Haileigh Nelson (22)

Alma Mater: Loyola Marymount University

Corona, California

Favorite Books

Hunger Games trilogy, Tattoos on the Heart, The Alchemist, Happy Accidents

Favorite Movies

Love & Basketball, Selena

Favorite TV

Glee, Modern Family, Grey’s Anatomy

Hobbies

Singing karaoke, basketball, reading, laughing, anything artsy, journaling, exploring, blogging

What attracted you to GSV?

In the beginning, the mission and focus of GSV is what attracted me to the program.  It was exactly what I was looking for.  After my first interview, I felt an unspeakable connection with GSV and my interview felt nothing like an interview.  I felt extremely comfortable in conversation and in my element.  This was when I knew that GSV was the right fit for me.

Where are you serving/what kind of work are you doing?

I am currently serving at Family Foster Care in the Bronx and I work as an intake assistant & recreation counselor.

How have you seen personal growth thus far as a result of your experience (site placement/community) with GSV?

I have been challenged like never before to really take a look at who I am and accept my faults.  At times this is painful and uncomfortable, but it is when I experience the most pure and true personal growth.  In community, I feel we grow most when we allow each other to be authentic and appreciate each other’s differences.  It’s about the moments when we can be vulnerable with one another and not be judged.  At my work placement, I feel that I am constantly growing in knowledge and I learn something entirely new every day.  I also feel that when I am about to make a connection with a child, I grow in that experience with them. 

What is the best or most surprising part about your volunteer year so far?

I think the best and most surprising part about my volunteer year thus far has definitely been the amount of self-awareness and how I have been able (and not able at times) to apply this in a community setting.

Any advice for someone considering post-graduate service?

My advice for anyone considering a year of service is to keep it real.  I mean really, Keep. It. Real.  Especially with yourself, in terms of the application process.  Try to stay honest and true to yourself.