AmeriCorps NCCC Southern Region Newsletter Special Edition | Featuring Alumni Reflections
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IN THIS ISSUE:
TRADITIONAL MEMBER STATEMENT: I’m a member of the National Civilian Community Corps, an AmeriCorps Program. N-Triple-C members are 18 to 24 and spend 10 months getting things done for America while developing their own leadership. We serve on teams to help communities prepare for and respond to disasters, build homes, and help the environment. To learn more or apply, visit NATIONALSERVICE.GOV/NCCC or call 1.800.942.2677
FEMA CORPS MEMBER STATEMENT: The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) have launched an innovative partnership to establish a FEMA-devoted unit of 1,600 service corps members within AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) solely devoted to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
SOUTHERN REGION COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE: Erica E. Wilson, Community Relations Specialist (CRS) Phone: 601.630.4048 ● Email: ewilson@cns.gov
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GRACIE
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RICHARD
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WIL
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INVITATION
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KEVIN
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BRIANNE
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WIL & RICH CONT.
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SEAN
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JEN
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DAVID
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JONATHAN
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GRIFF
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DANIELLE
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JONATHAN & GRIF CONT.
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DAVE & GEN CONT.
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CANDLES
Kevin Jones, Community Relations Associate (CRA) Phone: 769.203.1904 ● Email: kjones@cns.gov Matthew Payne, Community Relations Support Team Leader (CRSTL) Phone: 769.203.1923 ● Email: deltacrsunit@gmail.com
This edition is apart of Southern Heat, a monthly newsletter curated and designed by Matthew Payne, CRSTL . Feedback is welcomed.
Front & Back Cover Photos: Southern Region AmeriCorps NCCC Campus in Vicksburg, MS
CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST NCCC & FEMA CORPS DEPLOYMENT REPORT. 2
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Gracie Billingsley
I
graduated high school in 2012 with no set
that when difficult situations arise we are called to
goals for school and did not know what I want-
meet them and move on while working with the envi-
ed to do exactly, but I knew I wanted to do
ronment, hard work, and a strong team is vital in this
something with service. I did AmeriCorps National Ci-
process. Because of RMYC and NCCC I have no doubt
vilian Community Corps and graduated in December
that the lessons I have learned in the woods and on the
of 2013. My NCCC service term changed my life for
field will benefit me both professionally and personally.
the better by directing my passion for service and ig-
I have now returned to the DC area after my gap year
niting a fire within myself to carry the commitment of
of service with goals of pursuing a degree in Govern-
service with me this year and be-
ment and International Affairs, to join
yond. As an NCCC member I
the Peace Corps masters program
served in the southern United
after college and my ultimate goal is
States and worked on environmen-
to be a Foreign Service Officer for
tal stewardship projects in West
the
Virginia and Mississippi, urban and
NCCC has truly changed my life for
rural development projects in Ten-
the better and I want to continue
nessee, infrastructure improvement
progressing in service skills and I
from disaster devastated areas in
want to articulate the importance
partnership with Habitat for Hu-
that National Service has on our
manity in Alabama and with educa-
country and future generations. I
United
States.
AmeriCorps
tional efforts as a Camp Habitat leader for high school
started attending Northern Virginia College in Septem-
and middle school students in Kentucky. Because of
ber of 2014 and desire to invest my time in service,
the great and new challenging experiences I had with
expand my skills, gain insight on AmeriCorps, reach
NCCC, I had a yearning to serve again before I started
out to the local community and grow my professional
school in the fall of 2014. So, having never been camp-
skills as a leader. I accepted a volunteer position as the
ing before and the desire to serve again I decided to
AmeriCorps DC Chapter Social Committee Co-Chair.
