Alyzah McGlasson serves as the SAU+AmeriCorps VISTA Fellow for the Foster Care Initiative and Muleriders Serve programs at Southern Arkansas University. Her goal is “to provide support and assistance to the foster care community found both on and off campus, along with recruiting and uplifting those Muleriders who serve their community through our Volunteers Service.”
Alyzah was inspired to join after seeing the impact of VISTA projects firsthand. “I had already met many individuals who were a part of the program and got to see how their projects affected my personal life. For instance, I knew how impactful the Mulerider Market was, and I wanted to be part of something that would make as big of a difference as that.”
She first learned about AmeriCorps VISTA as a student. “Back in undergrad, I was attending track practice, had two different on-campus jobs, and had an overloaded class schedule, so I was utilizing the market every week. Michael Flowers was a VISTA Fellow at the time, and both the Mulerider Market and his service made a lasting impact on my college experience.”
When she heard about the Foster Care Initiative position, Alyzah says she was “ecstatic.” She explains, “I have always loved working with children. If there was a chance that I could make a difference in these kids’ lives, I was all in.”
Alyzah’s passion comes from her own upbringing. “I had the advantage of growing up in a loving, Christian home with parents that nurtured me. Most individuals don’t have the same privilege. I want to use the skills and passions that I have to help others feel like they belong and have a purpose.”
One of her favorite projects has been creating a binder of volunteer opportunities to help students find meaningful ways to serve. “It will be interchangeable as our opportunities come and go seasonally and will hopefully give students a better understanding of how many different organizations we help.”
Alyzah sees the difference her work makes. “Every month, I can see the impact the hosted event has on the parents and kids, along with the volunteers that provide the childcare service. Not only are we providing a few hours of reprieve for the parents, but we give the kids a chance to hang out and be kids.”
Her experience as a VISTA Fellow has helped her grow both personally and professionally. “I have always been passionate about working with others, especially the underprivileged,” Alyzah shares. “One of my career goals is to eventually establish a nonprofit based on building the accountability and passion of children through the creative arts. This service gives me the opportunity to learn how to run a program efficiently and effectively… It is a great stepping stone to help me excel in the next stage of life.”
Reflecting on her VISTA service, she says, “Whether in the office or in the field, there is work to be done and people to inspire.”
