Two
long, anticipation-filled weeks later the day was finally here - the Corps
Members of Class 20A had arrived! As with many other long-awaited days that
pass entirely too fast (i.e. graduations, proms, weddings), the memories of that
day are now a blur of preparation, excitement, questions, laughter, delicious Portobello
sandwiches (food is something I rarely forget) and lots of photos. Colorado
Heights University felt empty no more.
Nearly
three hundred individuals converged from all walks of life for one purpose - to
serve. Different age groups, educational backgrounds, upbringings, beliefs,
races, religions, and the like unite to work together, learn from one another,
and to accomplish more than they ever thought possible.
One
of my favorite aspects of NCCC is that alongside questions such as “where are
you from” and “where did you study,” “where have you been” is also considered
small talk. For the most part, everyone I have met in this program over the
last year and a half has been worldly and well traveled, from study abroad
programs to backpacking, from volunteering in other countries to vacationing
and exploring, it seems that everyone has a story to tell.
Not
only do people that travel instantaneously form a connection and have plenty to
discuss, but I am also a firm believer that travel changes people for the
better. It opens minds, broadens perspectives, and increases overall awareness
in people – experiencing life in other countries often makes people more
appreciative of what they have at home.
I
will never forget my very first day in AmeriCorps, arriving in Denver with
apprehension and doubt in my suitcase, questioning whether this program was
right for me. A few short hours into the adventure, I made my very first friend,
now my best friend – we sat together on the bus, I shared my Russian cookies
with him and we chatted about all the places in the world we have traveled, all
the places we want to go, and all the people we look forward to helping. I left
my doubts and apprehensions at the airport – this was the perfect program for
me.
We
spent the first morning greeting all the new, excited, nervous, eager,
confused, happy, lost, sad, enthusiastic corps members. ID photos,
in-processing, campus tour, lunch, unpacking, dinner, and the very first
evening meeting with the new Sun Unit.
Standing up on stage and introducing myself, wearing the green in front
of a sea of gray, we were Team-less Leaders no more.
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| Campus tour extraordinaire |
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