serve in Colorado this past summer as an AmeriCorps
My goal as a Social Co-Chair is to network with colleg-
crew member with Rocky Mountain Youth Corps to
es, high schools, elementary schools and non-profits in
enhance environmental stewardship. We spent all of
the DC and surrounding areas to do as many volunteer
our summer living and working in the outdoors. This
events, community events and alum events as possible
experience has had a tremendous effect on me be-
to build strong relations and to represent AmeriCorps
cause with the help of my crew members, I may have
the best way possible while building an even greater
been challenged in the camping aspect but the en-
community of AmeriCorps Alums in the Nation's capi-
couragement I received on and off the worksite far
tal. This is the best fit for me during this time because I
outweighed the challenges ahead. I learned through
am living in the Northern Virginia area and want to to
my experience with AmeriCorps NCCC and RMYC
see my community step up and serve with AmeriCorps
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in DC and my local community in Virginia and want to
coordinate service projects in DC and the surrounding areas with a focus on youth. I don't think enough people know about AmeriCorps and the invaluable affects the organization has on future generations, generations currently and of the Nation as a whole. I truly believe in AmeriCorps and want to bring what I learned in my service terms back home and to link up with other community leaders to raise awareness, funds and people to answer the call to service. I am forever grateful for my service terms because these experiences truly shaped my life and gave me the confidence I need to fulfill my dreams. I have learned that my task is not done when the hard day is over or I have overcome a challenge, rather the true accomplishment will be the realization that I am not done because service is a life fulfilling commitment that is unending and needed for all of humanity. Thank you so much for allowing me the privilege to answer these questions. I have attached four photos of
Gracie Billingsley
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Rich Smith Embrace the fumes. No, not the rankness pervading a 15-passenger van by Week 6 of spike. The paint fumes. The mildly brain-damaging (without proper ventilation) odor from the most perennial and uncelebrated of substances that features in every NCCC member’s term. The smell from the rolling and edging, whose monotony grinds at the patience of members and gives rise to an evergrowing menu of goofy team-builders and other people’s favorite music to pass the time. So why the embrace? I joined NCCC in 1998 to spend a “gap year” – my last chance to do something adventurous and spend some real time volunteering – away from
my career as a newspaper reporter in upstate New York. Sixteen years later, I have yet to sit in another newsroom, but I am regularly reminded of those 10 months in NCCC that would redirect my life and career. Still warming up to my teammates on Blue 3, I found myself in Round 1 assigned to a five-week painting project at Sullivan’s Island Elementary School, near the old Southern Region Campus in
Charleston, SC. A local project when all of the other teams left for spike. And all painting, the whole time. I can’t even say it was badly “needed,” judging by the walls as we arrived, but we assembled our base camp under a stairwell and cracked open the five-gallon buckets. There is a limit to how many cinder blocks you can paint white and beige, in almost identical
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Wil Dalton
I
joined AmeriCorps NCCC in 2003. As a Corps
lors degree, but I knew I wanted to do something
Member, my team helped Habitat for Humanity
meaningful and feared I would end up doing some-
in Lawrence, MA build two houses from framing
thing inconsequential.
the structure to roofing. We partnered with Covenant House, a homeless prevention and transition center in New York City. We tutored youth and built the capacity of a charter school in Baltimore and we renovated outdated structures at an inter-faith camp in New Hampshire. My teammates were as varied as the work. I learned that while we each had different motivations for serving, we could all come together to get something done for America. I said I joined because I met an AmeriCorps alum wearing a sweatshirt; I liked the design so decided to volunteer ten months of my life to get one for myself. The truth was that I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life after earning a bache-
AmeriCorps NCCC provided me with the opportunity to travel and see the country – as a native Texan I had never ventured to the northeast, so being able to walk
through the cities I had read about in our nation’s history gave me a patriotic thrill. AmeriCorps NCCC introduced me to amazing people, some of who shared little in common with me, that I found myself not only volunteering beside, but coordinating cooking and cleaning schedules, along with a weekly shopping list. This exposure to different cultures and backgrounds, which occasionally led to sitcom-tv worthy conflicts and restoration, gave me the skills and experience to thrive
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Kevin Jones The journey of a lifetime.
was that this year was going to be the most adven-
It was March 2009. I was serving my first AmeriCorps
of service saw my team and I serve all across the north-
term as a Volunteer Coordinator for Hands on Gulf
east United States and New Orleans. During my elev-
Coast (now Hands on Mississippi).
A colleague of
en months of service, I gained a plethora of profes-
mines, an NCCC alum, recommended that I apply to
sional skills that would come in handy as I transitioned
turous, challenging year of my life. My eleven months
be a Team Leader for Ameri-
into other professional opportuni-
Corps NCCC.
ties.
My initial re-
sponse was “hell no”! Fast
While I had intended on serving
forward six months to Sep-
just one term of NCCC, my Unit
tember 11, 2009. It was the
Leader asked me if I would be
first 9/11 Day of Service and
interested in returning and after
Delta 1, an NCCC Southern
some long reflection, I figured
Region team was working
that another year couldn’t hurt.
with us for our big event.
This time around, I decided that I
Again, my colleague kept
would drive from Mississippi to
pushing for me to apply but I didn’t see it happening.
