Michelle Ramirez
Michelle Ramirez has been selected as Volunteer of the Week due to her growth and development during her year of AmeriCorps service. Recently, United Way of Metro Chicago held their Second Annual End of the Year Celebration for AmeriCorps Program 2017-2018 Members committing a year of their lives to service. At the celebration, Michelle received the Member of the Year Award.
When Michelle started her service, one could describe Michelle as “fresh”. She was fresh out of college, fresh out of “young adulthood,” but most importantly fresh into the community of Cicero. Although Michelle had lived in Cicero for over 10 years, she did not realize how much work was being done in Cicero by community organizations. She has been able to learn about important changes implemented in the community and has had opportunities to network with organizations outside of Cicero.
Michelle’s AmeriCorps Program Manager, Bianca Cotton, describes Michelle’s work ethic as nothing short of amazing. “By coming in everyday and creating a jolly work environment with her energetic personality,” says Cotton.
When Michelle began her program, she had set views of the community and society. She has now grown to view issues through a different lens. Michelle has learned that things are not always black and white and there is always room for a grey area. When the organization reaches a sensitive topic, Michelle describes her point of view but is always receptive to other opinions. She is now able to hold a variety of conversations and think of how others might view the certain topic.
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click here.