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VISTA Spotlight Sharlene Nicholson

At a company-sponsored day of service, Sharlene volunteered as a teacher’s aide for the day. Almost immediately, Sharlene was hooked. “By the end of the day, I was completely exhausted and filled with an exuberance that I hadn’t felt before.” Sharlene knew then that her time as an Administrative Assistant had reached its end; she needed something different, something to help her feel that excitement she felt as a volunteer teacher’s aide.

Soon after, Sharlene came across an advertisement for the VISTA opportunity at Prince George’s Volunteer Center. After learning about the VISTA living allowance, Sharlene shelved the idea. “But,” she said, “the opportunity nagged at me constantly until I made the call to the Executive Director of the Volunteer Center. I’m really happy I followed that instinct.”

As a VISTA at Prince George’s Volunteer Center, Sharlene manages the “1-800-volunteer” database and conducts in-house trainings on volunteer management. She also recruits and manages volunteers for the Affair of the Heart Gala, a major fundraising and volunteer recognition event. After a year of VISTA service, Sharlene decided she hadn’t had enough; she’s now serving her second year at Prince George’s Volunteer Center. “Once you take a step towards something and really commit to it,” said Sharlene, “the joy can be immense.”

Sharlene’s desire to stay in the non-profit sector after her VISTA experience demonstrates that she has a heart for service and volunteerism and reinforces her decision to change careers. To others thinking about a change, Sharlene has a recommendation. “Try very hard not to allow fear to keep you in a position that you know in your heart is no longer working for you, or keep you in a place where you no longer belong. Step outside your comfort zone and you’ll be amazed at how easily life can connect you to your heart’s desires.”