AmeriCorps NCCC Pacific Region Class XX Graduation

The NCCC Silver 8/Silver Composite 1 Werewolves together again

Today, the AmeriCorps NCCC Pacific Region Class XX graduated. The halls of the McClellan Airforce Base are quiet - no more Knights of Nerd Hall to keep chaos in the realm; no more band sessions, or jam sessions, or Mira singing at the piano; no more sneaking into rooms and giggling until sunrise; no more too loud whispers on the way back from too many beers at Harveys.

But all of these no mores have been a reality for me for 4 months.

In March, after spending 10 weeks with my Composite Team - The Silver Werewolves, WOLF PACK HOLLAH BACK - I accepted the position of Education Program Assistant with our first sponsor of the round, the Catalina Island Conservancy. I feel blessed and fulfilled at my job, and am still happy with the move. Life is good for me on Catalina Island.

The ladies of Blue 1

I had already parted ways with the Corps. My fellow werewolves, with the addition a Green Unit team leader, Arielle, dropped me off at Sacramento International and I left for a month back home in NJ. But not all farewells are final.

Yesterday, I flew back to Sacramento for one more "I'll See You Again." because I simply do not say like or enjoy or abide by these divisions (unless you're an ex significant other, at which point all goodbyes are final and non-negotiable). I was not disappointed with my decision.

Mira Pearce singing the National Anthem

My werewolves picked me up from the airport (sans Kassie) and we went out for FroYo -- a team favorite and requirement while we served with the CCCs in San Luis Obispo. It was epically wonderful to be together again. Then I came back to base to be met with hugs of love from Kestrel and Holly, two teammates from Blue 1, my original team. The night brimmed with Cards Against Humanity, chinese food for Holly's bday dinner, and then catching up with Kassie individually. Holly and I ended the night with an Adalberto's trip and I fell asleep in the Ameri-sleeping bag.

Holly Adams, crossing the stage to graduate first!

Mira arrived with FMT and seeing her filled me with sisterly loving joy. I missed her. She is so wonderful.

Graduation was hard for me. I was representing the Catalina Island Conservancy as a Sponsor, as well as being there as a friend to my former teammates. Mira sang the national anthem beautifully, and the ceremony was lovely. I teared up several times watching friends and teammates walk across the stage for their graduation.

Then the goodbyes: which were long, and full of pictures, promises, tears. I couldn't stop crying saying goodbye to Kestrel. Holly left me crying in a van. I was lucky to walk Kassie to her terminal, which left me crying at the Sacramento airport.

Although I said goodbye before, this time feels final (because nothing is more final than a graduation, except perhaps death). When I left in March, Holly and Kestrel would give me enough updates that I still felt attached to Blue 1. I still got to hear about my composite team members' new spikes.

This experience, this Ameri-experience, is finally over for all of us.

NJ to Massachusetts to CA

Being silly with two members of Blue 1

There are many memories and lessons to take away. Jobs for some, college for others; romances to miss; an increased dedication to service for all of us; new passions for life, roadtrips, and perhaps a path to follow. We all come to AmeriCorps looking for something, and walk away with something unexpected.

I'm glad I left when I did in March. I'm both overjoyed and deflated by the return, just to say goodbye, today. I am grateful for all of it.

Thank you, AmeriCorps for the journey.