“I am grateful to the program for allowing me to see what I can do to change the condition of the world around us.” —Geeta Karkhanis
Geeta Karkhanis, Member 2002–2003
As a proud member of AmeriCorps for Community Engagement and Education from 2002–2003, I can look back on the experience and definitively say that it has greatly shaped my life from that year onward. Since my work as a tutor in a bilingual classroom, I have worked in a myriad jobs and internships, experiencing everything from program assistant at a nonprofit environmental agency to intern at a top Texas law firm.
My desire to promote volunteerism has led me to a part-time job where I currently work with the head of a company to set up its philanthropic wing. Seeing how giving my time and attention really affected children in need made me realize that just a few hours every week can make a profound difference in the lives of others.
Currently, I am in the midst of a master's program at Cambridge University, and feel that my future career choices have been colored in great part by my service in the ACEE program. My calling is in the field of International Relations, which some might consider a far cry from elementary education. However, I would disagree. The year of service with ACEE enabled me to appreciate the difficulties that the future generations face, and served as a catalyst for my decision to commit myself to helping balance the inequalities in life. I am grateful to the program for allowing me to see what I can do to change the condition of the world around us. In considering the bigger picture, I am determined to eliminate the disparities that exist between the opportunities of today's youth. The people behind a program make it what it is, and considering the remarkable staff at ACEE, I am thankful.
My time at ACEE altered me in a profound way, and in my future career I will take with me all that I have learned. My decision to join the ACEE program is the most rewarding I have ever made.