pockets. Now I need new pants.