Working for ASP has been the greatest professional decision I have made in my college career. This job provides the unique opportunity to manage projects, manage volunteers, and become fully invested in a community in central Appalachia. While the amount of responsibility seems daunting, the environment that ASP creates is one of pure empowerment and support. From the volunteers to the administrative staff, ASP truly embodies a family-like work environment and allows summer staff from all backgrounds to succeed in their unique position.
What I wish was different
Plenty of sleep is sometimes hard to come by and days off are limited due to the amount of work that has to be accomplished in such a short span of time. I never felt that it took away from the fulfillment of my work, but it's something to keep in mind!
Advice
Let yourself be open to a new opportunity to actively make a change in the lives of the families that you will be serving!
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Summer Staffer
May - August 2019 • Wise, VA
What I liked
Meeting so many different people
What I wish was different
Advice
Nothing else is like it, it is amazing!!
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Volunteer
July 2019 • Jackson, KY
What I liked
Being able to help people less fortunate then us is by far one of the best experiences one can have. I recommend this organization to anyone I can.
What I wish was different
I wish my experience could have been longer there’s so much to do in such little time
Advice
Keep an open mind
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Volunteer Coordinator and Project Manager
May - August 2019 • Jackson, KY
What I liked
I love the ability to work with all different types of people, including high school and adult volunteers, other college-aged staff members, and the families that we worked for. The variability of the job day-to-day is very exciting, and I love the need to think on my feet and problem solve constantly. No two days are ever the same. Of course, I also loved the visible impact that I had with the job, in both the construction projects as well as the relationships built between families and volunteers.
What I wish was different
Advice
You are more qualified than you may think!
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Center director
May - August 2019 • Johnson City, TN
What I liked
This was my third summer on staff with ASP. The natural progression is to be a center director your third summer. I thrived being the leader of my staff team. It’s hard work but so rewarding. I learned new life skills I’ll never forget.
What I wish was different
Nothing
Advice
Find something you’re passionate about and the hard work will come easy
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Finance Coordinator
May - August 2018 • Barbourville, KY
What I liked
The ability to apply the skills I have been learning in courses in a way that was very practical. I also enjoyed being responsible for something that was very impact.
What I wish was different
I wish I had been more prepared for the reality of the position. I did not have a realistic expectation of what regular work would be like.
Advice
Learn as much during training as possible, but be ready rely on group leaders' input on project planning.
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construction
July 2018 • Salyersville, KY
What I liked
I loved the atmosphere of Appalachia Service Project and their honest goals to better the lives of people living in harsh conditions.
What I wish was different
Many of the rules were very unnecessary, such as the extremely strict dress code. I feel as though some of the employees were slightly irresponsible and caddy.
Advice
If you want to participate in a service project, know your own comfort level before you begin. However, do not limit yourself and never say no to a job or an opportunity to learn!
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Volunteer Coordinator
May - August 2018 • Cross Lanes, WV
What I liked
Absolutely changed my life.
What I wish was different
Pay isn’t bad but also isn’t really representative of the true number of hours worked.
Advice
If you’re up for the challenge and willing to let your heart be changed, don’t pass this up.
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Operations Coordinator
May 2018 • Hyden, KY
What I liked
Everything. I really loved being able to impact the lives of many and have mine impacted in return.
