What made the greatest impact on me and what I will remember the most about this year are the people, both on our team and those we met and worked with in the community. The team members were just a great group of people to be around, fun to be with, and dedicated to the service projects we did, always wanting to do the best job possible.  

My main interest in joining was to have the opportunity to become more aware and informed about what was going on in the Tri-Cities, and what non profit organizations there are and what they are doing. I believe I now have a better insight into the backbone of the community.

The greatest point, I think, is that one person can make a difference, but more people working together can accomplish a tremendous amount. I now feel more connected to this community, and proud to be able to go to various locations and say “Hey, I helped do that.”

Phyllis Leishman, Class of 2009

AmeriCorps also made it possible for me to pay off my student loans and go back to school. My time serving in an elementary school has helped me rethink my possible career choices and has given me a genuine desire to start learning again.

Bryan Axelson, Class of 2009

I am proud to say that I have spent two years of my life giving back to my country.  I got so much from my experience.  I learned how to be a team player, an effective citizen, a teacher, a co-worker, and a friend.  All of these experiences led to skills and lessons I will take with me the rest of my life. 

One thing that I have learned about myself this year is that my strengths and talents are constantly growing and endless.  I thought that I had a good idea of what kind of leader I am, but I learned that I could take on new roles or styles and flourish!  

I truly believe that I have made a difference with the youth that I have worked with over this past year.  I have seen kids that didn’t have goals or a dream improve their attendance and succeed in school.   

My decision to serve my community for two years through the Regional Service Corps has impacted every corner of my life.  I thought that I knew what I wanted to do with my life, what career I wanted and where I would end up.  After having this incredible experience, I have a new vision and direction for my life.  I now want to be a school counselor. My purpose in life is to now make sure every child that I work with know and understand that they are a strong capable person who is capable of wonderful things. 

Brittany Williamson, Class of 2008 and 2009

I believe my greatest achievement of the past year at AmeriCorps has to be how active and aware of my community I have become.  By getting out and doing so much volunteer work during the past year I have learned a lot about my community and I believe I have also filled a very important niche in my community. I have learned that there is a big need for volunteers in my community and that anyone can do something when volunteering as the jobs come in all shapes and sizes.  

Kristina Ruddles, Class of 2008 and 2009

As my ten months come to a close I look back at this year in awe and amazement of everything I have accomplished this year. I think I have changed and grown in a lot of ways. The leadership training that you receive alone is worth the whole ten months.  Though it was tough at times and definitely nothing like anything I have ever done before, I am glad I had this experience and even more glad that I am finishing it out strong.

Kelli Ramey, Class of 2008 and 2009

I believe the Regional Service Corps has given me a special gift. This year I have worked with over seventy-five students. I know that every last one of them has shown improvement. I couldn't be happier with this outcome.

Yvonne Yzaguirre, Class of 2003 and 2005

 
I got more out of this experience than any other experience in my 38 years. AmeriCorps has given me confidence to choose a new career path. It has given me direction as far as the needs of my community and the difference I can make within it. It has shown me how much I love helping others and need to make a life choice in that direction. It has made me more full of a natural joy that I bring to every part of my life. It has empowered me to take on the challenges that are ahead of me.

Kim Holdiman, Class of 2003 and 2004

 
As a bilingual math tutor and mentor to middle school students, I have had the privilege of working with some truly great, culturally diverse kids. I've formed meaningful bonds with these truly special kids. The days we spent giggling and laughing and growing together were some of the best-spent moments of my life. It was great to see the improvement in the students' grades, and fantastic to see the positive changes in their self-esteem.

Throughout my RSC-AmeriCorps experience, I am most proud of being a positive influence in kids' lives. The bond we shared helped "hook them" on school and they became eager to learn. It was great seeing each of them grow as people.

Suzy Carter, Class of 2004

 
AmeriCorps has given me a greater awareness of the vital role volunteerism plays in our communities, not just through the work I did but also through organizations I came to know. I saw how important it was to teachers that some parents came in and volunteered their time to help. I came to realize the often great importance of only a few hours of volunteer time--how a few minutes a day could bring a young student up to speed on reading ability, or how a few hours each of thousands of volunteers could rebuild a playground. Through AmeriCorps, I have come to know well a much wider range of people. I also experienced a quiet revolution. I came more and more to see many of our differences as assets--different viewpoints meant we approached a problem or issue with a broader range of perspectives to draw from. I used to like my friends despite our differences of opinions; now I enjoy and cherish these differences.

