My summer experience as an AmeriCorps Vista Summer Associate at Mid- Delta Community Consortium, or MDCC, has been very rewarding.  When I first began the job, I was skeptical as to what I would be doing, how much fun it would be, and whether or not I would regret my decision.  Needless to say, I do not regret taking this position.

            After my first week as an associate, things began to become pretty interesting.  We had an outline of what I would be doing just about every week and who I would work with.  Over the course of the summer I have had the opportunity to meet and work with several people at different locations.  I have worked at Central High School’s garden, Seven Harvest’s garden in Forest City, and my local farmer’s market in Helena.  Working in each location taught me so much about agriculture, food, and where our produce comes from.  The high school garden taught me how to tend to a garden.  I did quite a bit of weeding and watering which made see farmers and gardeners in an entirely different light.  They work really hard, and I respect that.  Working in Forest City taught me a lot about the food industry and what we put into our bodies.  I learned that a lot of the commercial food and vegetables we eat are tainted with different chemicals that can proved fatal over a long period of time.  I also learned how to spot and purchase organic foods and the health benefits and nutrition they supply.  Being in the farmer’s market exposed me to many different kinds of fruits, vegetables, and people.  It was amazing to see so many people out there smiling because of the fruits of their labor.  I also got the opportunity to pick many of the gardener’s brains on growing techniques and different foods. 

            Not only did I work outside, I worked inside of MDCC’s office.  I found myself doing various things such as weekly planners, filing papers, reviewing notes and reports, creating labels, and organizing binders.  I feel that working in the office gave me a pretty good idea of how one conducts themselves in an office setting and what kind of work is expected.  I also enjoyed working with my associates.  It was interesting learning about these people, eating lunch together, and joining each other to finish similar tasks.

            Deciding to be an AmeriCorps Summer Associate may have been one of the best decisions I made this summer.  I have learned many different things and have been exposed to so many different ideas, people, and environments.  The experience has been wonderful, and I am glad I accepted the opportunity.

Maobe Obwocha