NHC Chicago member Maranda discusses how she is completing a year of service while adjusting to a new lifestyle
Surviving a full year of service while adjusting to a new lifestyle can be a challenge. A day in my life this past year has felt like a rollercoaster. I lost my mom three months before starting the service term, so my mind was everywhere. I was excited and sad at the same time. I had thoughts running through my mind: "what if I find a full-time job,” “what if this requires more than I can give,” and “will I be able to complete the entire service term?"
In the beginning, everything was a little slow because of COVID and I, along with the rest of the team, had to serve from home. After two months, opportunities began picking up for me and I was so excited to finally have multiple tasks to complete. At home, I had to take on the responsibility of paying bills and taking care of my little brother all while being committed for one year of service.
I have enjoyed being placed at my host site, Advocate Trinity Hospital. I am happy I got the opportunity to help in the communities that the hospital serves. I have met awesome NHC members and staff, and the support I received from NHC staff and my host site staff was incredible. It really helped to make my year of service great. Being a part of this program has helped me on my new lifestyle journey and helped me realize how important self-care is. I am grateful to overcome many challenges I have been faced with while serving and I am thankful for this great opportunity. Days of serving made me realize never take things for granted and learn to take advantage of resources that are out here because they can be really helpful. The AmeriCorps National Health Corps program is a great program to be a part of being fresh out of undergrad or graduate school because we are given the opportunity to volunteer and serve in real world careers.
I had an amazing year serving with NHC Chicago and after I am done with my service term, I will be working full time at my host site. It’s like when we think our life is going wrong and we are faced with many challenges, we have to take a moment and realize every day we wake up we are given another chance at life. We must learn to make the best out of life while we can and start applying ourselves more if we are not satisfied with the way things are going. Make goals and achieve them and NEVER GIVE UP!
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post.
