Quiz

You’re an adventurerAdventure is in your blood. You’re happiest if you’re trying something new or traveling to a far-flung destination. And whether you’re across the world or just across the street, you move through life with an explorer’s mindset, always searching for hidden gems and special experiences. A gap or service year abroad would be perfect for an adventurer like you. If you want to make an impact on your travels then look into volunteer trips where you can spend a few months helping out with anything from wildlife conservation in Costa Rica to building schools in rural Nepal. For a more substantial commitment, you could apply for the Peace Corps, which trains and sends volunteers to work in developing countries for two years. Or, if you want a salary to fund your travels, then you could get a job as an au pair (sort of like a live-in nanny) or teaching English abroad. For an adventure closer to home, look into spending a year living and working at a Camphill community right here in the US. With 15 programs to choose from, there are more than 100 opportunities to live in an integrated, intentional community along with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and other volunteers from around the country and the world. Each community is set on hundreds of acres of beautiful land and aims to be as self-sufficient as possible; everything from the furniture in the houses to the fresh baked bread and vegetables are made and grown right there. As a Camphill volunteer, you’ll get free room and board, all basic necessities, a monthly stipend, college loan support, and so much more. Jobs could be anything from biodynamic farming to baking to teaching. Whatever you end up doing, you’ll come away with new skills, a stronger sense of self, and beautiful friendships.

You’re a Do GooderYou have a heart of gold. You always put others needs before your own and want to lend a hand whenever you can. You’re aware of the problems of the world, but rather than dwell on them you try to enact positive change—if not on a global scale, then at least with your individual choices. You spend your time helping others and just want to make a difference. One way to do this is with a service year at a Camphill community. With 15 life- sharing communities across the United States and Canada, Camphill offers the opportunity to live in an integrated, intentional community along with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and other volunteers from around the country and the world. The self-sufficient communities are set on hundreds of acres of land and support themselves with biodynamic farming and gardening, craft workshops, and on-site bakeries, all of which are run by individuals with developmental disabilities and volunteers. You’ll have the opportunity to live and work with people with a wide range of backgrounds and abilities and make a difference in their lives. In addition to free room and board, Camphill volunteers also receive a monthly stipend, college loan support, and health insurance. Alternately, you can work with underserved communities in other ways. AmeriCorps Vista sets up participants with an organization that is working to eradicate poverty, while AmeriCorps NCCC will have you working with FEMA or other government agencies with disaster relief projects around the country (usually a few per year). If think that teaching is in your future, then Teach for America (alsoa member of AmeriCorps) is an organization that trains college grads to teach in schools in low-income areas around America.

You’re a Go-GetterThere’s no stopping you. When you set your mind to something—and you always have your mind set to something—you don’t stop until you’ve accomplished it. You’re a hard worker and meticulous planner with your eyes set firmly on the future. There’s no doubt that you’ll achieve great things; the only question is what your next step should be. If you want to build your resume and stand out as a job candidate in an increasingly competitive market, then set yourself apart by doing a service year at a Camphill Community. You’ll live and work in an integrated, intentional community along with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and other volunteers from around the country and the world. Jobs could be anything from bookkeeping to baking to teaching. As a member of a Camphill community you’ll come away withimproved communication skills, ability to work in a team, and leadership abilities—plus increased confidence and a stronger sense of self. If you don’t want to live where you work, then you could also apply for a traditional internship or entry level job in a field you’re interested in. If you don’t land your ideal position right away don’t despair. Even if you get a gig at a café or bookshop for a while, it still shows future employers that you can hold a job, be on time, and work in a team.