What does it mean to be of service? That’s the question AmeriCorps NCCC Team Red 6 has had a chance to answer while serving with HCRN in Paradise, California.
The AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps brings together teams of young people age 18-24 to serve for 10 months split in to three rounds. It’s a fantastic program that sets up these teams with non-profits all across the USA to serve communities and meet needs. HCRN has been so proud to be partnered with AmeriCorps for so many teams here in Northern California.
This week, we spoke with Mei Pantuso, a member of Team Red 6. Mei’s been serving in Paradise, California on HCRN home rebuilds, trail maintenance, and at distribution centers which are still serving the community over 3 years after the deadly Camp Fire.
For many young people, deciding on a career path or studies can be a difficult choice. It’s especially difficult when you’re just finishing high school and haven’t had much experience outside of school and family. For Mei, she wanted to figure out what she wanted before going to college. It was her step-mother who suggested the AmeriCorps program. Her step-mom had been a part of AmeriCorps when she was younger, and presented it as an alternative to college for Mei to explore and experience the world a little more.
“I knew it was going to be tough because I never had done anything like it,” Mei said. And she’s been right! She and her team have had an opportunity to work on so many different projects, interact with so many different people of different backgrounds and means. They’ve painted homes and worked in a community pantry to feed people who are still living in camper trailers or their cars. She and her team have seen the need, and they’ve had a chance to be a part of meeting those needs.
Of all of these challenges for Mei, the most difficult has been talking to new people every day. “I could never be a waitress,” she said, after working several crab feeds in Butte County. That’s another perk of this program: finding the things you don’t want to do. However, the things she’s learned she loves doing have been by far the more important aspects of Mei’s service. She’s found out how much she loves working with her hands, in painting and planting, she’s found joy in her work and service. Mei said, “I’ve decided that’s something I want to keep doing.”
For anyone who’s thinking about what their next steps should be, Mei encourages young people to consider an AmeriCorps program. “It’s such a unique experience,” and provides experience with a team, getting you outside of yourself and serving others. It’s a chance to try so many new and interesting things, and especially for younger people, it gives you a chance to find something you really love. “Every time I’m talking to a younger family member [I say] ‘you have to join!’ I can’t stress how exciting a program this is.”
If you’d like to learn more about AmeriCorps NCCC please visit their website here.
If you’re a little too old for the AmeriCorps program, we’d love to have you serve with HCRN directly! For volunteer opportunities, contact Travis Cox at [email protected] or 574-333-7728.
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