“I can say that this was an experience that I'd recommend to everyone who wants to learn more about themselves and other people.” —Ayesha Coleman
Ayesha Coleman, Member 2003–2004
I wish I could think of a beautiful way to express a profound statement that will move you beyond words. I'd like to tell you that this experience was such that I feel I should commit myself to living in Austin, Texas forever and tutor bilingual kindergarten students while assisting in countless service projects. But then I'd be telling an untruth. But what I can tell you is that you will learn an astounding amount about who you are and what you want for your future.
The first thing you will learn is that this is not an easy job; you have committed yourself to long hours, poverty, and, for some of you, exasperating commutes. If you are the minority at your school you may be relied on to dispel or confirm the many stereotypes and myths and half-truths that your co-workers have generated. This will be a big responsibility; you will have to remember that instead of getting annoyed or angry that your people are continuously viewed in a certain light, you should welcome the chance to correct the views of others as well as the stereotypes you've generated.
You will not want to go to work some days; you will be ornery and try to get out of some of your responsibilities. You will get annoyed with the people you work with and on some days you will wonder why you are here.
The second thing you will learn is that the people you work with are your indispensable support system. Some days you will wonder how you'd get by without them. You will enjoy the differences in your fellow members and you will have a romping good time celebrating them. Some days you will look forward to getting to school so that you can see if Francisco still remembers the first three letters of his name (because three months ago he couldn't even really pronounce his name). You will want to stay late because you didn't have enough time in your ten-hour day to complete all of the activities you want to share with your children tomorrow. You will learn how to swallow your pride and get food stamps because you will be BROKE. You will learn to value those commutes because some days they may be the only time you have to really relax and be alone.
Even though I can't say that I love Austin and that I'd like to be a part of ACEE again next year, I can say that this was an experience that I'd recommend to everyone who wants to learn more about themselves and other people.
The third thing that you will learn is that even though there are some hard times, it is the grueling parts that make you appreciate the warm fuzzies that much more.
Good Luck and God Bless!
Vaya con Dios y Buena Suerte!