Beginning a New Adventure

As they began their year of service in AmeriCorps, three Full-Time mentors serving at Wright Charter School reflect on the experience of joining CalSERVES, moving to California, and making a difference.

Melissa Boni

After what seemed like a much anticipated wait and a 14 hour drive to Santa Rosa, CA, I have arrived at my school site and felt the beginnings of settling in. Being new to Wright Charter School, I’ve been learning to appreciate many of the things here. There is a budding garden program that has lots of native flowers and veggies, with exciting plans of expansion and variety. I love the idea of eating local, especially that it allows kids to learn and be healthy through it.

As far as the students, I’m still in the beginning stages of getting to know them, but right now, I feel like third might be the grade for me. I’m really looking forward to having my own classroom in which to welcome my students. I really want to create a Tribes community with them.

I can’t wait to explore Santa Rosa and beyond. I feel like I have an endless list of places I want to go, things I want to do, and events and festivals I want to attend. There’s so much excitement and possibility waiting out there, I’m impatient to get going as explore. I do wish at times I could share all of these new experiences with my family and friends still in Washington, but I know this unfamiliar independence of a new state and people is important.

Patrick Link

Everything seems right at the moment. When I got the call me to inform me of my acceptance into CalSERVES, I was ecstatic. I had been interviewing for many community service programs, and it was so nice to get some good news! Later that day, on the radio, I heard “Goin’ to California” by Led Zepplin, and I took that as a sign. I knew that I needed a dramatic shift in my life; I needed to step out of my comfortable setting in Virginia and try something new. CalSERVES could provide me with that opportunity.

I was ready to serve when I arrived in Santa Rosa and got settled in my new apartment. The night before our first training, I was restless and couldn’t get to sleep. I was anxious to meet all the new people and excited to learn more about the program. But I knew sleep was the only obstacle left between me and my new adventure. So I slept to the sound of a gentle California breeze rustling through my new surroundings.

Jamie Hennick

My travel to Santa Rosa was not fast. Or efficient. It was not a simple bus ride or even a short flight. It was an extravagant cross-country road trip with my mother. The entire time, I couldn’t help but think about my decision to take this opportunity to serve and move my life from to a new coast. I couldn’t help but wonder if these 3,017 miles on US I-80 were going to be worth it. Was I doing this simply because I didn’t want to move back home with my parents? Well, partially. But I also hand an ideal vision in my head, a vision that I would love what I do and make a difference in the lives of these children.

Upon arriving in California, I can tell this dream is in my reach and that the miles of cornfields, deserts, mountains, and prairies would be well worth my time and apprehension. After training for a week, I know there’s lots I need to reach for to make this experience a great one. But I know I’m surrounded by like-minded and hearted people who will help me grow, learn, and make a difference this school year.