To me, Green City Force means the beginning of a new start, growth, finding my true self, believing in something so much it changes your life entirely, and understanding that what we do today will impact future generations. I chose to become a Corps Member with GCF because of the thought of how significant a farm on NYCHA property would be to the residents. I couldn’t pass up the mission to help stop all of the health issues that come along with living in a food desert. I love to help people. When I came to the program I was looking for a change mentally, physically and spiritually. I was looking for something to be passionate about that would make me happy and believed working on the farm and meeting and connecting with the residents would do just that. Before GCF I was at a stand still. I was trying to deal with the possibility of losing my hero, my inspiration, my FATHER, and finding a job that would make him proud of me and bring our bond even closer. The most important thing I learned during my time with GCF is, as Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”. Which means, if you’re searching for the meaning in your life, you will find it by helping other people. When you become so involved in helping others that you lose sight of your own problems, the things that you think define you, your true self will be revealed to you. After GCF I plan to be a farmer, go back to school and to be more involved in giving back. I would love to thank all of the GCF staff for helping me along my journey: Amanda for being so impactful, understanding, kind and motivating; Mara for helping develop me professionally; and my Team Leader, Andrew, for always giving words of wisdom. I would also like to thank my fellow Corps Members, and lastly my father, one of the main reasons I joined the program.
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