generationOn - Post Service Plans

Making a 'Living' as a VISTA is Different than Making a 'Life' After VISTA
by Veronica Scheildler, generationOn NYC!

 

At generationOn, I have had the distinct privilege of working in a team of three VISTA members. One of my colleagues secured a spot in a graduate program early during our term of service, and his surefooted next step has made me more keenly aware of my all-consuming uncertainty about what I want to do moving forward.

 

generationON Team!
Josh, Sylvia, & Roni

I’m a bit of a commitment-phobe, but I want to be doing something that rings of purpose with the hours of my life. Hence, VISTA has been a perfect fit.  Twice.  My Corps18 experience marks the second time I have taken the oath to build America’s communities and do my best to make its people smarter, safer, and healthier. Both times I have been inspired by the objectives laid forth in my VAD. Both times I’ve navigated the emotional ups and downs of community work. Both times I’ve very seriously contemplated quitting before the buzzer rang on 365 days. Both times I’ve had those shining moments that make me immensely glad I stuck with the work despite the days I struggled to feel like my efforts had any utility.

 

This year, the feeling of satisfaction hit hardest when I saw the rather difficult eighth grade class of MS 57 graduate. From the moment they marched into the auditorium clad in their shiny blue caps and gowns, unbidden tears sprang to my eyes. I was shocked at the intensity of my emotion, but also cognizant of how meaningful my interaction with those young people on the precipice of adulthood was to me.

 

       

     As our team has casually discussed our future pursuits, I realized how aimless I am. I have declared myself a meanderer and feel no compulsion to have a particular career goal. Perhaps, I have taken too much inspiration from Maya Angelou when she said, “Making a ‘living’ is different than making a ‘life.’” I want to climb mountains, travel, write, draw, eat, laugh, argue, cry, sing, dance, and swim in rivers, oceans, and lakes. However, I want all of that to be interspersed with developing meaningful relationships. I want to grow and see other people grow with me.

 

     Lately, I have been applying to so many jobs I’ve had to create an excel spreadsheet to keep them straight. The benefit of not having a clear life trajectory is I’m open to almost anything. However, I have been attracted now more than ever before to work with after school programs, and have tossed my hat into the ring for some positions in that field.

 

    

     At a training I attended last winter, the presenter spoke about the differences between school and after school. Her explanation was that school focuses on education—really instilling those basic skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic—but that after school programs are uniquely poised to focus on learning—really connecting the skills learned in the classroom to the wider world allowing for exploration and experiential learning. It could be cool to be a part of that.

 

      In short, I still have no clear idea what I will do beyond my VISTA year, but undoubtedly I have been so grateful for the opportunity to be engaged in building communities and stronger by working within a school. I truly believe that you often meet the very best people when you do this sort of work.