By Elizabeth Madison | December 11th, 2024
With two cars packed up and loaded to the brim, a passenger seat well equipped with snacks, and enough video essays downloaded on my phone to occupy myself for a few hours, I set off east with my sister towards Missoula, MT. I had to pull over to wipe the tears from my eyes, the sudden realization that I was leaving behind the community I spent the last nine years building in and around Portland, OR. Moving two states away seemed so small compared to the other moves I’ve done before, but something about the intentional community I committed myself to building over the years made this move a little harder. I was unaware of the open arms I was running towards. One of my biggest fears about moving out of state for my AmeriCorps service was whether or not I would find a place called home. But in the past three months that I have been here in Montana, I think it is safe to say not only has Missoula been one of the friendliest places I have ever lived, but my efforts of reaching out to other people and making connections have also been well reciprocated.
I have the amazing opportunity to live with fellow AmeriCorps service members from another cohort, which has allowed me to meet more AmeriCorps members outside my cohort. Living with people who “just get it” makes things much easier: figuring out budgets, sharing meals, and looking for fun and affordable things to do around town. Breakfast for dinner tastes a lot better with people who are just as tired as you are from a hard yet fulfilling day of service. In my second month living with my new Missoula housemates, we decided to take an impromptu trip to Glacier National Park. With one too many photo pit stops along the way and singing Chappell Roan at the top of our lungs, we made it to Lake McDonald just as the sun was setting. For some reason, tears overcame us. We danced, cried, and marveled at how we came from across the country, made it here to Montana, and happened to make it all work. Something about a beautiful, breathtaking view makes you stop and appreciate everything you’ve accomplished.
Another large part where I have found community here in Montana is at my site host. Working as an AmeriCorps College Coach at the International Rescue Committee has given me a sense of home I didn’t think I was missing. As someone born in Botswana and moved to the United States as a teenager, I struggled to navigate the significant life transition. I was drawn to this position as I hoped I could use my life experience as a tool in helping refugee families, knowing what I have experienced is a fraction of what they went through and continue to pursue as they transition into life in the United States. Interacting with people from all around the world, seeing their resilience, and assisting them with their educational needs has brought me a sense of community. Those I serve alongside at my site host also give me a deep understanding of community. The support we provide each other, the celebrations of the wins regardless of the size, and the guidance I receive from my supervisor all leave me feeling a more empowered humanitarian.
Last but not least, my most treasured community is my MCNCE AmeriCorps Cohort. I can’t count the times I’ve belly laughed so hard during our get-togethers or felt seen without having to put up a mask. From trivia nights, so-bad-it’s-good Cards Against Humanity rounds, haikus that shouldn’t be read out loud, and some of the best advice on how to navigate living in Montana, all those in my cohort have supported me in a way that I couldn’t be more appreciative for. If I could go back in time to July of this year, I would reassure myself that it’s worth taking the risk, that I have built a community from scratch and can do it again.