AmeriCorps Gratitude
Dear Editor: I am writing today to express gratitude for the AmeriCorps program, and to the entire population of Sitka for welcoming me here so warmly, even in the midst of a pandemic!
I am a Wisconsin native, and having grown up on the shores of Lake Michigan, feel great affinity for the Midwest. I went to college in Wisconsin (the third generation in my family to attend the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee), and studied social work as well as community organizing. My time after college was defined by travel and working various jobs roughly grouped into the category of food justice. Then, last year I worked at an environmental education semester boarding school for high school students in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. There, my connection to the natural world blossomed, and I grew to appreciate the sense of enormity, solitude, and belonging that sparsely-peopled places allow. I learned to love cross-country skiing and trail running in Wisconsin, and jumping in lakes. I learned curiosity, how to immerse myself in the natural world, and to feel the landscape of old-growth forest and endless lakes.
I feel so grateful that I’ve landed in the town of Sitka, a place that quickly became home. An unforeseen circumstance brought me here, funnily enough. Last summer, I had a job lined up in the Midwest, which fell through at the last minute. But what felt in the moment very hard came to feel lucky as I applied for AmeriCorps, and stumbled upon open positions in Sitka, Alaska. A huge shout out to Sarah Lawrie, whose responsive communication and support were immensely helpful, and brought me here to town! While at first seeming unfortunate, my not getting the Chicago job allowed space for this perfect opportunity in Sitka – I am placed at Raven’s Way (Yeil Jeeax), and get to serve young Alaskans in a substance use treatment setting. I mentor them individually to discuss their future, teach curriculum, and go on weeklong wilderness expeditions with them. I feel so lucky! Between my service, and the amazing community of folks I’ve encountered here, I feel right at home. In fact, only a month after moving here, I decided I wanted to stay!
I’m only 27, but it’s vastly clear to me, life is cyclical in nature. Thematic, some would say. One of the recurring themes in my life is that of the “full circle” – in that, I have left and then returned to multiple “homes” in my life, and as I get older, those comings and goings become more and more apparent. Not to mention meaningful.
From the day I landed in Sitka, to now, over six months later, I feel this place has become home in a way difficult to describe. When I wake up and go outside, the mountains announce their presence here, and in my heart. I am going back to Wisconsin to collect my car and drive here. I can already tell that this trip will be two “homecomings” in one – a return to the Midwest, then a return to Sitka, my home.
Gunalchéesh, Sitka, for welcoming me so warmly! I hope to serve this community and offer what I can in return for the kindness shown so generously to me.
Maia Stack, Sitka
