PSO in Denver

So after spending less than 24 hours in San Antonio, the Corporation from National and Community Service (which oversees AmeriCorps) flew me to Denver, Colorado for Pre-Service Orientation.  It was 4 days of information, good food, comfortable beds, great sites, and amazing people!!!  I truly adore that type of setting.  New people thrown together, sharing a common goal.  Great stuff.  

I learned a lot from the PSO about CNCS, AmeriCorps, VISTA, and how they all tie together.  I also learned the specific benefits I receive from the program, as well as my limitations for the year.  Examples of benefits I receive include a bi-weekly stipend (nothing great, but enough to get by on), an education award at the end of service to pay off some student loans, and some sort of elite status if I ever apply for a government job.  I don't recall what that's called, but apparently its at my disposal!  Some of my limitations are that I can't leave the state without first communicating that with my supervisor (yes, it does make me feel like a convict), and that I'm not allowed to participate in political demonstrations.  This is difficult during such an intense election!  At least I'm still able to vote and talk politics, provided that I do a little disclaimer that my statements do not necessarily reflect the views of CNCS or AmeriCorps.  I may just print a t-shirt with that phrase on it to keep me out of trouble.

The training wasn't just about listening to legal mumbo-jumbo; I also got to spend some time with some great folks!  One night myself and a group of girls went downtown, and at one point became a little disruptive when a security guard at a club wouldn't answer our repeated question about whether or not karaoke was available.  All he had to do was tell us it was a private party.   Punk.

Yeah, somehow I thought this post would be longer.  I supposed its because its not fresh in my mind that I'm able to wrap it all up in less than 300 words.  Basically, PSO gave me all the details about what it is to be an AmeriCorps*VISTA, and make some great contacts in this region.