A little about me...
I am from South Bend, Indiana in the United States. I grew up there and left to go to College at the University of Dayton. I graduated May 2009 with a double major in Political Science and Communications. I am a lifelong Catholic and continue to practice today. When I was looking for options for my life after graduation service work was one of the options. As I continued to search I found the Vincentian Volunteers in a service book from my school. I later found it online and applied. I am so glad that I did. This year has been an eye opening experience. It is difficult to be away from your home and family but it is an experience that I have gained so much from. It has inspired me to continue my spirituality as well as taught me how to work with others and how to manage my own life in a foreign country.
Why Vincentian Volunteers...
I had applied to a number of programs and this is the one that I chose. I liked the opportunities it gave me and the work I would be able to do. The practical issues also were very enticing. I liked that it was a one year program and that I would be taken care of. I like Liverpool and I find that it is not too much of a culture shock.
My projects...
I am in two different programs. My primary placement is at Christopher Grange. I work with elderly people who have lost their vision. I primarily work in the computer lab teaching our service users how to use programs that speak to them. I also teach guitar lessons with a few of the service users one day a week. My second placement is at an afterschool program for the disadvantaged children in our neighborhood. This work is a bit more challenging but rewarding and part of the experience.
My highlights so far...
- Bonding with my housemates.
- Learning from my blind service users
- Exploring a new country and learning from the local people.