Roger Wells, Class of 2003 (Yakima) and 2004

 
I am glad that I finally tried "something new" after being a nurse for almost 29 years. I had been wanting to do this for some time and definitely needed to "get out of my rut" and try something different. It was an enjoyable experience and I know I will never regret "taking a risk" and having this new adventure.

Bonnie Hamdi, Class of 2004

 
I have gained a deep sense of satisfaction that I can do things, that I have given to my community, and I have finished all I have set out to do. One of the biggest changes I have seen in myself is my ability to step out of my "box." I have pushed my limits and moved beyond them. I haven't done it completely willingly some of the time, but I have done it, and it feels great. I have learned to deal with things in a new way, gained perspectives on how to approach challenges and making them surmountable. I have done things I never dreamed of doing, and I have done them well. This is one of the greatest parts of the whole experience. I had no idea what I was getting into when I signed up for the program. I have been challenged again and again, and I continue to carry on and succeed in those challenges. I am a stronger, better, smarter, and more empathetic person now than I was in September.

Because of my service time in AmeriCorps I have been accepted into an accelerated graduate school program. I will have my MSW degree in one year from now. I will be quickly moving along the path towards accomplishing my career goals. I could have done it without AmeriCorps, but the road will be different, shorter, and in some respects easier because of the past year. I have gained confidence in myself and my abilities, which will have a huge impact as I move forward to new challenges and experiences in my life.

Alissa Nield, Class of 2004

 
I know I made a difference in the lives of the students I worked with during the past nine months. It isn't necessarily a concrete thing that can be measured or quantified, but it is there.

I especially enjoyed my involvement with the wide variety of community agencies. It is rewarding to see that when many people come together for a common purpose, amazing things can be accomplished. During my AmeriCorps service, I've not only been able to serve, but have made valuable contacts with community and business leaders. I believe that these people are interested in my success and the success of the projects in which I am involved and could be called upon for help.

Hillary Goodey, Class of 2004

 
I made a difference by being a positive influence to students; that is what children need today. I showed the students that they are important to me and my greatest achievement over the year is that I have been a part of helping them learn. I bonded with the students, and liked to see the smiles on their faces. Everywhere that I go now, I see students who say, "Hello, Mrs. Rambo" and it warms my heart to know I have had an impact on their lives.

Cheryl Rambo, Class of 2004

 
During my year in AmeriCorps, I found that my love of learning and children are so much a part of me that the year flew by because I was enjoying helping the children so much. My experience with them was fantastic. This year has strengthened for me what I always knew I wanted to do; teach children. My experiences this year have just made this more a reality within and has finally been the push I needed to take the next step in making that possible, getting my Masters in Teaching.

Linda Kerkhof, Class of 2004 and 2005

I didn't make a lot of money, but what I did get was an awesome time working with elementary students, improving literacy of needy children, working on a diverse team, helping strengthen my community, and had fun doing it. I am now officially nine months older than when I started the program. If I were pregnant when the program started and I had my kid now I would have named it "Readsalot, Knight of the reading table." I do know that I have changed as a person. I took part in a non-violent communication workshop. At the time I thought it was kind of hokey, or even kind of hippyish. Now however I find myself using the strategies in my own life so that no-ones needs are compromised and I want to attend another workshop or like go back in time and do the one I was at again.

Brandon Veleke, Class of 2004

 
AmeriCorps made me realize that I have skills that I didn't think I had. It changed my perspective about how at my age I can still do things and begin new things and even learn all about computers. Volunteering as an AmeriCorps has given me more experience and I can now use my education award to expand my career options.

Frances Valle, Class of 2004

 
I have impacted the children and, more importantly, it has been a life-change for me. I no longer hide my head or avoid, when presented with the possibility of failing because I don't know enough about what I "may" be doing. That is probably my greatest achievement for this past year. It feels very selfish, but when one honors oneself with a gift, it likely will spread. Perhaps, that is the spirit of becoming, of becoming much more than someone "thought" you capable of, that will open doors for the students, too, sending them places that will surprise everyone.

Sanders Perkins, Class of 2004

 
Working in different roles, from team member to facilitator, helped me see what I can be good at; I wanted to work on my leadership skills, and I think I've improved on them. In May, I was chosen to join the Board of Directors for The Arc of Tri-Cities, and I was recently hired as a bilingual speech and language pathology tutor. I am very excited about the upcoming year and don't think I would have seized nor been offered these opportunities had it not been for my AmeriCorps service.

