May Great Stories - Reflections on Growth

Izzy Rabalais

Izzy with her teammates Eli and Jordan at Round Spring in the Missouri Ozarks, on a project with the Ozark Trail Association.

“This year has brought so many changes. One that I'm grateful for is the change in my physical ability. Or more accurately, the realization that my body has such endless potential. I loved being active as a child, and seeing what fun ways I could use my body. I was always willing to try something new. But as I entered college I became focused on my studies, and tended to neglect those fun activities. With that, the beginning months of this program pushed me physically. But somewhere along the way I stopped aching after service, stopped sleeping so long, and I started to crave more. I've begun to get in touch with my physical body again. I've been going on hikes and runs again, and even trying new things like rock climbing and pole dancing. I'm grateful to have a job that allows me to use my body, and encourages me to discover the ways my body likes to move.”

Derek on a project with the Missouri Department of Conservation near Eminence, Missouri.

Derek Yang

“I look back to certain times within this program that have been very fundamental in the way that they shaped me. These periods of time have had such great strides in my growth, and also how I see the service that we do. Before this, who would've thought how much I’d love just being in the forest chainsawing all day?! There is a type of peace and tranquility with it that I know I won’t get from almost any other job. Looking forward, I wonder what exactly from this entire year will have been the most important change that has affected me and in what way. I'm excited for the future me to reflect on this!”