My years of Americorps service were some of the most exciting of my life: I learned useful skills, met amazing people, and got to see parts of our country in a way that not many people do. Peace Corps and Americorps are both ultimately service to a community, but the value that participants can get from them can also be immense. I encourage each of you to think about how your existing interests could match an opportunity to serve and learn, because pursuing that opportunity could lead to the adventure of a lifetime.
Lastly, and setting aside Peace Corps and Americorps, I also encourage you to think and act locally. What's going on in your state and local parks? How are people organizing to protect or take care of them? I think we often lose sight of the beauty around us when we idealize faraway places like Alaska or Hawaii, and the accessibility and personal connection to our local environments are invaluable. In Nebraska, I remember being stunned by the Fort Niobrara Wildlife Refuge in the sandhills near Valentine and really enjoying walking along the Platte River. In my home state of Virginia, I loved visiting and volunteering in the oak and pine forest parks or helping clean up local parks on the banks of the Potomac River.
Farewell for now, and best of luck in whatever path you choose to follow! I'm looking forward to connecting with you all on zoom and hearing your perspectives!