Liz Mendez, Class of 2003

 
Reputation brought me to the RSC program and in just a few months I have learned more here than in four years of high school, while loving the work I do.

Shae Richardson, Class of 2003

 
Because of AmeriCorps, my dream of returning to school will soon be a reality. During this year I have gained insight into my unique skills and talents as an individual. I have improved in my skills as a leader.

Mary Martindale, Class of 2003

 
This year has changed my perspective about how even at my age I can begin in a new field and that experience counts as much if not more in some areas as higher education.

Kelly Hansen, Class of 2003

 
My dream in life is to be a teacher so that I can help those in need and being an AmeriCorps member has let me reach out and touch a part of my dream.

Jacqueline Aparicio, Class of 2003 and 2004

 
RSC-AmeriCorps is not just a national service; it is a helping hand in building the backbone of a strong community. My experience as a member has impacted my life by challenging me to become a stronger person.

Tiffany Labat, Class of 2003

 
I have gained many insights during my time as an AmeriCorps member. Because of the ongoing training I have learned a lot about myself. I have learned more about life and people from my term of service than I ever did while getting my four-year degree.

Andrea Sharp, Class of 2001 and 2002

 
I've learned so much, grown so much and accomplished so much in this one year than I ever imagined in my lifetime. The knowledge, confidence, and experience will always be with me, and I will always be grateful to those that have helped me along the way. I had the choice to better my community and that enriched their lives for that one moment that I helped them.

Angela Moore, Class of 2002

 
I have lived here almost my whole life. Even so, I have often felt estranged from half of the community. My service changed that for me. It really hit me when I went to the dedication of a house I helped build for Habitat for Humanity. As it turns out, a student whom I had been tutoring is now living in that house. Not only that, but a few other students I tutor showed up for the ceremony. If I hadn't had this position, these faces would have been foreign to me. Now, it seems that whenever I am in public, I see familiar smiling faces looking up at me, faces of those whom I tutor and faces of those who simply attend the school I serve at. Then I see the parents of these children, and the siblings and the aunts and uncles, and I realize that I am finally, after 24 years of life, a real part of this community.

Birgitta Hillesland, Class of 2001

 
The most important thing I got from my AmeriCorps experience is a new perspective about who I am and what my role is in my community. I no longer see a situation I think needs changing and think, "Someone needs to do something about that." Now I think, "What is it that I can do about that?" - and I now know that if I choose to help, I can make a difference.

Cynthia Luerkens, Class of 2001 and 2002

 
I believe that this journey was a gift of knowledge and experiences.

Jessica Edler, Class of 2000 and 2001

 
I got so much out of this year it would take me pages to explain. I am proud to have touched 30 students lives and hope that they will become better readers, writers, and leaders for tomorrow. This is a fascinating experience. I love to see those smiling faces everyday, wondering if I am talking to a future brain surgeon, or the next president. Sometimes I do not get smiling faces, but it is a joy to turn those frowns upside down.

Matthew Buckingham, Class of 2001 and 2002

 
I had the opportunity to meet and work with a wonderful group of individuals and an opportunity to serve in the community. From each opportunity and individual I gained valuable experience and fellowship. I will continue to look for areas to serve whether it be as a parent, family or community member. I have learned that one can make a difference.

Maria Till, Class of 2001

 
What I am most proud about if the impacts I have seen in the community from what I have done with the team. I have had a complete stranger walk up to me and tell me what an excellent job our team did on a community project.

Nicholas Russell, Class of 2001, 2002 and 2003

What I have gotten out of my AmeriCorps experience is the ability to be part of a team. Personally, not ever having this team experience before, it was very scary for me at first. But now I can honestly say that being part of the RSC-AmeriCorps team has been the most rewarding and best experience of my life. When I think about my AmeriCorps experience, the one thing that I am most proud of is the difference that I've made in my students life. There is nothing more rewarding than knowing that I've made a positive impact on them. To know that I have helped these children improve in their reading ability and their self-confidence has been a wonderful experience for me. I think that this is something everyone should get to experience. I have grown to know my community better and have made life long friends with my AmeriCorps team. It has been a wonderful, fulfilling year for me.

