As the summer comes to an end and I find myself back in Jonesville with the rest of the staffers, reflecting on what I have learned this summer. I was so unsure at the beginning of the year what to do with this summer. Since I am going into my Senior year of college, I knew it was important to do something that would propel me forward and give me the skills necessary to reach my post-grad goals. I fully applied to go to Czech Republic to study for the summer thinking it was the right choice. This decision didn’t sit right with me. I found myself thinking about the Story Gathering position I had heard about the year prior and decided to dive in. My mind was made up and truthfully, I didn’t see my summer not involving ASP. Looking back, I now know to always trust my gut.
This experience has been grounding and helped me be more confident in my path. There aren’t many opportunities for internships presented to me as a Literature major living in West Virginia. Positions rarely apply to my interests or skillset and are often out of reach for me. So when I found out about this position, I felt like it was perfectly crafted for me. Stepping into this role has helped me realize that I am right where I need to be. If I hadn’t taken a chance and dropped out of that study abroad program to pursue this position, I would be lost. I keep coming back to simply being grateful for the opportunities that ASP presents: for homeowners to lead more comfortable lives, staffers to step out of their comfort zone, and for me to take on a role that is unlike any I’ve ever come across.
Being surrounded by young people who have dedicated these past 8 weeks to serving, reminds me how lucky I am to be in a community with this group of staffers. Their dedication to this region warms my heart. Seeing everyone come back to the Porch with t-shirts from local businesses in the counties they served with slogans that champion Appalachia, ready to go back to their homes as advocates for this region fills me with hope. ASP brings together accomplished 20-somethings from all over the country and gives them the space to both fall in love with Appalachia and recognize the need that is present here. Prior to this summer, it was hard to see a way for this place to heal. Now, I know that there are capable, educated, and graceful staffers of past and present who carry Appalachia in their hearts and can fight for this place even when they aren’t in central Appalachia working with ASP.
Traveling around our service area and popping in local shops, stopping at every overlook, and getting to know each community we serve has been the most special part of this experience. My summer was basically one big roadtrip, but the sites I got to experience meant so much more. The journey was about servitude and community. My lunches were cooked by gracious homeowners who prepared food for the group of volunteers spending the week at their home. Visits to local ice cream shops often involved conversations with the workers about how much ASP means to them. Each stop on my 8 week long road trip was filled with the spirit of ASP.
If there is one thing that’s been solidified for me this summer, its that I have hope for Appalachia. The fight for the future of Appalachia is in good hands as long as ASP is involved. I can’t imagine what this summer would’ve been like if I hadn’t decided to apply for this position. I am going to carry these experiences, the lifelong friends I have made, and the mission of ASP with me everywhere I go. I am so grateful for this eternal reminder that there are people I love working to make this region that I call home a better place.
Taylor Beam
Story Gathering Intern
