“Wow, I was a part of making this event happen!”

Approaching the start of the service year, I was really excited about the upcoming chance to help the Philadelphia community and make a huge impact.  After a few months of service, I now realize that the impact and joy that our Corps gives to the community is far greater than I imagined, both at our host sites and group service projects.

One thing that is vital to the success of the Corps this year is the group dynamic.  While the 27 of us each come from a variety of geographical areas and backgrounds, our members are always there for each other; reaching out and offering help, including the Philadelphia Health Corps staff.  I thought it was amazing how quickly our group jelled.  It was the first indication that we were going to have a great service year.  The encouragement we give each other is unbelievable!  We all have so much to learn from one another.  One of the best aspects of our friendship is when we get together and share our experiences; everyone is engaged and enthusiastic.  The positive energy and the love for helping others is meaningful to every member.

I believe I can speak for all of us in the 2013-2014 Philadelphia Health Corps when I say that the Thanksgiving Dinner Group Service Project held at Nationalities Service Center on November 16, 2013 was a great experience.  Setting up the meal, blowing up balloons for the playroom, and hours of serving food was completely worth the end result.  Seeing how guests reacted to their first Thanksgiving dinner in the United States of America and sharing that experience was truly breathtaking.  There was smiling and laughter in every direction. 

When I stop to reflect, I find myself thinking, “Wow, I was a part of making this event happen!”  That is why I am committed to the service I am doing.These last few months have only increased my interest and love for the healthcare field.  I’ve always believed that it is better to give than to receive, and what better way to do that than through AmeriCorps?  In the end, you feel the joy of the fact that you helped make a difference in a community and to me, there are few things that can surmount that.  I can’t wait to see what the rest of year brings!

This post was written by PHC member Sekela Mwantembe.
Sekela serves at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health - Ambulatory Health Services as a Patient Assistance Program Advocate.