Americorps Service
Dear Editor: My name is Caroline Weber and I serve with the Sitka Americorps Program at Pacific High School. I am originally from Indiana, and have lived in the Midwest my whole life. I have, as a result, always wanted to travel and experience living somewhere new. So when I discovered an Americorps position in Sitka I saw an opportunity to do so while simultaneously gaining experience in education, which allowed me to explore careers in that field after finishing my bachelor’s degree in liberal arts this past May.
It was a practical and yet nerve-wracking decision to move so far away and try something new, but I felt that it would help inform my next steps in life post university. Now that I am seven months into my service here in Sitka, I can say with certainty that it was the right move.
In many ways, my service year has done for me what I expected it to, but really this experience has gone beyond my expectations. When I reflect on why this time has been so meaningful, I see the faces of the people I have met here and I realize now that I underestimated the impact the community would have on me. I have learned so much from serving at PHS. It wasn’t without challenges and hard days, but I feel really lucky to have worked with the students and staff here and am so grateful for the way I’ve been welcomed into this special little school community.
Having observed PHS for almost a whole school year I understand better the potential one person has to positively affect everyone they interact with. In a school this size, I also see how important each person’s contribution is to keeping things running and students safe.
Serving here has made me more intentional about my actions because I see better now how they ripple and affect the people around me.
I will always value my time here in Sitka, and all that the amazing people living here have done for me. I am so grateful for the kindness and support you have shown me and my fellow Americorps. Thank you for welcoming me to this special place. Regards,
Caroline Weber
Sitka Americorps Volunteer
