A Farewell to AmeriCorps; or The End of the Beginning

My journey began with a nervous telephone call. I had been accepted into the MN GreenCorps position three months after graduating college. Little did I know how great an impact that experience would have on my budding professional life. These past two years have wrought friendships, pulled me through trials of patience and persistence, I have shared in the joys, sorrows, fears, and a whole host of other emotions, while I have grown and served with CentraCare. Now, I must reflect and move forward, as the team and community that I have called family and home move in separate directions.

As Yogi Berra once said, “If you see a fork in the road; take it.” Some forks are inevitable, and all we can do is hope for the best as we part ways and continue. We have accomplished a lot during these two years, and I will continue to follow the progress of the projects I have helped start, as they continue on to their full potential. What is next for me, you ask? To be honest, I don’t entirely know myself. My long-term goal starting out was to get a job in conservation, but I have shifted my focus to working with communities to build urban gardens (indoors and out), teaching about soil and nature, and writing.

Thank you for allowing me the honor of serving with you for two great years and for sharing the vision of a healthier and better future for the St. Cloud area. Thank you to all of the partners, friends, collaborators, and mentors that have helped me along the way; you know who you are, and I extend my warmest thanks for your support and guidance!

Lastly, I would like to thank you, dear reader. You want to make a difference and build a better future for your community, and I commend you. Now, go forth and make a difference! Maybe I will see you, or even help make that possible, as I go forth.

Farewell, my friends, and happy trails; until we meet again!