Life After Volunteer Service

The transition into graduate school and out of volunteer service has been quite a whirlwind. It has been exactly a month and a half and I still can’t believe the year is over. The end of the year was a bit chaotic- work on a Friday, packing on a Saturday, and moving on a Sunday, and school on a Monday.  I was a bit skeptical moving back to John Carroll, but after a month and a half everything has been coming together. I completed two classes and believe I have many experiences that I am able to contribute to class conversation relating to education. Not only that, but I am able to give perspective on urban education. I feel better prepared to enter into a career in school psychology than I would have a year ago.

Minus some typical stressors I have to say that I’ve embracing being a student again. I happily got my highlighters, coffee mugs, and notebooks ready for school the night before classes. My first day of class I had to contain my excitement when I realized that I could pick ANY TOPIC I WANTED for my papers, relating to education and psychology of course. I soon realized I  had to give myself a time limit for how long I would allow myself to research, find, and take notes on articles. I wanted to read them all!  I’m pretty sure that excitement will wear off a bit within the next three years, but I feel very blessed to have found a program that I believe it a good fit for me.

I’m now in Pittsburgh taking some time to process everything that has happened this year. I have to say I still have a hard time articulating to friends and family how much this year has meant to me, but am very happy to try to explain my experience.  When I think about the year many fond memories go through my mind from Harvest Day at Villa Maria, open house with Ellen, the sisters, and other volunteer alums at the Cleveland House, MANY memories with my roommates, memories of my students, teachers, friends, the Jesuit Volunteers. All of these thoughts bring a smile to my face.

While the year of service is over, I think I’m now starting to understand how all the past volunteers are a part of the Humility of Mary family. During the volunteer Missioning mass at Villa Maria we were told we were going to be considered part of Humility of Mary for life. I remember immediately thinking to myself, “I’m part of this for life”? I didn’t remember signing up for that! Almost a year later, I have much more clarity as to what this actually means and the thought it very comforting. I feel very lucky to have been given such an amazing year to learn and grow. And to you future volunteers, welcome! I feel confident that you will have an amazing year. :) 

Love, 

Tina