Perry Point. Upon arriving at the campus, there was a
AmeriCorps NCCC was an unknown territory for me
moment in which I asked myself, “Are you ready to do
and I didn’t like venturing into the unknown. Howev-
this again”? Indeed, I was ready to do it again and my
er, during that day of service, I took 3 minutes to
team and I found ourselves responding to multiple
speak with the Delta 1 Team Leader and within those
disasters, pulling invasives, working on an organic farm
3 minutes, I was sold. A month later, while sitting up
and lots more.
at 3am, I decided that it was time to apply.
While there were many moments in which I struggled
Two and a half months ago, I found myself on a 6am
as a Team Leader, ultimately, AmeriCorps NCCC was
flight from Memphis to Baltimore. What I didn’t know
one of the best experiences of my life. I have made friends that will play a major part in my life moving forward. I managed 18 amazing, hard-working, loving
human beings that taught me some great lessons about life. For any person that is not sure about their next steps in life, I whole-heartedly recommend AmeriCorps NCCC. It will not always be easy but at the end of this experience, you will walk away with so many new skills, revelations about yourself, and memories that you will carry for a lifetime.
Kevin Jones 12
We’ve spent 20 years getting things done for America. LEARN MORE AT WWW.AMERICORPS.GOV 13
Brianne Connelly Q&A Why did you join NCCC? A friend of mine from college, Cyndie, graduated a
learning to take time for myself by being alone.
couple years before me and joined NCCC in Charles-
Can you tell us a story in which you learned some-
ton.
thing about yourself through service?
When went on a Habitat for Humanity spring
break trip there, I met up with her and she shared
Through setting up ISPs, I learned that initiating some-
what an awesome experience she was having.
thing positive in our communities is not hard, it should
What was your favorite part?
be expected of us all.
Becoming something in between friends and siblings
What advice would you give to current Corps Mem-
with my teammates and being exposed to amazing
bers or prospective applicants who are interested in
work that put me out of my comfort zone.
NCCC?
What was it like to serve?
Unless you hate living with other people, you need to
Serving in NCCC was like a constant adventure and personal growth opportunity. What was your most interesting project? The most interesting project I worked was doing inprocessing for the Red Cross in New Orleans two months after Katrina. What was the most challenging aspect of your service year? The biggest challenge during my service year was
join this program. You won't regret it. Where are you now in life and how did AmeriCorps affect your life path?
I am back with AmeriCorps NCCC. I left for a while to teach and manage a few community-based nonprofits. I doubt I'd work for AmeriCorps now if I hadn't been a corps member or team leader. How have you continued to serve beyond NCCC? I love to dance so I have continued to offer free dance fitness classes in the communities where I've lived.
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in a diverse and global workplace.
classrooms and endless hallways, before you
Volunteering
AmeriCorps
question what on earth you’re doing here. Minor
NCCC, I learned first hand about
arguments ensued – politics, bands, etc. – and
many community problems and
personality quirks became exposed with such
was inspired by the many commu-
excessive time for nitpicking. A few contemplat-
nity driven solutions. The exposure
ed quitting. But as the project came to a close,
to difficulties facing my fellow
our skills deepened, our team strengthened, and
Americans matured me as a person
our pride grew as we realized that almost every
as I learned that to address large
inch of this sprawling place of learning was fresh-
problems, I couldn’t rely on just
ened by our hands. A Thanksgiving party with the
myself (or any one person), but
students in one of our newly painted rooms
with
that large community problems
capped it all off.
required a communal response.
We had embraced
I returned to AmeriCorps NCCC in 2005 as a Team
the fumes – a.k.a.
Leader, where in addition to serving America
the journey.
through various service projects, I also served my
Later that year, I
team through encouragement and motivation. We
became our Team
assisted a camp serving city youth in New York as
Leader. I returned
counselors; we removed invasive species in the
in Class VI to lead a
Eastern shores of Maryland; we partnered with Hab-
different-in-every-
itat for Humanity in Massachusetts; and as I men-
way-but-just-as-
tioned at the beginning, we helped in the emergen-
memorable Blue 3.
cy response to Hurricane Katrina.
