About AmeriCorps*VISTA: Testimonials

Experiences of Former NC Campus Compact VISTAs

“Working in a network of state, private, and community higher education institutions, I found myself developing my own philosophy of education.  I have fallen in love with experiential learning, as it provides an environment for real connection.  While honoring the uniqueness of all peoples, relationship building can uproot the common needs of all and provide open space to learn from one another.”

- Jennifer Baron, 2007-2008 at Wake Forest University

“My favorite part about being a NC Campus Compact VISTA was the opportunity to collaborate with so many people with a genuine interest in creating a better world through personal actions as well as through the actions of the students we work with. The most useful thing I learned as a VISTA was the experience I gained in higher education, acquiring a wide array of skills usually reserved for more advanced positions. The professional developments were a great asset to the program.”

-Christina Hollister, 2006-2007 at University of North Carolina-Greensboro

“The most useful things about being a NC Campus Compact VISTA were the networking opportunities and Professional Development series. In 12 months I have worked with Deans, Executive Directors, and Professors. At conferences I’ve sat beside Service-Learning Directors.    I have received training in grass roots organizing, assessment, and diversity.  All this in one year and only because I served with the greatest AmeriCorps VISTA program, North Carolina Campus Compact.”

–Ruby Jones, 2005-2006 VISTA at Lenoir-Rhyne College

“Being a NC Campus Compact VISTA is a great opportunity to give back to the community, work with fabulous people who care about issues and their work, and connect with people across the state. I love the diversity within job functions, the opportunity to be creative and hold responsibility, and the crew of people with whom I work. I can’t think of a better entry-level job than this!”

-Winter Brown, 2003-04 VISTA at Meredith College and 2004-05 VISTA Leader

“My favorite part about being a NC Campus Compact VISTA was the opportunity to work with the other VISTAs and the people at my campus. Higher education is a field that draws passionate people who care about improving our society. Also, I have had opportunities to develop and implement programs at CPCC. I doubt I would have been given the same responsibilities at an entry-level job.”

-Brandon Lewis, 2005-07 VISTA at
Central Piedmont Community College

“Serving as a VISTA for NC Campus Compact has been a great opportunity for me to learn more about service among college students and develop many different skills that will be important in my future. The network of support among the other VISTAs in the program as well as from NC Campus Compact and its member schools has been incredible. This experience has definitely shaped me in ways I did not imagine.”

-Jessica Snow, 2003-04 VISTA at Elon University

“The best part is the connections I’ve made with my fellow VISTAs. Without the other VISTAs, it would not have been the same and I wouldn’t have learned nearly as much as I have. They are great resources, and great friends.”

-Myra St. Clair, 2005-2007 VISTA at Peace College

“The professional development opportunities challenged me to do my part to increase and encourage service and civic engagement on my campus.”

-Benjamin Haywood, 2005-2006 VISTA at Pfeiffer University

“I believe the VISTA program has firmly anchored in me a lifelong desire to be civically engaged for social justice through both service and advocating for systemic changes.”

-Lori Culpepper, 2004-2005
VISTA at Pfeiffer University

“All the work that I do as a VISTA boils down to this: educating and supporting people to change their community into a place that is just. There isn’t much else someone else could hope to accomplish with their skills and talents. The absolute best is when someone ‘gets it’ and they too start the journey of educating and supporting others to change their community into a place that is just. The impact of a VISTA can never really be measured. VISTA isn’t about a year of service; VISTA is about a lifetime of love to humanity.”

-Rachel Hutto, 2006-2007 VISTA at Greensboro College

“What I most learned about being an NC Campus Compact VISTA is how I function in a work environment. It was helpful to realize which job tasks I enjoyed and which ones were difficult for me. I gained much confidence in my ability to plan events, and I improved my communication and leadership skills.”

-Caty Carpenter, 2006-2007 VISTA at Mars Hill College

“My favorite part of being a NC Campus Compact VISTA was being able to be a part of such an inspiring movement. I felt like every day I was watching Pay It Forward in my own life. I encountered students who wanted to make their difference in the world, professors who strived to make students see the real meaning of life, colleagues who would never give up and wanted to provide opportunities to individuals that they may have never come across before, and community members who were dedicating their lives to better the local community.
You will never realize the degree of impact a year of service has, not only on you but on the people you will come in contact with. You also cannot imagine how enjoyable and great of experience it is to be a VISTA. You willhave such a sense of pride being a VISTA, and when people ask what you do, you can happily said, ‘I am a VISTA!’”

-Jill Makransky, 2006-2007 VISTA at Pfeiffer University