AmeriCorps

Reading Tutor

May - August 2022 • Duluth, MN

What I liked

Working remotely, getting to know my students, stipend payments

What I wish was different

Management and upper-executive accommodations for students and families

Advice

Probably take another job with this or just do something else entirely

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Corps Member

June - August 2022 • Denver, CO

What I liked

I loved being outdoors and making a difference in the community. I also loved being able to travel and explore areas of the United States that I would have otherwise not been exposed to. I learned and grew more during this experience than I ever thought I was going to.

What I wish was different

There is not much I would have changed about my experience. I had a great team and worked on a great project in an amazing part of the country. The only thing I wish had been different were some parts of our training. It could have been more concise to give us more time at our project sites.

Advice

It can be overwhelming to move to a different part of the country, not knowing anyone or anything about your new home. My advice is to just go for it and to embrace every opportunity that you are presented with. Discomfort is not always a bad thing - it leads to growth and learning.

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Tutor

September 2021 - July 2022 • Inez, KY

What I liked

Very Understanding and great mentors, and bosses!

What I wish was different

Could have been a little more structured and ‘hands on’

Advice

If offered the job, go for it!

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Energy Express Educator

June - August 2022 • Danville, WV

What I liked

The environment, my boss, and being around my coworkers. It was a very easy-going environment, which helped considering that we were caring for children for the entirety of the summer.

What I wish was different

Americorps system of hiring, the training, and their organization. They were not as prepared as they had been for the previous years.

Advice

Only do this job if you like or can take care of school-aged children. You are around children from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Monday-Friday. It’s a demanding job, but worth it. It is useful if you are planning to be a future elementary educator, will give you a good experience in the field.

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summer intern

June - August 2022 • Dallas, TX

What I liked

Getting to work with kids and making connections.

What I wish was different

I wish there would have been much better training or preparation for worst-case scenarios. Thankfully I didn't have any during my internship but it would have been good to have the training.

Advice

One piece of advice would be to get ready to be on your feet all day and to take a quick mental break when needed.

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Americorps

May - August 2022 • Oswego, NY

What I liked

I enjoyed creating schedules, working with children, interpreting curriculum and feeling as though I was making a difference.

What I wish was different

Advice

I would tell other students looking to serve in Americorps that though you will be faced with struggles, you will come out of it wiser and stronger.

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Environmental Educator

July - August 2020 • Iowa City, IA

What I liked

I got to teach kids a area of study that I am passionate about.

What I wish was different

I wish I signed a longer contract

Advice

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Summer Reads VISTA

June - August 2019 • Kerkhoven, MN

What I liked

I loved working one-on-one with young students. I really was able to make a direct impact and help these students improve their reading abilities. I loved all the resources, training and support given to me by my employer and coworkers.

What I wish was different

As a Summer Reads VISTA, I was given new training every Friday. I felt that the training was helpful; but It would have been good to know the information earlier. It felt to late to receive the information.

Advice

If you are having trouble with a specific student, I would say, don’t be afraid to ask for help. This position came with such a great support system who are all there to help you do the best job you can.

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Interpretive Park Ranger

May - August 2019 • Marion, VA

What I liked

Supportive environment with a lot of information available at request and as provided.

What I wish was different

I wish I was able to serve longer.

Advice

Bond with the fellow Americorps people, they will help you do the sometimes confusing reports due.

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Americorps Service Member

May - August 2019 • Grinnell, IA

What I liked

Getting to learn about the community I am living in and combat education disparities within it

What I wish was different

Advice

It’s an amazing experience

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Academic Intervention Specialist

February - July 2019 • Oakland, CA

What I liked

Helping better the community. Field trips Beautification projects Open opportunities to create and collaborate on your own projects.

What I wish was different

Better training to deal with difficult students.

Advice

Be prepared too budget well because the stipend is not much. Make the best of your time and the students'.

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Americorp VISTA Summer Associate

June - August 2019 • Greeley, CO

What I liked

This job was a rewarding experience to help reduce poverty in my community. It was fun, fulfilling, and taught me many new skills!

What I wish was different

Advice

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Counselor

June - July 2019 • Buffalo, NY

What I liked

I interacted with students and learned how to create a close bond with them.

What I wish was different

I wish I could have completed the program. I couldn't complete it due to a family emergency out of Buffalo.

Advice

Always be transparent with your supervisor. Treat students with care and respect if you want it reciprocated.

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Americorps VISTA Program Volunteer

June - August 2019 • Waco, TX

What I liked

I liked interacting with the local community. I learned so much about public education in Waco and learned to interact with children who were so different from one another.

What I wish was different

I wish I would have been placed closer to home. The staff I worked with at the YMCA was extremely unprofessional and I was relocated 3 different times which placed a strain on me.

Advice

You are there to do your job- do not allow anyone to tell you to do something you are not responsible for.

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Teaching English as a Second Language

June - August 2019 • Buffalo, NY

What I liked

The Jump Start program is a great opportunity to get your foot in the door with the refugee community in Buffalo. This past summer was my third summer participating in the program and I love it more and more each summer. I love how much experience you can gain through the program. If you are involved in intercultural studies, or education in any way or have a serving heart and mind- this opportunity is for you.

What I wish was different

Team dynamics were a little tough this past summer but it's different each summer.

Advice

Go in with an open heart and open mind. Don't expect your time to be your own. It's an intense 8 week program. Evenings/ weekends are NOT your own. You get 3000$ and a 1200$ scholarship... It's good money for 2 months but you have to be willing to be flexible and ready for anything that comes your way.

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Education Mentor

May - August 2019 • West Monroe, LA

What I liked

The AmeriCorps summer program helped me grow a lot as a person. I have developed a lot of new skills that will benefit me in my future career.

What I wish was different

Nothing, I genuinely enjoyed my summer term with AmeriCorps.

Advice

Do not sign up for a term with AmeriCorps just because of the benefits. It is a very demanding service position, and it should be taken seriously.

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Americorps NCCC Member

October 2018 - July 2019 • Aurora, CO

What I liked

I liked the ability to help people in need and gaining experience at a variety of non-profits.

What I wish was different

Better Healthcare

Advice

This isn't an easy job, but it is very rewarding.

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Elementary Teacher's Aid

August 2018 • Murtaugh, ID

What I liked

The kids and my coworkers were amazing! Also, getting an Education award (along with a living allowance each month) is a huge perk to working with AmeriCorps.

What I wish was different

The people running my branch of AmeriCorps could have been better. They got the branch shut down because they couldn't secure funding for the promised 2nd year of the program.

Advice

Working with kids is a reward in and of itself. AmeriCorps, despite the difficulties the branch faced, is an exciting organization to work with. 10/10 would recommend to anyone.

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