Tracey Waldron, Class of 2001 and 2002

 
I became much more self-confident because of my experience. AmeriCorps has taught me just how much of an impact one person can have on another. It also taught me the importance of teamwork and a positive attitude.

Ashleigh Thompson, Class of 2001

 
I received great training and became more aware of community needs. I think my greatest achievement was being a positive influence on the children I served.

Luis Guitierrez, Class of 2001

 
During my two years in AmeriCorps I have learned that I have a gift for working with students, so I will take the knowledge I've gained and pursue a life in the field of teaching. I will continue to seek out areas to volunteer in, as well.

Nicholas Russell, Class of 2001, 2002 and 2003

 
I never knew how empty my soul was until it was filled. Before this experience, I was always able to turn away from the needs of my community. After seeing the needs of my community and receiving encouragement to address them, I now know that I can help fix these problems.

Richard Nicacio, Class of 2001

 
This year has been a gift to me in more ways than I can count. The learning and growing is evident. The experiences are priceless. To work as a team. To argue, discuss and laugh. We have grown through our differences, seen the world through each others' eyes and in doing so, have broadened our perspectives and gained valuable tools and insights.

Paula Yencopal, Class of 2001

 
I really can't remember what it was like to go to a mundane job everyday that didn't use all of my talents. The program made me push myself to lengths I didn't know I had. I have picked up so many new skills, I think I could adapt to anything!. I didn't know what to expect coming into the program I was scared that I wouldn't make a difference. I did though. Every day, I am still amazed about the number of lives we touched.

Malinda Murphy, Class of 2001

 
I want to see this program continue and grow. Having the experience of being involved, I want to continue in whatever way I can, I feel strongly about the positive training, helping members to achieve their goals and see the difference we all made in our community. After two years, it's going to be difficult to leave the team. I know that I will continue helping my community because it makes me feel good about myself and those around me.

Gus Keck, Class of 2000 and 2001

 
I gained a lot of leadership skills and got to apply them. Serving in AmeriCorps has made me realize that I could make a lot more money elsewhere, but I wouldn't be truly happy unless I was serving a higher purpose and knowing I was making a positive impact on the lives of others in our community.

James Tamez, Class of 1999, 2000 and 2001

Here's a letter we received in late 2005:

Greetings from Virginia.

I currently work with my father in his Marketing and PR firm. We are involved with a philanthropist who is in the process of forming a charitable organization. I have drawn heavily on my experiences in the Regional Service Corps over the past few weeks to help guide them in clarifying their mission and understanding how they can accomplish their goals. I was amazed (and a little surprised) by the wealth of experience I actually had to offer as a result of my time in RSC. Not to brag, but I impressed the heck out of people who are not easily impressed. As I sat in the beautiful board room of a multi-million dollar exec and his entourage of lawyers, economists, a former head of several national non-profit organizations, and the consulate of Nicaragua (specialist and author of the definitive handbook on gangs) I found myself confident and energized to be back in the thick of a tremendous service opportunity.

As we launch this campaign in several major cities across the U.S. we will be partnering with other corporations, charitable organization, and service-oriented groups to mobilize the volunteer force we need to disseminate the materials. We will also be petitioning corporations and individuals for donations to run this endeavor.

Again, thank you for the tremendous opportunities you and RSC afforded me during such formative years of my life. Eric and I truly prize our experiences with the group and have been able to utilize the skills we learned all those years ago in life, work, and personal relationships. I think on some level it helped us seek out and find the children that we ended up adopting too.

Monica (Villanueva) and Eric Holmes, Class of 1997 and 1998

As I review in my mind all the things that I learned and worked to improve throughout my service experience I can sum up its impact on me with one word: confidence.

Heather Beatte, Class of 1998

 
When you look back, you have such a sense of pride that people who are so different can actually pull off something so important to the kids that are so much at risk. It is an encouragement not just for now, but for tomorrow as well.

Tyler Dillon, Class of 1998

 
AmeriCorps let me do things that I probably would have never done if I wouldn't have joined. It showed me what a team was and who I really am. It brought me closer to children that needed someone. It helped me become a leader.

Amanda Holguin, Class of 1998

 
This was my first dose of the real world and I didn't know if I was ready; but, I proved myself wrong. I know that I can do anything I put my mind to. I think I have always known that, but, now I finally believe it.

