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Here's how the VISTA experience affected one of our Alumni...

"After graduating from college I spent a year as a VISTA working to develop a literacy program (with the America Reads program) in rural Montana schools. It was a truly amazing experience to work with community members to assess the community's strengths and use that to develop a literacy program.

"That experience continues to shape the direction of my work. The mentoring program really changed the lives of the student participants, not just the younger students receiving assistance, but the older students (who happened to be defined 'delinquent' by school personnel) who were given a positive way to contribute and engage in the school community.

"I'm attending grad school at the UW in the fall to get my MSW. In part I owe this decision to my VISTA (and Solid Ground) experience. Once you realize the potential that lies within a community and you've seen it take shape and action you can't help but work towards engaging that process more fully."