By Julia Yao

On my mental list of top life experiences so far, there is: studying abroad in India, ziplining in China, and finding life-long friends in college. After this year, being a HIP Americorps volunteer will be right up there on the list. Where do I begin to describe how much I have learned and enjoyed these past months? Was it the delicious food I was blessed with every week (and believe me, free food to an Americorps is like that first cup of coffee after a short night’s sleep)? The people who welcomed me with big smiles and encouraging patience? Being a part of an organization that never stops seeking opportunities to provide food and resources to the community? No doubt, it’s all those things and more.

As a future graduate student hoping to dive into the public health world, this year of experiences and trials has been incredibly valuable. HIP gave me the freedom to take on programs like the Healthy HIP Packs Program and the Cooking Demonstrations at NHL. I was encouraged to try new things, build connections, and learn from my mistakes. That is one of the most wonderful things about HIP- if you have an idea, HIP will give you the reigns and support to make it happen. My term comes to an end in August, but like many of our volunteers, I will find it difficult to leave and not come back to volunteer again.