🏡 Two Years of Service, a Lifetime of Change

✨ What AmeriCorps & Habitat for Humanity have taught me about people, purpose, and myself.

It’s hard to believe it’s been two full years.

Two years of waking up early, putting on my uniform, and walking into a space where I knew I wasn’t just “working”—I was serving.

I didn’t always know what I was getting myself into. I just knew I wanted to help.

I wanted to be a part of something that actually meant something.

And what I found through Ameri-Corps and Habitat for Humanity was way more than just a “job.”

It was a journey.

🛠 What I Thought It Would Be vs What It Actually Was

I came in thinking it would be all about giving back—building homes, helping customers, making things run smoother at the ReStore.

But what I didn’t realize was how much this experience would give back to me.

It taught me:

1. How to lead with empathy and serve with love
2. That community doesn’t always look picture-perfect—but it’s powerful
3. That small things—ringing someone up at the register, sorting donations, sweeping floors—can actually change someone’s day

I’ve met people who’ve lost everything and still walk in with a smile.

I’ve watched volunteers give their time just to make someone else's tomorrow a little brighter.

And I’ve worked alongside a team who believes that every person deserves a safe, decent place to call home.

💭 It Wasn’t Always Easy...

There were days I was exhausted.

Days I was mentally checked out or overwhelmed by life outside of service.

Times I felt like I wasn’t doing enough, even though I was giving it all I had.

Moments where I wondered if anyone noticed what I was putting into this work.

But every time I felt like giving up, something small reminded me why I started.

A “thank you” from a customer.

A laugh shared in the breakroom.

A family getting the keys to their new home.

That’s what brought me back every time.

That’s what made the hard days worth it.

🧡 What I’ll Never Forget

These two years have shaped me in ways I’m still figuring out.

I’m more grounded. More patient. More me.

I’ll never forget:

1. The regulars who’d come into the ReStore and ask how my day was going
2. The quiet moments after a long shift where I just felt proud—like I was doing something that mattered
3. The coworkers and supervisors who became like family

I didn’t just serve—I grew.

I healed in ways I didn’t expect.

And I walked away with a stronger sense of who I am and what I’m capable of.

🔄 Moving Forward, But Never Forgetting

As I close out this chapter, I’m leaving with so much more than I came in with.

I’m taking:

1. New skills
2. A stronger work ethic
3. Deeper compassion
4. Real friendships
5. And a fire in me to keep showing up for people, in whatever way I can

I might be stepping into new things now, but Ameri-Corps and Habitat will always be a part of my story. A part I’m deeply, deeply proud of.

🏡 Final Thoughts

Service isn’t always glamorous.

Sometimes it’s messy. Sometimes it’s thankless.

But it’s real. It’s needed. And it matters.

To anyone thinking of serving: do it.

You never know how it might change you.

To everyone I’ve met along the way: thank you.

You’ve made this chapter unforgettable.