Cloudy with a Chance of Sunshine

Those who have lived in Florida for a substantial amount of time know the weather's fickle nature quite well. One moment it's rainy, maybe a torrential downpour, or perhaps it's just cloudy; yet within that same day the sun may shine bright, unimpeded. In any case, we're still the Sunshine State, and this group of National Health Corps AmeriCorps members in North Florida knows it. In our October monthly member training day, we were asked to describe our experiences thus far through the analogous use of weather. There were a wide range of responses, but many were tales of strife, uncertainty, and hope. Everyone had a unique story to share, no two experiences alike. Here's what some of the members said:

"My forecast is very cloudy. Mainly because it’s hard to see the end result of all of this right now but I know that behind the grey clouds is a blue sky and ever shining sun." - Olga

"It is a blustery autumn day and I'm trying to fly a kite. Although it’s a lovely day outside, everything is in complete chaos; my hair is flying everywhere and the string keeps getting tangled. Most times my kite does a nose dive, but every now and then it catches the wind and soars." – Laura

"'Cloudy with High Chance of Sun Break' - This has been a quite a transition. I've up and moved for work or "service" before, but somehow I thought this would be a little easier...that being said, I can see the light on the horizon, and trust that I was chosen for this position because I have what it takes. I am determined to learn everything I can, seize opportunities and Get Things Done." - Katherine

"My forecast is sunny with a high of 75 but strong winds all day. I love my host site and the work we do, but there are definitely challenges." - Lindsay

"My forecast is cloudy for now since I am still getting accustomed to my duties. I can see a gleam of sunshine through the clouds. There's the possibility of a hurricane soon, as I am about to get really busy in a chaotic clinic. That won't be fun. Hurricanes are not fun." – Amir 

"My forecast at the Florida Department of Health in Baker County is a vibrant sunny day with a few fleeting clouds. Whether it be tobacco education or lesson planning, each new challenge motivates me to keep learning more. The kids' energy is absolutely contagious, and in many ways, I learn just as much from their experiences!" – Cailyn

"Cloudy: it looks like it might rain today, but it also looks like it might be sunny later. The only thing to do is just wait and see what happens." – Jen

As we look forward to the road that lies ahead, we are optimistic. We will face our challenges, we will persevere, and we will shine. Our passion drives us, and we are here to serve.

This blog post was created by the NHC in Florida's blog committee (Left to Right: Laura, Anna, & Naga)