My Story: Heather Evans
March 22, 2010 | By Adam Stiska | 
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After graduating from Valdosta State University (VSU) in August 2009, I thought I’d find a job pretty easily and didn’t really take the state of the economy into account. I quickly ran out of money, and I didn’t realize that my family didn’t have the financial resources for me to borrow from, or for me to live with them. On top of that, I had no mode of transportation, so I just felt really stuck.
I had to learn to depend on my own two feet. I started to stay with some friends in Valdosta at night and, during the day, I walked to the VSU library and looked for job leads online. One day, I connected with an alumni organization and I received an e-mail from them showing an available AmeriCorps position at the Goodwill Industries® of the Southern Rivers Career Center. I was incredibly hopeful at that point. I immediately sent in my application and résumé.
AmeriCorps volunteer Heather Evans assists a job fair attendee.
The day a team member gave me a call from talent development, I just broke into tears because I just knew that it was going to be the right job for me. All of the struggling and hard work I’d done was really going to pay off. I would not only be the first person in my entire family to become a recipient of a bachelor’s degree, but also the first to have a professional and extremely vital position in the community.
I have the best job in the world. I’ve met lots of great people in the community and been able to network with a lot of different organizations. I’ve helped to establish the new curriculum for Goodwill’s career centers and provide some much needed services to our community. I really feel as if we’re really making a really big impact on the community here and luckily, I’m playing a big part.
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Thanks for sharing your story, Heather! With the economy still struggling, it’s a scary period to be entering the workforce for the first time. Kudos for keeping your head up, and I’m so glad you were able to connect with Goodwill and AmeriCorps. With your determination and connections, I know you’ll have a great future!
Thank you, Jenni! I’m continually pleased to have so many great opportunities as a result of my time with Americorps and Goodwill. The best part is that I learn something new everyday!