Salutations to those interested in the Catholic Charities Service Corps:

Dear new friends and well wishers,

My name is Cameron Brewbaker Stanton. I came to Buffalo, NY via my hometown of Garner, NC. I graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelors degree in History in May 2010. I felt a great deal of pressure to decide what I was going to do FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. No big deal. So I broke down for a little while, then I picked myself back up and decided that I just wanted to dedicate time to helping others while making myself a better person in the process. Improving oneself can mean many different things. I wanted to put myself in a new situation and a new city where I could be exposed to new experiences. I was promptly placed into a house with two other history majors (and Mary). But, we are a diverse group of history majors (and Mary).

Through the Service Corps, I was given the opportunity to challenge myself while maintaining a strong support group. You have support in your housemates, Catholic Charities staff, workmates, neighbors, Buffalomates, and just about anybody who respects “giving up” a year. I’ve been surprised how many people have thanked me for GIVING UP a year of my life. But, I have definitely not lost anything. I am just as much myself as I ever was. EVEN MORE SO! I am even Cameroner!!! Buffalonians also have been very kind to me.

I think that working in a service position allows you to work with people that are just as diverse as yourself. Whether they come from a different country or a different socioeconomic status, I find myself challenging what my preconceived notions were of “these people.” I think that just about everyone reflects the amount of respect that you give them. I am surprised at how quickly attitudes change when you treat someone with genuine respect. I recommend it. No matter what your decision may be in regards to YOUR future. I emphasize that it is exactly that, it is yours. This may not be right for you. I advise you to start really thinking about what you take pleasure in. What do you love? Who do you love? What do you love to do? Where do you want to be? Start thinking about what other people are telling you as opposed to what you are feeling and thinking. I am finding myself more joyful when I fully accept and appreciate the place I am. Life is good. God is good. You just have to let it and Him be good to you.
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