Spotlight on: Julie Balsamo, 23 - Teacher from Pittsburgh, PA - Site Supervisor for SBP
With a teaching degree, certified for
grades 5-12, Julie put lesson plans on hold to serve with AmeriCorps to help
the recovery effort in Staten Island, NY, one of many communities devastated by
Superstorm Sandy. As a Site Supervisor
for St. Bernard Project, Julie was trained to learn construction skills over 6
weeks and then spent the next 8 months training volunteers to do everything
from framing to hanging drywall to laying flooring.
Julie, why did you
decide to serve with AmeriCorps? I wanted to go somewhere I have never
lived and learn new skills before I settled down with a career. My AmeriCorps term allowed me to live in NYC,
learn construction and encounter people and perspectives from all over the
country.
Talk about a time you
felt very connected to the mission: On
one site where I worked, the homeowner came by nearly every day and worked
alongside us. We got to know each other quite well, and I was so inspired by
her dedication to get back to her home. I was no longer just working to build a
house for someone I barely knew, I was working to get my friend and her family
home.
Why do you think
service is important? If we had not been there to work on these houses, it
is likely they would not have been rebuilt any time soon. So many homeowners
were victims of contractor fraud. Our service not only had an impact on
homeowners and the surrounding communities, but also on the volunteers who were
inspired by their own impact and that of volunteers who had come before
them. I have countless stories and
takeaway moments that have shown me people’s incredible resilience and ability
to give.
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