Two years of service has gone by in an instant. When I took this role, I knew how quickly time would pass. But as I sit here writing this on my last day, I can't help a feeling of nostalgia. I began my journey at the Greenway in July of 2022. I'd spent the last few months at my university like many other students: wondering just where life would take me after graduation. I remember the uneasiness and doubt I felt, thinking that all hope was lost. I'd spent months job searching to no avail and I was ready to give up. Of course, that quickly changed once I finally became an Americorps member.

Most of my life had been spent in the familiarity of South Florida. I loved the going to college in Miami, I loved the beaches, I loved my friends and family. Despite my excitement for a new change of scenery, I was nervous and apprehensive. I wasn't used to taking such big risks like moving by myself to another state and leaving everything I knew behind.

I was also worried about making new connections. As a naturally reserved person, I was sure I'd spend the next year of my service alone. But that's the beauty of a program like Americorps VISTA. There were many other young adults like myself in my cohort just looking for a fresh start to the next chapter of their lives. I quickly made friends who shared my eagerness to explore what New Orleans had to offer!

Becoming a part of the Greenway itself was another challenge I had worries about. This being my first job after college, I was constantly anxious about the work I was doing. Was it good enough? Was I doing enough? Was I bothering my supervisors too many questions?

However, what I've loved most about my time here was the overall feeling that we were a family at the Greenway. Everyone was always so nice and patient with me. They were happy to guide me and always checked in to ensure that my adjustment was going well. And it was! I always felt like the luckiest VISTA out of my cohort. I had a wonderful and flexible job, surrounded by nature, and impacting a community through our work. Before getting here, I didn't know much about environmental stewardship or even community outreach. But this quickly changed throughout my first few months at the Greenway. We were planting trees and hosting events like Halloween Spooktacular and of course the grand festival that is Supernova. I was going to work and having fun all while gaining experience and skills that I'll be applying to future positions.

As the months went by, I started taking on more responsibilities. I organized the MLK Day of Service, led volunteer events on my own, and coordinated with art vendors during Supernova and Market March Madness. My biggest accomplishment at the Greenway was probably organizing and executing the Summer Solstice Celebration without relying on the guidance of my supervisors as I was used to. I even got to represent the Greenway on Fox 8 News to promote the event!

Feats that were once daunting to me like leading tours on the trail and speaking in front of crowds, became easy. I grew quite comfortable in my role and proud of myself for the growth I've gone through in the last two years. And I couldn't have reached this point without the support of the Greenway team. Though a small team, they have always supported me and challenged me to step out of my comfort zone. Even during times of self-doubt, they were there to sing praise of my work and efforts.

I will always be grateful for this experience. I cherish the time I've had in New Orleans and at the Greenway as a whole. I'll miss biking through the city and along the trail. I'll miss the community members who would come to event after event always expressing their joy for Greenway. I'll miss my team and and even my view of the park from my desk. But once again, it's time for me to move on to my next stage of life. I'll be taking all that I've learned in the last two years to whatever is next and shedding the doubts that used to plague me. I'm excited for the future and I know that wherever it may lead me, I have the ability to make an impact wherever I go.