The Gray T-Shirt
by Audrey Cropp
 As an AmeriCorps state direct member, one of the requirements to my service is to always wear an official AmeriCorps t-shirt. The shirt proudly displays the well known AmeriCorps icon, shows the well known AmeriCorps gray, and is a symbol of the commitment of the organization to help others. I have always worn my shirt because it was a requirement of my job, but it wasn't until recently I realized why it was so important.
It was at a neighborhood Thanksgiving picnic, families had gathered in a park and the community was kind enough to invite me to attend. The park was transformed into a festival of good music, great food, and generations sharing the rich history of the neighborhood. I was discussing the history of the park with one resident when a boy, maybe 6 or 7 ran up and pointed right at me shouting, “I know you!” I smiled; slightly confused because I was fairly sure he and I had not met. A wide grin spread across his face, “I know you, you were at my school!” he yelled happily. I was trying to remember where he might have met me as he ran away. The resident and I continued our conversation, a few minutes later the boy returned with a big piece of chocolate cake. Offering it up to me he said “Thank you for fixing my school,” and that’s when it hit me, it wasn’t me he knew. He knew the shirt, and that people who wore this shirt had been there to help his school be a better place. He and I shared cake, and talked about his school and what he wanted to be when he grew up. When I got home that night I looked at myself in the mirror in my gray t-shirt. A t-shirt may not do much for one's figure but I can honestly say I have never owned anything that made me feel that tall and proud.
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