Think beyond

AmeriCorps VISTA Worker
Johnson City, New York

Q. Please explain your AmeriCorps VISTA credential.
A. AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. As a VISTA member, I’ve committed to serve full time for a year, working to empower community groups and support small businesses. I specifically work as a community organizer for the Binghamton Neighborhood Assemblies in New York State.

Q. Sounds quite noble. How did you decide to give this year to serve the poor?
A. That goes back to how I chose an economics major, actually. I originally chose economics because I wanted to go into business and one day run or own a company. Needless to say, that isn’t true anymore. Over the course of time I became more interested in economic development and poverty. I want to do what I can to help.

Q. How does your recent undergraduate experience help you on a day-to-day basis?
A. My studies in economics allow me to bring a different perspective to the table in a lot of instances. When there are seven people sitting around a table trying to work through a community issue, having different insights is essential. At Drew, I learned my leadership style and how I work the most effectively in groups. That has come in handy a lot recently.

Q. Sounds like the knowledge you acquired was not limited to the stuff of textbooks.
A. It definitely was not, and I have to sing the praise of the economics department on that point. I could have gone to any one of my professors with a question, and I know all of them would have welcomed me with open arms—it’s true of most professors at Drew. I don’t remember ever feeling like I didn’t have anywhere to go when it came to academics.

Q. You speak from experience?
A. When I was writing my thesis, for a majority of the year I wasn’t sure if I was going to finish. My committee members heard my concerns and encouraged me to stick it out a little longer before making any decisions. I don’t think any of them ever doubted I would finish it. The support and advice they offered is what made me actually follow through and do it.

Q. Does the foundation you received make it easier to look ahead and figure out your next career steps?
A. In a way, yes: The economics program taught me to use the information I gain to see different perspectives in my work. But more importantly, I learned that it’s OK to explore different options. My economics professors taught me that if I learn enough about enough, I will find what I love. It went beyond “learn a little about everything.” That is what a liberal arts education is all about.