Jessica Goebel currently is completing
the Masters of Social Work program at the University of Southern
Indiana (USI).
However, it wasn’t long ago she was serving her 900 hour AmeriCorps
position through the USI AmeriCorps Tutors (USI ACT) program with Carver Community Center’s after-school program. Carver’s after-school program serves
inner-city students in the Evansville,
IN area. When asked how AmeriCorps had impacted her
life she responded, “My AmeriCorps service taught me a lot in many different
areas. Most importantly, I learned how
much diversity was within our community, and how to assist individuals who had
different lifestyles than myself.”
Jessica feels her AmeriCorps term was able to help her gain practical
experience for her future career by exposing her to diversity and having the
opportunity to meet the individuals she serves on their level (a big aspect in
social work).
When Jessica was asked about what
AmeriCorps is doing within her community she mentions how AmeriCorps members are
serving a wide variety of people. From
students to adults, serving as mentors and tutors, to assisting individuals
gain their GED’s. Jessica stated
“AmeriCorps members are serving as positive influences in the lives of others
while helping them with different aspects of their lives.” The area being impacted the most from the
service of AmeriCorps members within the Evansville,
IN community is definitely education.
AmeriCorps has changed Jessica’s perspective
in many ways. Since she was exposed to diversity during her term of service she
feels better prepared and more aware to serve her future clients in the field
of Social Work. Also, Jessica mentions
how helpful the required training opportunities were to her. She says the trainings not only aided her in
learning better ways and techniques to serve the students she assists, but also
information she will be able to utilize in other aspects of life. Overall, Jessica enjoyed her term of service
as an AmeriCorps member and enjoys seeing the change and lasting affects on her
community.
Story written by Sabrina Smith - Indiana AmeriCorps LeaderCorps member and current USI ACT program member.
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