“I hope my kids will remember me as someone who touched their lives, but even if they don’t, I know that I will never forget them as people who have touched mine.” —Nancy Ferreti
Nancy Ferreti, Member 2007–2008
As my college graduation approached, I found myself thinking increasingly about what kind of person I wanted to be in the real world and who I wanted to become. I knew that I would ultimately go to dental school, but before I embarked on four years that would prepare me for a specific career, I wanted to do something to set the overall tone for how I hoped to live my life after college. I wanted to have an experience that would help set a precedent for how I hoped to lead my life, and I have found that in Americorps for Community Engagement and Education (ACEE.)
When I decided to join ACEE, I committed to moving halfway across the country to a city I had never visited. I was not worried, however, because I had no doubt that I would meet incredible friends through this program. I rationalized to myself that people who chose to give a year of their lives to support the mission of ACEE were people who I could learn from and who would inspire me. Sure enough, I have found numerous role models in both the staff and my fellow tutors. ACEE brought together young people from different backgrounds and with a myriad of different interests, but who all share a passion for life and a belief that we can help. It has been so positive to be around people with so much energy and hope.
The children I have gotten to know over my year of service have brought me an immeasurable amount of joy. Our job is very challenging and requires long hours, but even on the mornings when I come in feeling tired and not 100%, it takes only one grin or precious comment from a kindergartener to brighten my mood and remind me why I am here. Whether it is Cullen playing air guitar for me, Lazaro asking me if I want to come over to his house and make Kool-Aid with him, or Chastity telling me that she wants to be Miss Nancy when she grows up, they always make me smile and make it impossible to take my life too seriously. Many of my kids have fairly tumultuous lives outside of school, and it has been an honor to be able to be a loving, stable presence in their lives. Despite the injustices in their lives, however, they are full of so much joy and life! They challenge me, they inspire me, and I am humbled by how much they have taught me this year about life and love.
I had an idea of what I hoped to accomplish and how I hoped to grow during my year with ACEE, and I have been pleasantly surprised by how much my experience has exceeded my own expectations. I have realized that I cannot single-handedly change the world, but to quote Mother Teresa, I have learned how powerful it can be to do “small things with great love.” As I had hoped, my year of service has set a high standard and a positive tone for how I intend to live the rest of my life, professionally and personally. I will always cherish the relationships I have made this year, and will continue to look to the new friends I have made for inspiration and as role models. I hope my kids will remember me as someone who touched their lives, but even if they don’t, I know that I will never forget them as people who have touched mine.