Comments on: Reader Story: Tackling Debt Through Volunteer Work

By: Jenny

Jenny — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 17:27:29 +0000

I worked in the Americorps, not as a Vista, but as a reading tutor. I thought I might want to teach but I wasn’t sure I could stand working with kids every day. I am SO glad I did this, it was a wonderful experience. If you’re just out of college and kind of drifitng, this is a great place to give your time. What better time to take the opportunity to give back, than before you start your “career,” you’re used to living on the cheap, and it’s a worthwile way to spend a year or two. (more productive than backpacking around Europe so the parents are more likely to approve.)

I would recommend everyone to look into the program. It was the best experience of my life.

By: PFBlog Lurker

PFBlog Lurker — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 17:07:06 +0000

I did Americorps VISTA my first year out of college. It was the BEST EXPERIENCE of my working/financial life so far. There are different “branches” of Americorps volunteering, and VISTA is a specifically non hands-on voluteer option (there are other branches if you want to do hands-on work directly with those in need). I worked a 40hr/week job in a Habitat for Humanity office taking care of all things Public Relations (planning & editing publications, media relations, etc). It was certainly a challenge but I wouldn’t trade this year of experience for any amount of money I could have made at a “real” job. I’m using my Education stipend to get my master’s (though I have student loans to pay off as well). Thank you for profiling this excellent opportunity on your oh-so-excellent site, I can’t stress enough what a wonderful growing experience it provided me.

By: billy

billy — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 01:35:50 +0000

My tuition (I’m from Ireland) was zero. All paid for by the taxpayer, and I’m happy to pay for the next generation. It never ceases to amaze me that Americans start themselves off in life with colossal debt hanging over their heads. I won the birth lottery for sure.

By: J.D.

J.D. — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 21:37:23 +0000

While getting my hair cut at the local barber shop today, I read a feature in the local paper from a young woman in the Peace Corps. This paper doesn’t archive anything, so this will vanish. Save it if you want it!

By: snoopherb

snoopherb — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 18:10:39 +0000

Sounds interesting and congrats on paying off your loans and bills!

What kind of work did you do while in AmeriCorps Vista?

By: communicatrix

communicatrix — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 17:59:06 +0000

Brandon Rogers (the writer, not the guy who I guess is on American Idol now…sheesh…) was a volunteer for AmeriCorps and gives a speech every year at the swearing-in ceremony. He’s generally a modest guy, but he posted his speech (and an MP3) of it b/c–well, I don’t know for sure, but knowing Brando a bit, I’m guessing it’s b/c he’s one of the good guys and wants to raise awareness for what sounds like an amazing program.

The text of the speech and link to MP3 of it are here:

http://www.onechildleftbehind.com/2006/10/rock-boat.html

He’s an amazing writer–smart, sly, funny, deep–and his speech is quite moving. And, of course, also hilarious. Highly recommended.