AmeriCorps no topic Update

By Jeffrey Cabanez AmeriCorps VISTA Leader, California State University (CSU) Chancellor’s Office

Originally appeared in the California VISTA Voice newsletter

National Service is not something you do for one year then move on with your life. It changes you. It helps you find yourself. It provides you with the opportunity to have a lasting impact in a community. As I am now entering my third year with AmeriCorps VISTA, I have had some time to gather a few tips, tricks, and best practices. Hopefully some of these will be able to help you whether this is your first day or last.

1. Don’t get discouraged 

First, don’t get discouraged if you do not see the impact of your work immediately. It takes time. You can’t expect a partnership to flourish in the span of 24 hours. Sometimes it takes weeks, months, or even years, before the results of your work are seen. Set small goals, as well as large goals, for yourself so you can have those small victories when you feel like nothing is going right.

2. Find out what you like in a work environment

Use the year to find out what you like and don’t like, in a work environment. Especially for those of you who have recently graduated from college, AmeriCorps VISTA is a prime time to figure out how you work best in a workplace. It’s not something you think about until you are actually in the “work force.”

For example, I learned that I like some supervisor support, as well as some autonomy in my work. I learned how to be collaborative in working with others in my department (spoiler alert, it’s not like a group project in college). Be intentional with learning about this, because AmeriCorps VISTA is a unique opportunity to learn more about yourself.

3. Constantly reflect on your experience

Constantly reflect on your year as a whole. Physically plot out where your peaks and valleys have been. Looking back on the year, it is a great reflection piece to talk about in job interviews. In our program, we like to use The Feedback Model when reflecting. Take time to reflect and answer the following (without jumping around). First, what went well in your project? What did you enjoy or where did you really thrive? Second, what was confusing or challenging about your project? And finally, what could make your project even better for the next time?

4. Inspire others

My last piece of advice to anyone that is just starting their term, or finishing up: continue to inspire those you work with and share an inspiring vision with one another. Continue to never settle for good enough, and to be the awesome people that you are!

For more information on AmeriCorps VISTA opportunities throughout the country, go to www.AmeriCorps.gov/VISTA.