Sheretta Dickey — Why I Serve in AmeriCorps

Q: What did you expect when you signed up to be an AmeriCorps?

At first, I didn’t know anything about AmeriCorps – I was just signing up to get involved with Emerald Youth. I had been looking for a job and saw the different opportunities with Emerald.

I remembered when my daughter was a part of Emerald – she used to go often when she was younger. I thought “That’s the group that helps kids’ afterschool, have fun and go on trips.” Those were the things on my mind when I filled out the application, and that’s what I knew what I wanted to do.

Q: What have you learned so far from being an AmeriCorps Member with Emerald Youth?

I learned there is a need for people to serve kids and families. My mom taught us about serving when we were younger, and she always reminded us even the littlest bit of help goes a long way. So, I always tell the kids here, “Don’t ever be ashamed to do something for somebody else, because it’ll impact them more than you know.”

I have learned a lot. I look at some of the youth and remember when I was a kid – I was that person who was very smart but didn’t say much. I didn’t communicate with many of the other kids, because I was number 10 of 11 brothers and sisters. I learned first that to get along with others, you need to understand different attitudes.

I’ve also learned there is a need to serve kids and families. My mom taught us about serving when we were younger, and she always reminded us even the littlest bit of help goes a long way. So, I always tell the kids here what my mom told me, “Don’t ever be ashamed to do something for somebody else, because it’ll impact them more than you know!”

Q: How have you been impacted?

I’ve always been around children, but I didn’t realize it was my calling until just recently. I laugh with them and always try to make them feel better. I was raised to serve others, and I think that’s impacted me in more ways than one.

When I worked at a local middle school, some kids would say, “Ms. Sheretta, I don’t have friends to play with,” and I’d introduce two kids and then see them hanging out. So now as I’m serving with Emerald Youth, if I see some kids hanging around by themselves, I introduce them to others.

It’s something I’ve learned over time – I always want them to feel included and cared for, and these kids are great – we’re just here to be there for them.

Why would you recommend joining an AmeriCorps at Emerald Youth?

I recommend joining Emerald Youth’s AmeriCorps program because there are people around my age who need something to do in their day, and this is one of the best options.

Serving in AmeriCorps gives them a positive outlook on their life, knowing they can help children. They may have kids who are grown and feel like they need something worthwhile to do – this is one of those worthwhile options!

I tell other ladies around my age, “Just work for the summer, or even the school year it’s only four hours after school. That way you can enjoy something in your day and feel good about it too.”

I put the AmeriCorps flyer on a board where several of us meet and tell them that if they’re ever interested to check out Emerald Youth. Sometimes I’ll be in the store, and people will talk to me, and I’ll talk to them about serving, too! I would recommend this to anyone who wants to make a difference and help others in their community.