AmeriCorps NCCC Student Blogs About Gap Year Volunteer Experience

Hi Everyone! My name is Margaret. I am an AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) member in Class 14 at the Central Region Campus in Denver, CO. I am 20 and I am originally from Illinois. Before joining AmeriCorps I was a full-time student pursuing a Social Work degree. After three semesters, which I thoroughly enjoyed, I felt like I wanted to do something hands on. I have always been a busy person and in college I was a full-time student, actively involved in several clubs, and I was a nanny. I loved everything I was doing but I wanted to take a break from spreading myself thin and put my time and effort into one thing. I was looking to do a few months of service in the summer and then continue going to school but when I found AmeriCorps I knew it was a perfect fit for me!

I loved the idea of being able to travel, meet new people and serve (which I am so passionate about!). It was also reassuring to know that I would get an education award ($4,725) at the end of my term of service. It was a really tough decision to leave my family and friends and the comfort of my life at home but I felt it was something I needed to do.

I am now seven months into the program and it has been the best experience of my life. Now, let me just say that I am not by any means saying it has been easy, but from the experiences I have had with the projects I’ve done, my teammates, and the opportunities I’ve had, I have learned so much about myself. So far I have done three projects. I have been to Louisiana doing Habitat for Humanity, Minnesota working with an organization called Groundwork Minneapolis, and this past round I spent locally in Denver doing the Summer of Service Program with at-risk youth. That’s just an overview of my experience so far. Until next time……..

Seize the Day

-Margaret

AmeriCorps NCCC is a full-time team based residential program for youth age 18-24 who have a passion for helping meet the needs of people and communities across the U.S. Members complete a variety of national service projects throughout the region they are assigned.