College seniors: Are you looking for an answer to the question, “What’s next?”

BY ERIN MCGRATH, OPERATIONS AND VISTA PROGRAM MANAGER, THE HUB

Alright, college seniors… You survived the holidays!

Sure, the home-cooked food, the hustle and bustle, and time with those you hold dear are things that I look forward to all year, But the holidays can also be a stressful time when you are a senior in college.

If your family is anything like mine, your holidays were accented by the dreaded “What are your plans for after graduation?” question from many well-meaning family members. In turn, they send you into an existential tailspin leaving you with the question, “What’s next?”

This was the question that I had on the front of my mind when I started my final semester of college. I had no idea what would be next. But, through a twist of fate, I ended up on an email list that was promoting National Service. Doing a program like AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) had never crossed my mind, but sure enough, I soon found myself searching the service opportunity postings for hours on end. I found the service opportunity that was right for me, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Maybe you don’t yet have a clear cut path for what you want to do with your life. Or, maybe you do have a clear cut path, like grad school, but you’d like a change of pace for a while. 

Regardless of what your image of the future may be right now, VISTA is a great springboard to build your resume and improve your professional skills, all while serving your community. Plus, ending your service with a Segal Education Award is a great way to further your education, or pay off some student loans. 

I wouldn’t be where I am today without VISTA (working in a field I am passionate about while also pursuing a Masters in Social Work), and other VISTA alumni feel the same way.

Take a look at the opportunities that are currently open to serve as a VISTA with The Hub and see yourself doing something greater than just wondering, “What’s next?” 

Questions? Contact me, The Hub’s VISTA Program Manager, Erin McGrath at e.mcgrath@wvhub.org!