Geeze! It's time for a blog update. I apologize as we're in the midst of accepting applications and interviewing for our next round of spectacular Corps Leaders! I happened upon Ms. Dixie Geer's Great Story last week and considered it noteworthy! Dixie was serving as a Corps member at MSU- Northern in Havre and is a second year returning member. This is what she has to say about her Campus Corps experience:
"My” Great Story” begins as I walk down the sidewalk through the double doors to Northern Montana’s Care Center to my service site.
I anxiously sat in a chair listening to Ila the activity coordinator about the needs of some of the residents at the care center. Since, some of the residents are confined to their rooms and have little or no social contact with the real world, Ila wanted to know if I would be interested in one on one with these residents. One on one consisted of going to the resident’s room to visit, read, play games such as cards, checkers, or just listen. I thought to myself, this would be great and not so hard, I can do this. The people of the older generation are full of knowledge and wisdom and have great stories about their adventures in life, I was really looking forward to my job.
On my first day, Pat, Ila’s assistant explained what was required of the job position and gave me a tour of the facility, North, South, East, and West wings. The second day I was given a list of resident’s names and their room numbers. I was to go around and visit these residents, introduce myself and see if there was anything I could do for them in the way of a social activity. I felt a bit nervous doing this as I didn’t know any of the residents and they didn’t know me. I went around with my list of names and visited with the residents introducing myself, explaining I was a Campus Corps volunteer and I was here to see if there was something I could do for them. At the end of the day I was mentally exhausted and left with tears in my eyes running down my cheeks. I thought to myself, this was harder emotionally than I thought it would be, I don’t know if I can do this? I turned around and looked at the entrance I just came out of and another thought came to mind, there is a reason I was sent here, they must need me.
I returned to the care center time and again. I finished my service hours there and still continue to volunteer Mondays and Thursdays as that is a big day for residents as it is” Bingo Day “and the staff can use extra help. There are days that are very challenging, especially when we lose a resident as they are all unique and very special to us. But then there are days that are very rewarding and priceless. Such as; curling someone’s hair making them feel beautiful, having more confidence, priceless, painting their fingernails treating them like they are in a salon, having them leave with an air of elegance, priceless, helping them get ready for when their family comes to take them out for their birthday dinner, ( you have to have on the right outfit and your hair has to be perfect ) when the family arrives they are all giddy and excited, priceless, when you walk into the Ponderosa Room to play Bingo and one of the residents uses sign language to tell you he loves you, priceless. These are just a few of the many rewarding and priceless moments I have experienced with the residents at the care center during my term this year as a Campus Corps member. I want to thank-you Campus Corps for allowing me to experience these priceless moments. I wouldn’t have had the opportunity without you.
Dixie"
Dixie - we're glad to call you Campus Corps alum! You've been an incredible help to the community of Havre these past two years and we hope that you continue to do great work wherever you are :)
