Alumni

I came into MVS because I needed a break between college and the career I was trained to do, which is education. Through MVS, I’ve determined that education is definitely my next step. And I never would have got there so confidently, and probably so excitedly, as I am now.

I think MVS is a good transition place, if you’re not quite sure what you want to do. It’s a place where you can really reflect with a community who’s behind you and wants to support you. Just do it!

After having a year full of learning, self-growth, and new connections with people here in San Francisco, I knew that I wanted to stay for a second year.

I’m passionate about faith formation, and I think Mission Network provides fantastic opportunities, especially for young people, to be the hands and the feet of Jesus in this world.

I applied to colleges and was accepted into several great opportunities that I don’t think I would have if it wasn’t for Service Adventure. I was able to get scholarships because it’s about offering something different. How do you make your college application stand out? You do a year of voluntary service!

The First Mennonite Church community of San Francisco is so amazing. They are very supportive of the MVS program and put energy into building relationships with us. The church is a beautiful place to think in new ways about my Mennonite faith and build connections with people.

We came face to face with some harsh realities in South Texas. Every day, we met people who are working hard to quench thirst, clothe, and provide shelter and dignity to people who desperately need it.

At the Homeless Prenatal Program, more than half the staff are former clients that have moved up to be case managers and service providers. I am truly humbled every day by my co-workers’ and clients’ stories of perseverance, hope and strength, as well as their continued humility and service.

Something that I’ve learned a lot about is social justice and how to participate in that. Coming from a context of being a college student and hearing about all of these protests but not really being involved in any of them, it’s been really cool to learn more about that process and get involved and be able to make my voice heard in some of these actions.

MVS has this built in support. We have a support committe, we have a house, the church. It really allows you to explore while feeling supported and secure in where you are. And it’s fun!