Torn
I could do a "real job" (as many people like to call them) after graduation, instead of AmeriCorp. This is an option I keep on the back burner, but do not favor.
I could do AC in the Seattle area. There are plenty of positions in Seattle itself, and many of the green motivated programs are in Bellingham (not exactly Seattle, but certainly NOT Spokane). There is a volunteer management position in Everett that I am interested in because I think understanding how/why/when/etc people volunteer and get involved in issues is important. The but in that statement is that the job is in Everett. I've heard some unpleasant things about Everett lately, and I have no perspective because I live in Spokane and know hardly nothing about the other side of the state.
I could do AmeriCorp anywhere else in the country, and I do mean anywhere. I've looked at positions in places like Oklahoma and Iowa (Good gracious, talk about the middle of nowhere). I am attracted to a position in Nebraska because it partners with a service dog organization and might expand to create a penial program with dogs who don't cut the test for service animals. We all know I love dogs and miss being around them. The only draw back is a small night life/social scene. Maybe I could start some kickass hobbies like knitting and sewing? Right now I am really drawn to a farmers market initiative in Rochester, NY. I think pushing for more local food sources is becoming more important, plus I appreciate quality produce that national chains can never capture. And since it's Rochester, the night life and social scene would be bountiful.
This is the problem! So many choices, I'm suffering from 31 syndrome. I don't know what to chose and think I could be happy at just about any of the locations.
I'm not sure I feel like Seattle is the city for me, I don't find myself drawn to the lights of the city across the mountains, and I wonder what is turning me off from returning. Any shameless campaigns in Seattle's favor could be helpful. Nothing better than to have someone who knows the area tell me why it's worth giving a second look to.
On top of this I often fight the grinding and flat incomprehension of people who think I am crazy for doing AmeriCorp. I could get a job with a top Northwest company like Boeing or Amazon, or possibly land (maybe this is a bit ambitious) job with a consulting firm as a bottom rung intern. But honestly, I like working for a nonprofit. I love going to work each week, I adore my boss and what our team brings to the local area, and how I feel impassioned by the work we advocate. If I didn't want to get out of Spokane I might even try to get a permanent position where I work. I spend my time reading social entrepreneurship books, and reading about people who are trying to change the cultural norms. People who believe there are universal basic human rights to not be impoverished, to have adequate health care, to lead a fulfilling life, etc and work for years exhaustively doing everything possible to create such realities. Who wants to work behind a desk? I'd rather work for small pay and enjoy my work- get out in the field.... Ideally I would like to one day work for Ashoka. Doing AmeriCorp exposes me to more NP/SE organizations and knowledge.
Now if only I could pick 10 positions to apply for and be committed to each one and its location!
I could do AC in the Seattle area. There are plenty of positions in Seattle itself, and many of the green motivated programs are in Bellingham (not exactly Seattle, but certainly NOT Spokane). There is a volunteer management position in Everett that I am interested in because I think understanding how/why/when/etc people volunteer and get involved in issues is important. The but in that statement is that the job is in Everett. I've heard some unpleasant things about Everett lately, and I have no perspective because I live in Spokane and know hardly nothing about the other side of the state.
I could do AmeriCorp anywhere else in the country, and I do mean anywhere. I've looked at positions in places like Oklahoma and Iowa (Good gracious, talk about the middle of nowhere). I am attracted to a position in Nebraska because it partners with a service dog organization and might expand to create a penial program with dogs who don't cut the test for service animals. We all know I love dogs and miss being around them. The only draw back is a small night life/social scene. Maybe I could start some kickass hobbies like knitting and sewing? Right now I am really drawn to a farmers market initiative in Rochester, NY. I think pushing for more local food sources is becoming more important, plus I appreciate quality produce that national chains can never capture. And since it's Rochester, the night life and social scene would be bountiful.
This is the problem! So many choices, I'm suffering from 31 syndrome. I don't know what to chose and think I could be happy at just about any of the locations.
I'm not sure I feel like Seattle is the city for me, I don't find myself drawn to the lights of the city across the mountains, and I wonder what is turning me off from returning. Any shameless campaigns in Seattle's favor could be helpful. Nothing better than to have someone who knows the area tell me why it's worth giving a second look to.
On top of this I often fight the grinding and flat incomprehension of people who think I am crazy for doing AmeriCorp. I could get a job with a top Northwest company like Boeing or Amazon, or possibly land (maybe this is a bit ambitious) job with a consulting firm as a bottom rung intern. But honestly, I like working for a nonprofit. I love going to work each week, I adore my boss and what our team brings to the local area, and how I feel impassioned by the work we advocate. If I didn't want to get out of Spokane I might even try to get a permanent position where I work. I spend my time reading social entrepreneurship books, and reading about people who are trying to change the cultural norms. People who believe there are universal basic human rights to not be impoverished, to have adequate health care, to lead a fulfilling life, etc and work for years exhaustively doing everything possible to create such realities. Who wants to work behind a desk? I'd rather work for small pay and enjoy my work- get out in the field.... Ideally I would like to one day work for Ashoka. Doing AmeriCorp exposes me to more NP/SE organizations and knowledge.
Now if only I could pick 10 positions to apply for and be committed to each one and its location!