A year-end reflection: Investment My year as a VISTA hasn't necessarily been a typical one, but then again I really don't know if there even is such as one. I've written several times before of surviving on the VISTA stipend. But I find that some of my adventures have been downplayed or even left out. Today was my last day in the office for this year, with one month left on my term of service. I started briefly thinking back upon all the experiences that 2006 have held for me. As a VISTA the line has definitely been blurred between being an actual employee, 9-5, of my nonprofit host site. I've been in trouble for dress code and my lack of participation (lack of footwear!), I've shared in celebrations and tragedies. I've seen just as many co-workers come as go. I've served food to homeless, painted with little kids, and I've attended meetings with mayors and governors. I've attended conferences and trainings across the country. I've stood in the rain during various disaster drills and attended as many free breakfasts/coffees/brunches/lunches/dinners/deserts that I could get invited to.

One of the main reasons people sign up to dedicate a year of service as a Americorps Volunteer is that they want to make a difference in our world. My first reason was that it might be a good way to secure a job for myself and give a little bit back. And yet as I think back on that goal now, in hindsight I search for the answer of accomplishment with the positions reversed: Did I make a difference and give something back...while also securing a future for me somewhere? Did securing something for the future...really even matter at all?

This afternoon as I was straightening my desk I began to think of what I had actually accomplished this year, and what immediately came to mind were so many of the little things. How many calls did I take for people looking to volunteer, to do something.

The thing is, I'm never going to know the answers to these questions. And that's ok, I really don't care that much. Lately at work I've been slacking, and I've been thinking more about missed opportunities and failed projects than successes and progress.
Today Jen--a fellow VISTA--and Kara our college intern, and I went to lunch (stiffed by a promised free lunch, but thats another story) and then went on some errands together, getting lost in Providence/Warwick/Cranston. It was such a waste of time and such a good time. When we arrived at our destination the person who we met with briefly was so friendly and so thankful for the work that we do and have done for her organization and the community. I mean, we were just three young kids taking a long lunch and stopping by to pick up a basket from a recent raffle fundraiser we had. We were 2 VISTA's and an intern. None of us are particularly invested in the volunteer center. We're all outsiders to the community, coming from other states. But this lady--like so many people we have met or talked with this year--are so encouraging, grateful, friendly. No matter our role, no matter our interest--we represent an organization that makes a difference. And so it is that I guess to some people out there we in turn make a difference. That's hard to think about some days, when we're mindlessly surfing the net or calling the copy machine repair man or handling phone calls regarding court-ordered service.
But when it happens, it reminds me of what this year has been about. Not just overall goals--and whether or not they got accomplished or changed or done away with or whatever--but about all the many experiences along the way. About days like today, with Jen and Kara and the lady in Cranston.  ¶ 12/14/2006 06:22:00 PM