Victoria Schmidt wanted to see what year number 2 would bring.
As an AmeriCorps service member working with Lancaster Lebanon Habitat since last summer, her 10-month term of service is almost up. But having grown to love the organization and its mission, she made a decision to stay on for a second year.
“This year will be different from last, so the job changes,” she explained.
Victoria applied to Habitat on more or less a whim. Her experience and studies all focused on early education. But when an email about the AmeriCorps experience popped up in her inbox, the opportunity to try something completely different before diving into her intended career path became appealing. 
“Habitat turned out to be the perfect fit with daily hands-on experience,, a new set of skills to master, layers of support, and a great team with which to work. Having seen the direct difference I am making in homeownership for my neighbors, I know that when the time comes for me to move on, I’ll be proud of all I was a part of and more prepared for the next step in my career and overall life. “
Victoria has spent her time with us focusing on family services, working directly with future Habitat homebuyers. While she herself is not a homeowner, it gave her a new perspective on what a person needs to feel whole and achieve their dreams, even beyond housing.
Her AmeriCorps experience with Habitat has altered how Victoria will approach a career when her time with Habitat ends. She sees a personal ole in making the world a better place to live in.
“At Habitat, you have a goal to make humanity better,” she said. “I know in the future that I will need to have a passion about what I do, specifically who I am helping. I need to do something that helps out the world.”
How to Apply to this Year’s AmeriCorps Service Positions
If you’re interested in joining Victoria, there are currently 5 positions open for the 20-21 year at Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity: Family Services Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, and Construction Crew Leaders. For full position descriptions and to apply, go to: https://bit.ly/35f7V3F