Stephanie’s story:

I work for a non-profit organization in New York City called Housing Works. Our mission is to end the dual crises of homelessness and AIDS in New York City. I help maintain the inventory for our online bookstore that provides part of the funding for the medical care and housing provided by Housing Works. My responsibilities include adding books to our online store, managing volunteers, and helping out with fun events. You can buy our books directly from the used section on Amazon (look for Housing Works Bookstore Cafe as the seller) and know that it will be going to a great cause!

Naturally, I have taken several unexpected turns to reach this point. After leaving UMF with a degree in English Education, I spent four years in southern Maine working at schools and tutoring centers. In April of 2015, my sister and I spent a few days visiting New York City. While I was there, something clicked in my brain. I knew almost immediately that this city had more to offer than cliche tourist spots. Over the next few weeks, I did some research on different programs in NYC. I found NYC Civic Corps, a 10-month service term that would involve recruiting and training volunteers for various organizations in the city. I applied right away and got accepted by the middle of June. Then, the panic set in. How was I going to move to New York City completely alone making a measly stipend of $1200 a month? I worked 50+ hours a week for most of the summer trying to save as much money as I could. With a little over $1000 saved up, I took a bus to New York City on my 26th birthday. From there, things somehow kept magically falling into place. I was placed at Brooklyn Public Library for NYC Civic Corps, where I trained volunteers for the library’s Homework Help program. I began volunteering for Housing Works Bookstore (my current place of employment) and 826NYC (an incredible writing education program for kids). I was exploring the city and attending author events every chance I had. Once my 10-month service term ended, I started working three part-time jobs at the library, the bookstore, and a tutoring center. By April 2017, I was offered a full-time, permanent position at Housing Works.

Don’t leave yourself with lingering “what-ifs?” Put your foot in as many doors as you can! You just never know where an opportunity may take you. I certainly did not expect to be living and working in New York City. I also never imagined I would have four jobs at once (don’t worry, three of them are only a few hours a week). The best way to find out what you enjoy doing is by doing as many things as you can. Just make sure to give yourself one day off a week.

One highlight so far has been my time at Brooklyn Public Library. I have had three different jobs there so far, and they have all been a blast! First, I was the Youth Program Coordinator in charge of the library’s Homework Help program (this was through NYC Civic Corps). Then, I was a Library Page and learned about the backend of the library. What happens when books are returned? How do they end up back on the shelf? Currently, I do occasional testing for the Citizenship Preparation program offered at Brooklyn Public Library. This involves working with immigrants to improve their English. It’s been amazing!