The VU College Corps Closing Ceremony

As some of you may know, Vanguard is blessed to be a part of this amazing community service program called College Corps. Vanguard is entering its third year in this program in Fall 2024, as they recently got renewed for another two years! More than 10,000 students have had the chance to assist and gain knowledge from community-based groups that address three key issues: food insecurity, climate action, and K-12 education. 

It was a memorable evening on April 16, 2024. Many had to say goodbye to one another because they were graduating or would not be able to continue in the program. Joy, laughter, happy tears, and positive vibes flooded our Vanguard Sanctuary. 

Abigail Frank, a senior majoring in English, and one of this year’s College Corps Interns, shared a bit about her overall experience with the College Corps program. 

“How was your experience working as a College Corps intern this past year?” 

Abigail expressed, “It has been an incredible experience this last year, I have gotten to connect with Fellows, those who are completing 450 hours of community service, on various levels. It’s been so special to walk with these Fellows throughout the last year and watch every single one of them grow in different ways. It has also been so fun to be able to plan on-campus service projects, training, and celebrations for all our Fellows.”

“In what ways does this program impact Vanguard in your opinion?”

“This program impacts Vanguard greatly. It falls in line with our pillars of truth, virtue, and service. College Corps truly embodies the service aspect of Vanguard that they strive for. I also think it encourages students to leave campus and see what lies even a short distance away in the greater Orange County community. Those experiences, connections, and revelations are something that Vanguard students need to get out of that Vanguard bubble,” Frank explained.

“What will you miss most from being an intern?” 

Abigail shared that she will miss the Fellows that she’s gotten to know over the last year. “I have built so many amazing connections with them and I am very sad that I won’t get to continue to see them grow and continue their journeys at Vanguard. I will also miss the best boss on Vanguard’s campus, Shelley Youd. She is so incredibly wise and intelligent about students and just life, I will miss laying on her office floor and just being in her presence weekly. 

I asked Abigail, “What piece of advice would you give someone who would want to join the program in the future?” 

She responded with, “Don’t be intimated! 450 hours sounds like a lot right off the bat, but we create a lot of opportunities that make it possible. Take the leap of faith and experience something new. It never hurts to try!”

All in all, it is undeniable that the College Corps program on campus has made a lasting impact on the lives of those in our community.