Let's Make Something Clear

As of right now, I am not going to California. We have been delayed since the start of the shutdown, which began on October 1st. It's day 11 and talks have finally started. I understand that as an employee of the government, I am not allowed to express my "bleeding-heart-liberal" views as this continues. I do want to say that I am frustrated with the furlough. I've been depressed at home considering that a program I was depending on for funding, housing, food, transportation, and loan relief may not be able to operate when this is all said and done. I'm angry that this issue has not been resolved sooner and that it all appears to be over the Affordable Care Act. I am not the biggest fan of the Affordable Care Act, but as it was passed in the Senate, the House, and the Supreme Court, it is already being rolled out. I am also extremely disappointed that just because the Tea Party Representatives in the House do not "like" the Affordable Care Act, they can hold almost a million jobs hostage to try to force their agenda.

Okay, I guess I'm not good with keeping my opinions to myself.

Americorps funding could be cut or canceled. If the shutdown lasts too long, we will be unable to meet our 1,700 hours of community service and Class XX will be shut down in Sacramento and Denver. We could be placed in other classes, but I cannot wait until February and even if I did accept the position at another campus in February, I would fall out of line with college enrollment. After 4 years of being an English major (three of those being English Education), I have finally realized that what I want to do is be an Environmental Engineer. That requires going back to school for a second bachelors degree, which also means I won't be receiving much government aid and I'll have to take those big, bad private loans - which I am not comfortable just jumping right into. So here I am, $40,000 in debt and wondering what I am actually going to do with my life. Americorps was giving me a chance I wouldn't have otherwise.

With that being said, here are some articles and videos that may help anyone reading this blog not only understand how important Americorps is (as the VISTA members are also suffering dearly), but how frustrating living in limbo is as a furloughed employee. Here's hoping this ends before the 17th, when the financial situation really hits crisis.

Americorps Training Stalled by Shutdown, Huffington Post

Senator Elizabeth Warren Voices Her Passionate Assessment of the Shutdown, Upworthy

Making Americorps Cool (Stories About the True Impact of Americorps Volunteers), Buzzfeed

VISTA Members Living in Poverty, The Nation

After 20 Years, Americorps Still Needs Support, The Daily Beast

Some "Essential" Functions of the Government That Might Upset You, Huffington Post