
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!
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