Patience Lanlois, Class of 1998

 
The one message that I will take with me this year and beyond is: individuals are not born with greatness. they simply choose it. As a team member, I learned the true meaning of synergy. It means focusing on the team's strengths so that we can accomplish our goals effectively and efficiently. Most of all, it means getting things done. Great leaders don't just sit there and think about what could have happened, they go out there and make it happen.

Kevin Lim, Class of 1998

 
It's been a productive. eye opening and fulfilling time.

Loan Nguyen, Class of 1998

 
If someone had told me that I would have the most enriching, stretching, growing, challenging, and changing year of my life, I would have told them that they were out of their minds. I will never look at the world the same again, because part of my living in this world means that I have a responsibility to make it a better place for all who dwell here and for me it is not so much a responsibility as an opportunity to give back what has been so freely given to me.

Bonita Tuel, Class of 1998

 
I believe I've gained as much confidence over the last six months as I have the rest of my whole life! The high points have to be the satisfaction I've gotten from being validated by doing what is natural for me to do. I was handed the opportunity to serve people in ways that made me feel valuable, needed, and fulfilled.

Amy Schultz, Class of 1998

 
Having four years of experience working as a teacher's assistant gave me an insight on what was expected. However I consider the AmeriCorps opportunity valuable. A big thanks to this AmeriCorps program for providing and enhancing my learning experience.

Beatriz Sengnaryvong, Class of 1998

 
I have realized that education is so important when looking for a job, and raising a family. This gave me first hand experience at working with children in a school setting, and give me a feeling for the career of teaching, which I have chosen.

Heather Brooks, Class of 1998

 
AmeriCorps afforded me an opportunity to experience something unique: The getting together of a group of diverse people that made a commitment to something larger than themselves. We were granted a chance to create an effect on other people's lives.

Chad Terrill, Class of 1997

 
It's been a constant learning experience and I've learned a lot about interacting with other people. Most importantly, however, I learned a lot about myself.

Brad Rhoads, Class of 1997

 
AmeriCorps has really helped me to get my foot in the door. I have had the opportunity to work with very wonderful people .... They have taught me a lot about what I can do and how I can get there.

Crystal Bouapha, Class of 1997

 
I took a semester off from college so I could dedicate more time to this. I do not regret it. I have learned things that cannot be taught in a classroom ... important skills that I can use to finish school and begin a career.

Jennifer Crowe, Class of 1997

 
I was fresh out of high school and had no idea where I was going or what I was going to do with the rest of my life. My previous job wasn't at all challenging to me and it was basically going nowhere. AmeriCorps is exactly what I needed to sharpen the skills that my prior learning experiences neglected to explore.

Joshua Valles, Class of 1997

 
I now have the power to make things change.

Elma Garcia, Class of 1996

 
All of us involved were also rewarded when saw the fruits of our labors. We felt empowered by the ability to make a difference in someone else's life and accomplish the goals we set for ourselves.

Monica Villanueva, Class of 1996 and 1997

 
I can see a bigger picture now. I think of myself as in control of my life and destiny. I am responsible for not only what I do or don't do, but what I can do.

Chuck Ames, Class of 1996

 
I have seen that although one person may not change the world, each of us can choose whether or not we will be part of the solution. If all of us do some part, everything gets better. I choose to be an example.

Derrick Braaten, Class of 1996

 
When I first started the program, I was just in it for the scholarship. But, as time went by, my reasons for serving changed: I wanted to help the people, reach out and better the community, and learn to better myself.

Karrie Lloyd, Class of 1995

 
AmeriCorps really got me involved in the community. It got me out of the world of burger-flipping. And, because of my parents not being able to afford my college education, it got me in the door to become a teacher.

Donald Holguin II, Class of 1995

 
My year of service has changed my role as a citizen of the greater community because I don't just give up, but realize that with effort and determination I can change things.

Hannah Durham, Class of 1995

 
I gained invaluable experience and a sense of direction for my life.

John Reed, Class of 1994

 
In the development of the HomeCourt Program, we faced many obstacles, but no matter how big they were, we were able to overcome them and learn from our mistakes. With every lesson learned, we were able to improve programming for the children, to give them just a little more. For us, it was the little things that mattered.

Jennifer Foster, Class of 1994

 
I gained organizational skills, group development skills, project planning and management skills, as well as a fresh perspective on life.

Leonor Rico, Class of 1993

"T" Holt, Class XIV and XV (2006 and 2007): Board Liaison and Alumni Network Facilitator

Harvest Bates, Class XVI (2008)