Emily LeGeyt
This week, the spotlight is on 2017-2018 CHCACT AmeriCorps member Emily LeGeyt. Emily shares details about her AmeriCorps experience at First Choice Health Center in East Hartford.
Why did you decide to join the STICH AmeriCorps program?
Emily: I joined STICH for the opportunity to develop relevant, hands-on experience in the field that I studied in college, while simultaneously making an impact on the lives of people right here in CT.
What has been the most meaningful experience you've had during service thus far?
Emily: Helping women receive preventative healthcare services they wouldn’t otherwise have access to due to being uninsured and unable to pay out of pocket expenses.
If you had to describe your AmeriCorps experience in five words, what would that be? Why?
Emily:
Meaningful - Not only am I grateful for the opportunities and experiences the program provides, but the patients I am serving are also grateful. I can tell my service is having an impact on the community.
Emotional - The nature of service exposes me to some happy situations, some sad situations, even some scary and shocking situations. Each situation has provided a learning experience and continues to shape my service year.
Empowering - My service has allowed me to see myself continuing in the community health setting and working on behalf of underserved people once my commitment has commenced.
Scary (in a good way) - This experience has taken me out of my comfort zone in a way that has allowed me to grow as a person.
Exciting - My assignment has kept me on my toes since day one. Additionally, the environment of community health is always evolving, so it’s been exciting to keep up with the changes.
How has service, so far, changed you and your perspective of the world?
Emily: My service has opened entirely new possibilities for my future and showed me that I have interest in things I didn’t even know existed before I started the program.
What advice would you give to those interested in participating in AmeriCorps?
Emily: The opportunity to be a part of AmeriCorps will expose you to experiences you will not be able to get anywhere else - do not hesitate to join.
