Setting a Good Example at Service

This post is written by Esther Bier.

Esther serves as Health Educator at Erie Family Health Center - Amundsen.


This has been the winter that wouldn't quit. Granted, we aren't located under the nine feet of snow that was Boston; I would have cried ʺuncleʺ in February if we were. I remember talking about Chicago weather during our orientation week in September and watching the eyes widen on the faces of people who are from the South. At the time, it seemed like we were exaggerating the cold - there's no way the skies could be gray for four straight months or that people really walk around in puffy coats that fall past their knees. But, alas, a rite of passage of Chicago Health Corps is making it through a Chicago winter and it appears hat everyone in our cohort has emerged alive from the other side.

I am most looking forward to the days I can bike to service again. One of my favorite parts of serving at Amundsen High School's health center is that it only takes me twenty minutes to bike there - hardly longer than it takes in a car. Biking to service is a great way to start and end my days. It makes me feel rejuvenated and energized and less guilty about sitting for most of the day. I also feel that, as a health educator, biking sets a good example for my students. I can speak from personal experience about the importance of exercise and how it can improve my day. A student once asked me why I chose to bike if I had a car. I responded by asking if he had a car and a bike, to which he said he did. So I asked him why he chose to drive if he could bike. This exchange led to an interesting discussion about physical activity and personal choices.

In this vein, I try to bike to as many service days as possible, no matter where they are located around the city. Though I've lived in Chicago all of my life, I knew embarrassingly little about the city before I started my AmeriCorps year. Chicago Health Corps has given me the opportunity to travel to all different sides of the city and become acquainted with an array of public health organizations. After living here for twenty four years, I finally know my way around, can navigate the CTA, and even give directions to lost tourists.

I'm excited for this summer with CHC. I'm looking forward to going to the beach with friends and exploring outdoor music festivals and parks. I'm excited about our upcoming CHC member retreat next month where we can take time to reflect on our year of service and finish the term strong. I'm looking forward to utilizing the skills I have gained in CHC in whatever direction I take after this year is over. And significantly, I am excited to retire my puffy, knee-length jacket.