We cannot make good news out of bad practice. -Edward R. Murrow

You may be aware that my VISTA placement at TCU was completed on August 28th. I have officially completed my term "serving our country." (You can thank me later) :) IT was a really great year professionally and personally, but while living below the poverty line is educational and spiritually enlightening, it is really difficult. It was a hard year making less than $800/month at an institution where some students spend my monthly pay on a pair of boots or a purse. I also struggled with the feeling that I am behind my peers as I read emails/facebook filled with wonderful life and work related updates. But I was geared up to complete a second VISTA year at TCU, because I absolutely LOVE my students and the work that I do.

In June, we got word that we would not be receiving any VISTA positions for the 2010-2011 year. I was devastated...again. I felt like...why is this happening to me? How am I going to support myself through another year long job search? Why does this happen to me?

After a long, long, loooooooooong waiting process, we got word that our department was receiving a permanent position, Community Engagement Coordinator, working with both academic and co-curricular Service-Learning programs/classes. After an interview process that beat me up more than anything, I was hired on as the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Center for Community Involvement & Service-Learning at Texas Christian University on September 27, 2010.

I still LOVE the work I do and the students/faculty that I work with and am again remembering what a busy season this is for service-learning at TCU. I am looking forward to working more closely with faculty to assist them in developing/maintaining s-l courses and partnerships.

I hate to say that sometimes I feel like my value is wrapped up in what I DO, but I do feel that sometimes. It's really good to see that others value my work enough to give me this opportunity and that people appreciate the work that I do. In general, I just really enjoy doing good work.

It does feel slightly strange that for the FIRST time since 2001 (senior year of high school) I have a little extra to buy a little something that I want/need and to treat others as well. (granted, you ALL know my live simply stance, so life won't look TOO different). Anyway, its been a long time coming.

Thank you for your thoughts, laughs, prayers, concerns and support (both emotionally and sometimes financially) along the way.

Hanging in ABQ with the mountains and some like minded folks.

Why are there mountains behind me? Well that is because last week I was in Albuquerque, New Mexico for a Public Service Orientation. As an Americorps*VISTA, it is a requirement to go to this regional training to discuss poverty, capacity building, and how we fit into the mission of VISTA. It was truly a great time and so refreshing to be surrounded by people about to embark on similar journeys as myself. I made some dear friends with whom I'd love to keep in touch.

We stayed at the Hilton and aqttended seminars during the day that looked a little like this:


The weather was wonderful and the conversations were phenomenal. I of course took on a role in the evening as entertainment coordinator..I am a born planner. It was really neat to see all the connections that people were making with one another; we all remarked on how it felt like freshman orientation all over again. I was pleased to have the best roomie of the bunch, Lindsey. It was so fun to stay up chatting with her about her experiences and expectations for the year.



As VISTAs we took an oath of service (the same as military) at the end of the training, which was really interesting to me as someone who isn't really known for my patriotism. But let's be honest: what a great time in history to serve my country in terms of fighting the war on poverty. We are all so interdependent on one another and I am always glad to make relationships that remind me of that.

INTERACT: check out the photos from my trip and leave some comments. Check out the photos by clicking this link!