A Happy Friendsgiving

Posted on: November 28, 2016Florida
Much like the first day of National Health Corps-Florida (NHC-FL) training, I didn’t know what to expect when I walked into my first Friendsgiving on Sunday. Any kind of potluck event runs the risk of having one or two appearances of a botched reproduction of your friend’s favorite family recipe. Luckily, there wasn’t a dish on the table that wasn’t good, from the appetizers to the desserts.

The event was held at Rebecca and Noel’s festively decorated apartment (two of the nicest NHC-FL members), and nearly every member of our Corps made an appearance. As I sat in their living room,, I watched as everyone laughed while retelling the best stories from their host sites and sharing the recent happenings in their lives. Surrounded on both sides by my new friends, I felt a smile come to my face. I realized how immensely grateful I was to be around of such a wonderful group of people. Like many members, I came to Jacksonville, Florida fresh out of college knowing virtually no one but the voices who had interviewed me for my position over the phone. Since then, I feel like I’ve gained more than just similar minded colleagues; I really do think I have gained another family (an AmeriFam to be exact). It has made the transition much easier, and I can’t imagine life down here without them.

Towards the end of the night, we all sat in a circle and shared what we were thankful for in true Thanksgiving family fashion. As expected, warm and fuzzy feelings were in full effect. To give the reader an idea of the moment, I’ll share some of what was said:

“I’m thankful for my National Health Corps Florida-AmeriCorps members and all the wonderful cooking they did, and thankful for my family” - Scott Berman

“We all gathered together like one big not yet dysfunctional, multiracial sitcom family.” - Rejoice Asomugha

“When I feel there is apathy in the world, I always remember how passionate and engaged my fellow National Health Corps Florida-AmeriCorps members are, and I feel so thankful that they are out there making our future brighter” - Rebecca Ratusnik

“Since I don’t get to go home for Thanksgiving, I have thankful to have Friendsgiving and spend it with my AmeriFamily.” - Michael Hodges

“I was nervous about the move and interacting with the members but you all are awesome.” - Brianna Bell

“I am thankful for the perspective this year and the members have lent for me, they help me to grow as a person far more than they realize.” - Ben Borgert

I am so glad I decided to join National Health Corps Florida-AmeriCorps, thanks in large part to the people who were in the room on Sunday. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has in store for us!

This blog post was written by NHC Florida member, Eric Bethea.

Eric serves at the YMCA in Duval County as a Health Educator.