NHC and Me

This is my second term of service with AmeriCorps, so naturally I had certain expectations and an idea of what National Health Corps would be like and what I hoped to get out of this program. I expected to be exposed to a diverse population of clients; I expected to be a member of a supportive community; I expected to learn about maternal and child health topics; and I expected all of that to create a lasting change not only in the communities I serve, but also in myself. In reflecting on the past nine months of my service, I can confidently say I have accomplished all those things, and more.

One reason I chose to serve again is because of the deeply rooted desire to inspire change and strengthen the lives of communities and individuals that I had experienced in my first term of service with AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps. During that term I was tasked with helping prepare communities for natural disasters and was able to be some of the first boots on the ground when disaster struck. I found it inspiring to be surrounded by so many dedicated young people all wanting to make a difference, which is what AmeriCorps does; it “gets things done.” My experience with National Health Corps this year has confirmed for me that AmeriCorps attracts a very special group of people, one that genuinely enjoys and thrives on bettering the lives of others.

In reflecting on my previous AmeriCorps experience, which was residential and team-based, I feel that I lived and breathed every moment in a bubble where everyone’s mission was the same. Because of the structure of National Health Corps - one where member are not surrounded by AmeriCorps peers 24/7 - that bubble burst this year, and I could not be happier that it did. This term of service brought into focus the reality that not everyone puts helping others as a priority or goal, which is something I was not completely aware of before, or, perhaps more accurately, did not want to believe was true. I see silver linings, I give the benefit of the doubt, and I act with purpose. Those are characteristics that have unfailingly put tough situations into perspective for me this year while allowing me to refocus on what the big picture or goal is, which is to better the lives of individuals and communities. That in turn has helped me to not have become jaded by my discovery, and I feel so lucky for that because those characteristics also make me who I am and allow me to serve in the capacity that I do; with my whole heart.

Expressing the impact that National Health Corps, and the AmeriCorps program in general, is something I’m not sure I will ever be able to do perfectly. Yet, I feel fortunate to have people in my life who have experienced this journey with me, people who understand this “AmeriLife.” Though my time serving with AmeriCorps will be ending shortly, I feel confident that my commitment to service never will.

This post was written by PHC member Aziza Khalil.
Aziza serves with the Maternity Care Coalition as a Cribs for Kids Advocate.