See Ya Later Tears

It's "see ya later," not "goodbye" that was said today.

I'm home now. Back in good old Michigan. AmeriCorps is OVER. Graduation was this morning, and I flew home in the evening.

Here are the range of emotions I felt today:

Excitement: I really had a hard time sleeping last night due to excitement about graduation the next day. I woke up at 5 am, like a good little AmeriCorps girl, and checked out of my room.

Accomplishment: Sitting at the graduation ceremony, hearing all the speakers talk about how we have all made this country a better place made me feel proud for possibly the first time in ten months.

Sadness: Saying goodbye was terrible. Tears were everywhere I turned (because they were mine, clearly). I gave Katherine a big hug and then I lost it. I hugged all my team members, and tried not to look too many in the eye. We all know that there is a distinct possibility that we may all never see each other again.

Freedom: Taking off my uniform at the airport had so many feelings attached to it. I felt free. For the first time in ten months I could make my own decisions, I could wear my own clothes, I could leave when I wanted to, I don't have to answer to ten other people! It had a liberating effect.

Pure joy: I have not stepped foot in Michigan in seven months. Christmas was the last time. This was definitely the longest I have ever been away from home. Landing at the airport, I was almost brought to tears. I have come home after months serving the country. It was just a wave of joy that came over me, and I am very happy to be home.

If I can get through ten months of AmeriCorps NCCC, I will be able to get through anything.

See ya later,

anne