Kerby Beliles
Americorps VISTA
“Who’s her” or “Hoosier”? My name is Kerby Beliles and I have traveled long and far from the distant north western lands of Indiana where natives, such as myself, are referred to as “Hoosiers.” After graduating Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) at the ripe age of 22, I decided to join Americorps and move beyond the cornfields to the great upstate of South Carolina. It’s been a bit of an adjustment transitioning from a very urban, metropolitan area to the luscious greenery of Spartanburg, but I have been thoroughly enjoying the process.
At IUPUI, I majored in Psychology and minored in Human Resource Management. My love for psychology and trying to understand people/why we are the way we are never wavered as I kept my major consistent for the whole four year duration of undergrad. On the other hand, my minor changed several times but my class on public affairs really intrigued me about the inner workings of organizations which led me to pursue my position here as an Americorps VISTA. I think the biggest takeaway from college for me is to be both people and results oriented when trying to accomplish a goal, especially when working in an environment where your results are based off the achievement of the people you serve. Furthermore, I think understanding and aligning with what motivates people is key to ensure success of any kind.
What motivates me is doing a job well-done. I am not a perfectionist by any means, but I do have strong determination in ensuring that my work is good work and that’s a trait that I look forward to bringing from my academic life to my professional life. I’m excited to find out what knowledge and experience the Upstate Family Resource Center (UFRC) can bring to me and vice versa. Upon applying for this position, I wasn’t entirely sure what working here would entail. So naturally, I googled the UFRC to get a better idea what this place is all about. I can’t say I really had expectations when initially researching, but I was genuinely amazed at all the resources that the UFRC offers its clients. This center is truly dedicated to giving back to its community by assisting both families and individuals in their efforts to become the best they can be. My journey here has just begun, but I am so proud to be a part of an organization that offers the opportunities to so many to grow, flourish, and thrive.
I feel honored to serve here and am eager to learn the world of a non-profit organization. I really hope to make a difference in the lives of this community as well as find a deeper sense of community for myself than I ever have before. Beyond being excited about the work I’ll be doing here at the center, I’m really excited to explore Spartanburg and the surrounding areas. I’m a big nature lover and from what I’ve heard from the locals is that this area has a plethora of beautiful sites to see. So, let the adventures begin and the journey continue!
