Shelby Smith - Proud AmeriCorps service member serves second year

​Hello, my name is Shelby Smith and I am starting my second year of service as an AmeriCorps VISTA. I graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelors in Psychology in 2014. Following my graduation from college I moved back home to Traverse City, MI and ended up finding an AmeriCorps VISTA position at the local community action agency. Prior to taking the job, I had no real understanding of the AmeriCorps program but I knew I wanted to try to help people in my community and serving as an AmeriCorps ended up being a great place to start!  I completed my first year as a VISTA in 2016, working for the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency in Traverse City, MI. After my year of service was up I moved to Chicago, IL and found a job working in finance. I lived in Chicago for the past year before finding myself ready for a change. I decided to go back to doing what I love, which is helping others! I knew the AmeriCorps program was a great way to network within a community and continue my mission of service for others so I have started my second year as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Grand Rapids, MI.
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I am working with Ferris State University as well as Project North Star through the Kent County ISD to bring financial literacy programming to local high schools. My main focus for the year will be to facilitate a program called ‘Get Real’ within 10 local high schools. The program focuses on helping all students learn basic skills in financial planning, goal setting, decision making, and career planning. It is an interactive game that gives students a dose of reality. Students learn about their chosen career path, how much money they’ll likely make and how that will impact their lifestyle. I am excited to help provide real life understanding to students about what it takes to be a financially responsible adult in today’s world.
I am looking forward to my second year as a VISTA and all the opportunities that may arise! I am enjoying being in Grand Rapids as well and getting to know the area. My goals for this year are to aide my community in whatever capacity I can as well as advance my career goals through networking and personal connections. I am proud to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA for a second year so I can have the opportunity to help a new community!