Shalomie Reflection: Patrick
Hello, my name is Patrick Webb, and I’m one of the 2021-22 Shalom Project cohort. Today I’d like to tell my story of getting into the Shalom Project, my internship and time living in an intentional living community.
Background
I’m from Goshen, Indiana. My main interests are writing, pop culture (such as comics and science fiction), and also learning about all things train related. I graduated from Goshen College as part of the Class of 2021 with a major in Writing and minor in Communications.
How did I join the Shalom Project?
I first learned of the Shalom Project as a junior when The Shalom Project was recruiting at Goshen College. I was reminded of the project when my advisor forwarded me a recruitment email.
I always wanted to volunteer, but due to my family’s financial situation, we did not have the resources to do so. Before joining the workforce and trying to figure out my career, I decided to do a volunteer year.
I applied to two other volunteer programs, but they weren’t a good fit for me. I was getting discouraged, when I saw the email and was reminded of the Shalom Project. After applying and speaking with Nathan Greaser (the program director), I was accepted. Once my summer internship ended, it was off to Lancaster, PA.
One of the nice things about the Shalom Project is I’m not going through a new experience alone. My five housemates were getting acquainted with a new city and internships as well. Throughout the year, we’ve supported each other through challenges, such as busy periods, and celebrated victories (such as getting into grad schools or finishing projects at work).
Another reason why the Shalom Project was a good fit for me was the size. I’m an introvert with extroverted moments, and need time with people and to also recharge on my own. Being in a small program (which has a maximum of six participants) meant I was able to have time to myself and with people.
The size of the Shalom Project also means a more hands-on connection with the rest of the Shalom Project network. This year participants met with the board members and learned about their lives, whether in our weekly seminars or in 1 on 1’s. Participants also have a chance to meet with our director, Nathan, who helps us process life in the work and personal struggles and triumphs we have through monthly 1 on 1’s. Thanks to the small size, I felt supported and connected in my service year.
My Internship
My internship placement is with the Library System of Lancaster County Bookmobile. Our program provides library services to communities who do not have easy access to brick and mortar libraries, such as preschool classes and retirement and Amish communities.
My internship includes work on the road and in the office. In the office I print off the holds list for the day, then find books for patrons or books going to other libraries. I help check out books and load them into crates for our stops.
During the stops I help load and unload carts, set them up at the stops and help patrons check out books or process their returns. Whenever anyone has questions, my supervisors and I do our best to answer them and help solve their problems, such as if they have late fees or are calling to place holds for their next stop.
What have I learned?
My internship has pushed me to grow in new ways, such as being flexible with work. For example, our Bookmobile had a flat tire before a stop. I worked with my supervisor to help load our office van with crates of books so that we could still attend our stop and provide service to our patrons.
I’ve learned a lot about how library systems work, including the dewey decimal system. (I never thought I’d understand how the numbering system works!) As the Outreach Intern I also grew in my professional phone skills by taking calls for patrons to answer any questions or concerns.
I have also gained a new insight into living in community. Some of my fondest memories with my cohort were made sitting around our kitchen table, sharing meals together. We introduced each other to our favorite dishes with our shared meal rotation, and shared in each other’s lives with jokes or space to vent about frustrations.
Favorite Memories in the Shalom House
As a house we’ve had several adventures, such as going to the Kauffman Apple Orchard to pick apples, and visiting each other’s colleges for recruiting trips. We also enjoy the small adventures of life together as a house, enjoying meals, playing games and supporting each other in busy seasons.
One of my favorite memories is from the beginning of the year, when we played “We’re Not Really Strangers,” where you answer questions in three varying levels, to build empathy and connection. Through our game of “We’re Not Really Strangers,” we got to know each other better as individuals and strengthened our community.
A highlight for me was the house outing I planned. As a train enthusiast, I knew that I had to visit the Strasburg Rail Road while I was in Lancaster County. I became self-conscious and hoped that it wouldn’t be too “train centric” that I was the only one enjoying myself. My housemates encouraged me, and we went. I enjoyed showing my housemates (whose internships keep them in the city) the picturesque countryside I see when the Bookmobile travels through the county for our stops. We also visited the Choo Choo Barn, an unexpected bonus thanks to a coupon packet Rae Ann, one of my housemates, got at work.
Why should YOU join?
If you’re a recent college graduate and feel uncertain about jumping right into the workforce, then the Shalom Project may be a good fit for you. You can gain work experience in a new city without having to figure out housing and making friends on your own. Thanks to the Shalom Project, my cohort were able to find people to hang out with, form new life-long friendships and build up our networks.
It’s also a place where you can explore your faith and be supported on your journey. If you’re like me, your young adult years are a time of growing pains.
A great part of doing a faith focused service year is you get to live out your faith through your volunteering. Throughout my year I had time to read books in our house’s personal library to explore my faith, and had a safe space in the cohort and with our director to share about where I was. If you’re coming in with questions or are not very religious/spiritual, there is a place for you to explore what role faith will play (however large or small) in your life.
Final Thoughts
I feel very bittersweet about the end of our year in the Shalom Project. I’m excited to start something new, but will miss my cohort. I also look forward to seeing what my housemates do in the years to come, and am thankful for the opportunity to serve and get to know the Lancaster community. While I may leave Lancaster, my time in the Shalom Project has shaped me for the better.
Learn more about a year with The Shalom Project
Contact Nathan, and we’ll schedule a 15-30 min phone call to answer any questions.
