My life over the last two years has been nonstop, filled with studying, class, and clinic. After completing school, clinical boards, and national boards I was exhausted and looking forward to some free time. But after a week of sleeping in, I needed a reason to get up every morning and get busy with my day. Volunteer Odyssey was exactly what I needed for motivation!

I was humbled throughout my experience. I take for granted that I have grown up where education isn’t a choice, it is a natural next step in life. I am blessed and grateful to have parents who have encouraged, supported and put up with me the over years. I think about the staff at Knowledge Quest and all the encouraging and mentoring they are doing for children in their community to value education and make a change. I’ve thought about Ray, he has a home again and a roof over his head. I have always had a place to call home. Unlike Ray, those receiving meals from MIFA, or the families seeking a home and helping hand from the Dorothy Day House, I have never worried about shelter or a next meal. I was reminded at the Church Health Clinic that the need for adequate health care for the uninsured is not decreasing, but becoming more in demand in our city. All of the organizations I spent time with are in need as well. Non-profits and the citizens that benefit from them, can only function with the support of the community, through volunteering, donations, and as Sister Maureen said prayer.

Shelby Residential and Vocational Services (SRVS) probably surprised and impacted me the most. I was most anxious and not sure what to expect from my day at SRVS. But was surprised by how fast my time there went. I was very unfamiliar with the special needs population and worried about interacting with the recipients. I was put at ease by all the smiling faces and bright surroundings at SRVS and could have stayed all day!

The Church Health Clinic was the affirmation and motivation I needed to continue my search for a job, in Memphis, as a dental hygienist. Being away from my field and the stress of trying to find a job in Memphis had me starting to doubt myself. Once I was back in a clinic, I felt like I was where I needed to be. While I am on my job search, I hope to volunteer with the clinic again.

I am well aware I may have several interviews and rejections before I find my spot, but I can always turn to the nonprofits to fuel me to continue. My week of seeing smiling grateful faces of all ages is motivation and encouragement. I had a purpose to wake up every morning and get my day started, help others, learn about my city, love Memphis and its amazing people, and became inspired to do more.