You will...(The true experience)

When I first began researching for AmeriCorps, the first thing I did was look at personal blogs. All I was looking for was a personal experience. I didn't want sugarcoated writings. I wanted to know if I really wanted to do this program and how did others see it during their time. So that is one of the big reasons why I write in this blog. I want to help the future members of AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps. So this post is exactly for you. Nothing will ever be perfect. You most likely won't LOVE everyone on your team. But that is okay. You most likely won't LOVE all of your projects. But that is okay. You most likely won't LOVE your POCs (Point Of Contact). But that is okay. You most likely won't LOVE your SPIKE housing. But that is okay. You most likely won't LOVE all team dinners. But that is okay. You most likely won't LOVE all of the packing. But that is okay. You most likely won't LOVE everything that is AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps. But that is okay. It's a guarantee that you will agree with atleast one of these statements. This program wears you down thin, trust me on this. I can not tell you how many times I thought of quitting. I can not tell you how many times I have called home to a friend crying. I can not tell you how many times I wanted to punch a few of my teammates on bad days. But the thing is, I wouldn't change a damn moment of the past 8 months. It's these moments when I break down, that I realize how strong I truly am. I learned that sometimes you just NEED to cry. So blubber it up! Scream to the moon and the stars!! Let those tears stream down your face!! Listen to a REALLY depressing song three times in a row!!! Call a friend back home and MAKE THEM tell you what a WONDERFUL person you are! Curl up on the dirty kitchen floor and cry(Trust me, I'm an expert at this one!) Clean the kitchen until it is sparkling clean and then some more! Let all of your stresses, worries, fears, deepest doubts, and anger out!!! Before this program I did not cry. Well maybe a few times, but I believed it was weak, to show such a vulnerable emotion! And now I love a good cry! Hell, sometimes I even cry with my closest teammates(Bonding Time!). It's these moments that you become stronger, more than you could ever know. But on a happy note, the good times definitely outwheighs all of the bad. I have some of the best friends that I could ever ask for to have with me during these ten months. I couldn't think of a better team to be on, then my own! I have gotten close to some people that I know if this was in a different situation we will most likely not be friends. It's truly amazing to have an experiance of meeting and becoming friends with so many unique individuals. This experience is unlike most during a domestic gap year. The age gap is only 18-24. But I wouldn't be friends with some of the older corps members if we all went to the same college. And this is just how things are!! But this program makes it work! And I absolutely love it! This whole experience is crazy. And that's not an exaggeration. You will experience new places with new people. You will do things that you never really thought of. You will find out more about yourself and what you can take before your breaking point. I'm not going to tell anyone that this program is easy. You will be homesick at times. You will be upset at times. You will think of quitting during the late nights you are up. You will be lonely at times. You will get sick of packing. You will get sick! You will get tired of traveling around. You will be exausted at times. You will feel doubt about something you believe in. But you know what? Call me crazy, but for every bad moment you WILL have atleast three great moments!!! Remember it's the small things that really count. It's the laughter that you and your roommate share in the middle of the night. It's the late night conversations with your best mates. It's the bonding moments between you and your Team Leader. It's the times where you fall asleep on your teammates shoulder in the car and they take a picture! It's the times that you and your teammates get to explore a new place. It's the inside jokes that build up as the year goes on. It's the little knowing looks that you can give to your teammates and they can give back. It's the embarassing moments that your team will never let you forget. It's all of these momets and hundreds more! So in conclusion, I am having the time of my life. At the moment I am continuing my work in FEMA Connect, taking CERT(Community Response Team)training, still on crutches, enjoying the beautiful weather here in CO, and soaking up the final round with some of the most amazing individuals that I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Thank you all who is and has been reading! I will try and write again soon but it looks like my time will be very limited due to work and fun! But atlast it is once again time to say good bye and I hope you hava wonderful life. Til next time!!! P.S. For whatever reason the website wouldn't let me post pictures... Sorry!!