1. What did you do after AmeriCorps and what are you doing now?
After my service year with the Philadelphia Health Corps ended in July, 2013, I took a position at my old host site, where I still work today. I am currently working as an Outreach & Enrollment Specialist at both Eleventh Street Family Health Services of Drexel University and the Health Annex. I was trained as a Certified Application Counselor to assist Pennsylvanians apply for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. I help applicants understand the ACA’s complex requirements for coverage, properly fill out applications, compare insurance plans, and teach them about some basics about insurance, like copays, premiums, and deductibles. I also go to community events, such as the Philadelphia Marathon Expo, to spread information about the Affordable Care Act.
2. How did AmeriCorps benefit your future goals?
My Health Corps experience has been invaluable in helping me truly understand my passions within healthcare. Serving at Eleventh Street for a year showed me many different sides of healthcare, including providers and administrative staff. My AmeriCorps responsibilities charged me to work with both groups. I soon discovered I wanted to go into healthcare administration for a career. I was able to talk with our center directors, who each gave me incredible career advice. Admission officers always ask about AmeriCorps and my experience in community health during my graduate school interviews. It is something that I love to talk about and it makes for a great conversation starter.
3. What is one piece of advice you would give to a current/future PHC member?
My biggest piece of advice would be to be open to any new experience you have during your service year. Talking to everyone at your host site will offer new perspectives and help you learn more about healthcare, or your personal goals. Trying new service projects are fun ways to learn about interesting organizations in Philadelphia, get more variety in your weeks, and spend more time with your fellow members. And finally, do as much site seeing as possible and look for all the awesome events happening around this awesome city!
