Why I Serve

As I’ve been nearing the end of my 2nd year of AmeriCorps service, I’ve been reflecting quite a lot about why I came to Generations Incorporated.  Many people know that I came here from a non-profit job after deciding I wanted the opportunity to do more direct, hands-on work than my current job allowed.  Few people know that I had a very personal reason for serving, as well.  I knew I wanted to do service focused around literacy, as my passion for reading is one I hold near and dear.  What drew me to Generations Incorporated in particular though, is that they encouraged a love for reading in the same way my own had been cultivated.

When I was in kindergarten, I only attended school for half of the day in the morning.  I was fortunate enough to have my grandma living just a block from my home, so she was able to care for me in the afternoons.  We had a very regular routine when I stepped off of the school bus.  We would eat lunch together while I told her about my day.  Then she’d move to her well-worn rocking recliner and I’d happily rummage through the desk drawer filled with my books.  I’d select one or two and contentedly settle into her lap.  If I picked Go, Dog, Go, I’d stumble along through the story on my own with occasional gentle guidance. If Bob the Dinosaur was the chosen story, she’d read this harder book aloud to me.  It was my favorite time of the day.  You would never have guessed by my grandma’s attitude or excitement that we had read these same books countless times.  When I read to her, I was quite certain that I was the most gifted reader to ever recite the words of P.D. Eastman.  It was easy to believe in myself because she acted like everything I did was so darn extraordinary.  Yet, I also knew that I could make a mistake because she’d still think I was exceptional and brave for trying.

I know firsthand the amazing effects of a loving relationship with an older adult.    I know just how much it means to have someone devote a piece of their day to building my confidence and skills.  I know just how much that individual attention made me feel valued and loved.

I am so proud to have paid forward some of my grandma’s unbelievable patience, devotion and love of reading.  I know my service has helped so many children receive the same sort of nurturing relationship with an older adult that I was so lucky to have had.  What makes this program especially profound to me, though, is that our volunteers have no blood tie to the kids to which they devote so much time, energy and care. They are community members who care about kids and want them to succeed and they are incredibly inspiring.

When my grandma passed away a few years ago, there was a common theme in her eulogy and the memories people shared with us — giving .  Her reading time with me was but a small piece in a lifetime of sharing her energy, enthusiasm and amazing baking with those around her.  I am proud to help carry forward her legacy.  My two years of AmeriCorps service may be ending, but as my grandmother and our many dedicated Generations volunteers show, I still have a lot of time left and really my lifetime of service is just beginning.

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