I’m sitting in the new HIP office on my second to last day as an AmeriCorps program coordinator, staring at our perfectly pear green accent wall that I helped paint. I still remember the first time I sat down at my desk in the old HIP office, a year ago, crammed next to two co-workers, who would turn out to be some of the best people I’ve ever met. I still remember how on my very first day, I jumped into helping with the year’s first Packing Party, completely unaware of the impressive amount of moving parts and preparation behind making each little bag happen.

Since that first day, I’ve seen participation in the Healthy HIP Pack program increase to over 220 students, which translates to over 47,000 meals provided over the year. I’ve seen us start a new nutrition education program, through Cooking Matters, that is comprehensive and emphasized on community. I’ve seen us add a new AmeriCorps VISTA member to the HIP team. I’ve seen the Senior Meal program go from once a week, to twice a week, as well as becoming more integrated with social activities. I’ve also seen our Summer Meal program take on two new meal sites, with 8 Summer Corps Members. Oh yeah, Srijan also became a new parent.

It’s crazy to think back on all that has changed for HIP and our programs this past year. I was fortunate enough to be in the right place, at the right time, because all that change has also been reflected in me, personally. The Phoenica that started on the HIP team last October is such a different Phoenica than the one writing this now, and I know, without a doubt, that those positive changes can be attributed to my experiences here. It’s hard to capture personal growth in an essay, so I thought I’d just make a list of things (inspired by my predecessor, Brian).

So here are 8 ways I’ve changed over the year:

1. I now like drinking 2% milk much more than skim milk, probably because of the impressive amount of it that was spilled on me during Summer Meals
2. I can’t look at a banana box without seeing it filled with HIP Packs
3. I am better about active listening and thoughtfully responding, because empathy is not something you feel with a closed mind
4. I’ve realized that I’m probably just a big child, because for some reason, kids like me
5. I probably will take a break from eating “peanut butter and jelly” anything for a while, after Summer Meals
6. I am better about stopping myself when I let stereotypes and implicit bias creep in, because hunger and oppression don’t discriminate
7. I have more toned arms from all the heavy lifting this year. This is the one (and only) gun show you can see me at 😉
8. I now have so many more people that I care about and have a connection with, a whole (Lake) city, in fact… and I plan to continue to foster those relationships

HIP is an incredible place filled with the loveliest of people, and it has been such a great nurturing environment for personal growth. I am lucky and thankful to have been a part of your year. I can, without a doubt, say that HIP will forever be with me. Thanks for everything, and this is not goodbye 🙂