The Final Chapter--Sarah Spunt's VISTA Experience

I Will Inspire Change

Toward the end of year, your options are open, you can search for another job or continue your education (remember you have to use the education award within 5 years).

No matter what path you chose, your life will be changed by your VISTA experience.

You will enter all careers wondering how your work and life will impact society as a whole, and that is truly the legacy of serving as VISTA.

See, some people call it naive, others call it motivational.

But I truly believe that individuals can make a difference in society with the right passion and support. Listen to your critics, but do not surround yourself with them.

If you are frustrated or discouraged, talk to another VISTA in your network, and don’t forget, your VISTA leader is there to support, and is always good for a free counseling session.

Love/ Hate relationship with volunteers

Non-profits need volunteers; some even function primarily on volunteers, which is awesome and that’s why we love volunteers. But everyone once in awhile, or maybe, we get that volunteer that drives you crazy. One particular volunteer might come to mind, and that’s fine, but remember,

not all volunteer work is glamorous

so put a smile on your face and make the best of a not-so-good volunteer.

The anti-non-profit

Now this one sounds awful, but it is has some truth to it. You won’t go on a crusade to end non-profits, I can promise you that, but you will get sick of fundraising and frustrated about the fact there are a billion non-profits in the same area that have similar missions, and yet refuse to collaborate with each other.

Point being, work on networking and collaborated projects and eventually you will leave this stage and want to start your own non-profit so you can run things your way.

An idealist’s worst nightmare

Most people do not like change, particularly if an organization has been operating the same way for 20+ years.

You will face critics and feel discouraged, capacity building is not easy.

It is extremely frustrating when everyone in the organization is not on the same page, and heck, a lot of time they are not even in the same book.

When they say 24/7…sometimes, it actually happens

Yes, sometimes you will work a ton, and I mean a ton in one week. Every VISTA has been there, and feel free to complain (not too much!) about it to other VISTAs. But don’t make a habit of it, and

use your comp time so you don’t get burned out.