How AmeriCorps experience can benefit you

By Natalie Jackson, former Habitat AmeriCorps member

Right out of college, I was eager to learn from industry doers and leaders, energetic about the opportunity to make an impact and passionate about working hard to accomplish a goal bigger than myself.

When the opportunity of serving in AmeriCorps came about, however, committing to a year of service was not an easy decision. There were big questions that I was not sure AmeriCorps would be able to provide answers to:

• Will I be able to provide for my family financially if I commit to a year of service?
• Will I be able to do all of the things listed above that I was eager for after college?

It was actually the uncertainty of these big questions that led to my accepting an offer to become a part of the AmeriCorps family. I had always heard that through great uncertainty could come even greater reward, so with that in the forefront of my mind, I started my service year at Habitat for Humanity International four years ago.

I immediately immersed myself in the diversity of Habitat’s mission, took advantage of every learning and networking opportunity that came my way and worked tirelessly to make my service year the best it could be. It was challenging, and often times, I was not sure what was next for me after the service year, but the work I was doing was meaningful and the people I met were inspirational.

Looking back, it is because of the vast networking and educational opportunities that the AmeriCorps team provided that I found myself in a place of exponential career growth. I feel like I gained many years of experience and colleagues in only one year. As that year of service came to an end, I found that the networking part paid off in a huge way. I was offered the opportunity to stay on as a contract and then full-time employee with Habitat’s ReStore support group.

What I learned through my AmeriCorps position is that with a thirst for knowledge, energy spent on meaningful work and focused passion, you really can accomplish anything. Now, as I leave Habitat for a position at the American Cancer Society, I am forever grateful for the opportunity AmeriCorps provided. The experience launched me into a place of confidence, productivity, creativity and leadership that I never would have known I was capable of.