Hello again AmeriStories fans! Here is Fatima Shaikh's story, to warm your heart on this cold December day. Enjoy!
Where are you serving now: Green Gables Elementary
What did your family and friends think about your service? What was the initial reaction?
They were very proud of me, and happy that I was going to be achieving my goals. I had told my mom that I wanted to do AmeriCorps since high school, and she was proud that I would be helping out a community. My family works at the local farmers market. They are very involved in their community thus they are happy that I would be helping out another community.
How have you changed since joining AmeriCorps?
I have changed in so many ways. When I first came to service I knew that I needed to change some things about myself. I had just been working regular jobs for the past ten years of my life. I didn’t feel fulfilled by just working and not making a change for the better. Two years ago I had applied for several AmeriCorps jobs. Federal way was the first AmeriCorps [position] to call me back. I had really liked what I had read about the program. And most importantly that they were helping struggling students
and cleaning up the community. As a struggling student myself I know how important it is not to let those children fall through the cracks. I believe that the children are the foundations to our future. During my years of service I have grown into a morehumane person. It is not only important for me to change for myself but it is important to be that better person so that others around me may find a change for themselves as well. I feel that I can always learn every chance I get, and I will still continue to learn and grow whereever my path will take me.
more after the jump!
