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!”