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iServe...
Why I Serve:
Kim Fritz, current HOGA AmeriCorps, on her experience.
In May 2008 I graduated from McGill University in Montreal with a BA degree in English Literature, Art History, and Educational Psychology. Graduating from McGill was a tremendous experience; not only for the world-class education I received, but my International Baccalaureate credit gave me the opportunity to graduate in three years. Having done so, I decided that before I go on to further studies I would take my extra year and do something extraordinary-of course, like all the best liberal arts grads, I hadn't quite ironed out the logistics of "extraordinary."
When I graduated I had no idea what I wanted to do-or, to be frightfully realistic, what I could do. Like any good student, I was in full admiration of the elevated endeavors of the Drs, Teachers, and Lawyers of the world. But, I was also drawn to the generative imagination of the Artists: writers, painters, and thinkers simultaneously shaping and reflecting our history. What I hadn't quite figured out yet was where the two seemingly discrete tracks merge.
What I've found through my time with Hands On Savannah and AmeriCorps is people. I have always believed-and to an extent preached-that people are our most valuable resource. Over these past seven months I have had the opportunity to see that proven daily. When I talk about what I've done, or the difference I've made I won't use a singular noun. I can't. Those two tracks merge in the collective "we." We are people practicing the art of making our history a better one.
Originally, I contemplated international as well as other national service programs. One in particular offered to place me with community organizations anywhere in the country. However, after living abroad for three years I decided that I would rather return to Savannah to bring the skills I would have shared elsewhere, here. Although I didn't grow up here, I had worked and volunteered in the area enough to know that both the need for and desire to help is strong in Savannah. I believe that growth is a collaborative process. As such I work everyday not on, but rather with and in the Savannah community. I came to AmeriCorps to do something extraordinary for a year. What I've learned is that "extraordinary" is not something that can or will ever be contained to one year of service.
I am an AmeriCorps. What you may not know is that I always have been. And so have you. Maybe never in uniform, or direct service, but in perspective and in heart that shepherds us toward tomorrow. Us AmeriCorps have a pledge. We may not have the words memorized; we may not even read it regularly. But, we live it and I hope you do too:
I will get things done for America--
to make our people safer, smarter, and healthier.
I will bring Americans together
to strengthen our communities.
Faced with apathy, I will take action.
Faced with conflict, I will seek common ground.
Faced with adversity, I will persevere.
I will carry this commitment with me
this year and beyond.
I am an AmeriCorps member . . .
and I am going to get things done.
-AmeriCorps Pledge
“I will get things done for America – to make our people safer,
smarter, and healthier. I will bring Americans together to strengthen communities.
Faced with apathy, I will take action. Faced with conflict, I will seek common ground.
Faced with adversity, I will persevere. I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond.
I am an AmeriCorps member and I will get things done!”
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