Village: Santa Rita
AmeriCorps Projects: Monthly group events, whether it's helping the community or being placed at a site (DYA) and helping the troubled youth.
Why I decided to serve: Honestly, I observed my sister, Cheryl, who served last term, and I noticed her really changing. She was a more self-confident person whose always willing and trying to help and give, so much that I wanted to join. I wanted to help and make a difference in people's lives like others have done for me.
What I did: I exceeded my objective of tutoring, mentoring, and calling at-risk
What made the biggest impact on me: Being in AmeriCorps, we do a lot of interacting with the homeless, less fortunate, and the community. Seeing all the differences that our group of 40 can make really made an impact on me.
What I've learned: I've learned that if you give a little, you get a little, you give a lot, you get a lot. But in this case, seeing how appreciative everyone (homeless, needy, children, and elders) are simple gifts. I also learned how to give without expecting.
What I've gained: I've gained a sense of responsibility and organization, as well as the knowledge and strength to open my eyes, not only for my sake, but also for the sake of others in the community.
Village: Agat
AmeriCorps Projects: Feed the homeless at Sagan Dinana, pick up trash for coastal clean up, candlelight walks against family violence, haunted house
Why I decided to serve: I was once a client in DYA, and the AmeriCorps members showed me a good example. By observing them and how they help the community, I knew that I wanted to follow their footsteps.
What I did: I gave my hard work and devotion to helping out the clients and the community.
What made the biggest impact on me: I feel that relating to the clients and helping them get on a straight path has made the biggest impact in my life.
What I've gained: I've gained self-confidence and responsibility while working with AmeriCorps.
Village: Agat
AmeriCorps Projects: Monthly group events, such as candlelight walks against family violence, feed the homeless, coastal cleanups, and maintenance of old homes.
Why I decided to serve: I saw a lot of troubled youth in my community.
What I did: I assisted clients on activities, while building trust between my clients and myself.
What I've learned: I learned that I can mentor other mentors and other mentors can mentor me.
What I've gained: I gained a new goal in life, and that's to better my life and the lives of others in the community.
Village: Barrigada
AmeriCorps Projects: We have done trash pick-ups. We got involved with the family violence month doing candlelight walks around different villages. We also did a haunted house for Halloween, as well as serving lunch to homeless people for Thanksgiving. We are now looking towards forming a Christmas choir.
Why I decided to serve: AmeriCorps is a win-win situation. There is no way you can lose. You join a volunteering service that offers a scholarship for college after
What I did: I tutored and administered kids at various schools on the island. I helped out with local summer camps, as well as spent special days with the elderly. Additionally, I did clerical duties and tutoring service at the Guam Community College.
What made the biggest impact on me: Making new friends, both old and young, gives out a sense of joy and happiness. It helps you to understand the values of life that people take for granted.
What I've learned: Making friends with both the children with disabilities and the elderly helps you to understand the struggle people go through these days, but also it helps out when dealing with one's personal problems.
What I've gained: I have gained many valuable friendships, many hours of priceless community service, and the chance to help myself exceed expectations that I put up for myself and the ones that other people put up for me.
Village: Dededo
AmeriCorps Projects: Planning lessons, reviewing, and tutoring for English & Math, along with writing a reflection paper
Why I decided to serve: To help the community and make a change in my life.
What I did: I volunteered my time for good purposes
What made the biggest impact on me: Learning new skills and helping the community at the same time.
What I've gained: I gained the knowledge of computer skills, and I understand more about community service.
Member Stories
