Future AmeriCorps VISTA Chelsey Davis shares her experience watching State of the Union from First Lady’s box

Future AmeriCorps VISTA Chelsey Davis was invited to join Michelle Obama in the First Lady’s box during President Obama’s State of the Union address earlier this week. We asked Chelsey a few questions about herself and the experience.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a student at Pellissippi State Community College of Knoxville, TN. I will be graduating at the end of May 2015 with a General Associate’s of Science Degree. I plan to go on to study Nutritional Science with a focus in Food Policy. I hope to impact the world in a way that generates great compassion and growth among people who will serve one another in love and truth.

You’re a student at Pellissippi State Community College. What was your journey like to get there?

I actually began at a university. My intentions were good, but I went to school because it seemed like the right thing to do at the time. My heart wasn’t in it, and I performed poorly. I went home feeling defeated and pathetic. There, I spent a year at a local community college. I did better here despite being a full-time student and working over 40 hours/week. But I knew I could do better. I came to Pellissippi after a yearlong break of self-discovery. I came in with the attitude that said I will conquer this mountain fiercely. I really believed that.

Who in your life has been an inspiration to you?

My grandmother inspires me to love people genuinely and with grace. Don’t love them because of what they do or don’t do, love them simply because they need to be loved.

How did you learn you were invited to the State of the Union?

After some communication with a point of contact for Dr. Jill Biden, I was formally invited by Dr. Jill Biden herself to join her and the First Lady in their box for the address. I was initially hesitant for fear of missing class. But, it took only a second to weigh the idea and conclude it was a no-brainier. Obviously!

What does it mean to be a guest in the First Lady’s box?

I think it means that remarkable people are everywhere. Not just on television, in the White House, or magazines. I’d like to think we were gathered to represent that.

How were you inspired to serve? Why do you want to become an AmeriCorps VISTA member?

I believe in servant leadership. I feel that I am a leader. But the quality of my leadership will be dictated by how well I serve those I am leading. I feel AmeriCorps VISTA resonates with that truth. I want to be a part of an organization like that.

What advice would you have for other young people in your position?

Your future is what you believe it is. It is not what others say it is unless you believe it. But, the defining factor here is you.

What would you say to young people to encourage them to serve?

I would tell them that their future depends on their ability to serve others sincerely. Society will crumble without compassion. And that compassion must be built and grown by your efforts. It is like a muscle.

Anything else you want to add about the experience?

This experience taught me the importance of unity. A house divided among itself will fall. This principle applies to every area of life. People need people. Accept it. Love it. Embrace it.