Matt Mooneyham found out about AmeriCorps VISTA from a conversation with his father, who shared that one of his coworker’s sons did AmeriCorps after college and really enjoyed it. He recalls, “I decided to serve because I have always really enjoyed serving people, I also thought it would be a good opportunity to develop myself personally and professionally.”

In his current term, Matt is serving with Bay Aging, an organization providing programs and services people of all ages need to live independently in their communities. Matt engages with community members and supports Bay Aging’s Regional Resilience and Equity Workgroup. He also helps with additional Bay Aging projects that have helped him develop professionally and encounter new challenges. He reflects, “The biggest challenge I faced was getting used to ‘office culture’ and becoming more professional. I still feel like I struggle with this at times but being a younger person in an office it can be challenging facing an established culture of professionalism when you have never encountered that.”

The working relationships he has developed during his service term have been the most meaningful part of the experience thus far, helping shape Matt’s plans for the future. “The people I work with here at Bay Aging and the people I work with in the Regional Resilience and Equity Workgroup have been so impactful and helpful for me,” he reflects. “I do not think there will ever be a way for me to properly express my gratitude for how much they have helped me.”

“My advice for someone considering AmeriCorps or AmeriCorps VISTA is that you must be willing to embrace the work and embrace the challenge,” says Matt. “You may not feel like your work is being felt but it is always impactful.”