Americorps Week
Dear Editor: In honor of Americorps Week, I want to recognize my fellow volunteers who have committed to serving their communities across the country. Americorps is a wonderful way to move somewhere new or see someplace special in a new way. In my case, I got to move somewhere new, far away from my home in Ohio. I want to take this time to thank my new Sitka community for welcoming me into their home.
Sitka is an amazing town that has surprised me in so many ways, and I am beyond grateful that I have gotten to serve my Americorps term here. One of the highlights of my term as an Americorps is meeting the awesome kids at my service sites (and my time as an assistant coach for BBSC! Go Cudas!).
There are lots of compassionate, funny, and dedicated young people of all ages in Sitka. One group in particular that became really special in my time here is the Gajaa Heen Dancers. Every day when I walk into that space, I am so grateful to watch amazing cultural leaders and teachers work with equally wonderful students. My time with GHD, and the Sitka Native Education Program as a whole, showed me what it means to participate in a truly uplifting space. What it means to honor each student where they are at and how to get there as imperfect adults in a tough world. It is a beautiful thing to be seen and that is what it feels like to learn and serve alongside the staff at SNEP.
Gunalcheesh to everyone at SNEP, STA, and each of the students I have gotten to meet.
Lastly, shout out to all of my fellow Americorps here in Sitka this week! Getting to know each of you, and adjust to a new daily life together, was truly such an adventure. Enjoy this week, you deserve it!
Erin Broderick, Americorps Volunteer
