Breanna Mihalovich serves as a VISTA Leader with Campus Compact VISTA in Chicago, Illinois. 

Tell us a bit about yourself!
At the beginning of June, I joined Campus Compact as a VISTA Leader. Before joining Campus Compact, I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ethiopia. I taught 11th grade English and provided language/teacher training to school faculty. Unfortunately, I was part of the COVID-19 mass evacuation, so my service ended early. After I came back to the states, I worked as a VISTA in Ann Arbor, MI for an organization called Community Action Network (CAN). During my time with CAN, I wrote an English Language Arts Curriculum, enhanced the organization’s curriculum development process, and worked to improve access to fresh produce for low-income families.

What have you learned from your AmeriCorps VISTA service?
Through my time as a Peace Corps Volunteer and VISTA member, the most valuable thing I’ve learned is to be adaptable and willing to let go of your expectations. Things can change rapidly, whether it’s a global pandemic or the needs of your host site. The best thing you can do is be flexible in your approach and adapt as the situation needs. 

What advice would you give to a new AmeriCorps VISTA?
My advice for incoming VISTAs would be to enjoy your VISTA year and be ready to grow professionally and personally. Additionally, take advantage of the resources offered by your VISTA Leaders!

Breanna Mihalovich