Many houses were
For the year I served as an AmeriCorps NCCC Team
built, children tutored and invasive exotic plants
Leader, my team was recognized as the most-
slaughtered along the way. I have served in a va-
bonded and closest team at the end-of-service
riety of staff positions ever since. I even married
recognition ceremony. The fulfillment I received
and had a daughter with the sister of one of my
helping encourage and motivate my fellow corps
members.
members that year eventually led me to pursue a
They say that memory is tied to smell more than
career in student affairs, where I currently work, ad-
any other sense. Today when I pry open a can of
vising and hopefully inspiring college students to be
paint to spruce up my home, the smell wafting
the best they can be - and like my AmeriCorps
into my sinuses transports me to that school. And
friends – to do something meaningful with their
to the friends and sense of community, the ideal-
lives – and to get things done for America. (“To get
ists, the weird, the laughter, the weekend frolics,
things done for America” is kind of a password for
and the people I would have never known and
AmeriCorps NCCC alums, it’s the opening phrase in
the places I would have never been without
the AmeriCorps NCCC pledge).
Wil Dalton
Rich Smith 16
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Sean Kuether
I
joined AmeriCorps NCCC because a good
in projects, training, and mentoring the unit was awe-
friend, Brianne Connelly, recommended the
some.
program and felt I would enjoy being a team
leader. I had just graduated from college and was not sure that I wanted to be a police officer at the time and took the NCCC opportunity. It turned out to be
After a few years as unit leader, I still wondered daily about being a police officer. When I had an opportunity to move back to the area I grew up and work for a first rate department, I took the
one of the best deci-
new challenge. Serving in Amer-
sions of my life. It gave
iCorps NCCC gave me a great
me great professional
base for being a police officer.
opportunities and I also
Every day I work with people
met a woman who I
from all walks of life. Ameri-
eventually married.
Corps NCCC is service based,
My team was Fire 1 and
which on a deeper level is root-
consisted of a group of
ed in compassion for others.
characters
from
every
When I became a UL, my wife
corner of the country.
(who was a friend at that point)
My team was constantly
in flux as we were losing and gaining members every round. I had two firefighters on my team that spent half the year on fire deployments so they came and went regularly. I had members transferred to my team both temporarily and permanently so it was always a challenge to manage the team dynamic. We had great projects in Baton Rouge, LA, Biloxi, MS, Bay St. Louis, MS, and Maumee, OH. During the year, my unit leader became the deputy
told me that the most important
thing to remember when I dealt with team leaders and corps members was to have “compassion”. Every TL and CM gave something up to join NCCC and decided to serve others. Regardless of how similar or different they were, they all had that in common. It was a message I tried to pass on to my unit every year. It also helped restore perspective when the days got long or difficult…by reminding me and reminding others what NCCC is really about.
director and I applied for the UL position. I wasn’t sure I had a chance, but during the third round, they offered me the job. Making the transition from team leader to unit leader was a big jump. I went from worrying about a few team members who were usually within eye sight to members all over the country. I was only 23 at the time, but I got my first taste of parental responsibility then. I really enjoyed the travel and field work of being a team leader but being a unit leader was even better. Being able to play such a major role
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Jen Horan
L
Each service year has a natural ebb and flow. It is to be ooking back at my "NCCC career", I feel
expected that there be a dip in motivation towards the
blessed to have bared witness to so many
end. As the days towards graduation grow nearer,
historical moments in NCCC's storied histo-
members are torn between their NCCC life and the
ry. AmeriCorps NCCC was a major player in my life
one that awaits them back home. When I was a Unit
from 1997 - 2014. I've watched it grow from a pilot
Leader, I termed the phrase, "cattle prod time." Your
program to an organization celebrating it's 20th year
TLs and CMs are tired, restless and anxious. You try to
in existence. NCCC members have been "getting
make things as seamless as possible to end the year
things done" for two decades now, but no ones steps
with as little disruptions as possible. After asking them
up to the plate quite like our organization when disas-
to be flexible for 10 months its the least you can do.
ter strikes. From 9/11 to Katrina to Sandy, we have
So, imagine the scenario laid out before me on Octo-
answered the call each and every time. What service
ber 29th, 2012 when Hurricane Sandy dealt a mighty
organization do you know makes a 5 year commitment
blow to the eastern seaboard...15 days before gradua-
to rebuilding the gulf states devastated by Hurricane
tion. I knew what was needed and that we were the
Katrina in 2005...and honored it. Once the water re-
ones who could pull it off. But, I also knew what I was
ceded, taking the media attention and nation's focus
asking of them. I was asking members who had given it
with it, we stayed. We rebuilt. We gave hope. We re-
their all for 10 months to give even more. I didn't ex-
stored.
pect much. History should have taught me better.
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David Condlin In February of 2011, I boarded a plane from Provi-
We also served as camp counselors at Camp Coura-
dence, Rhode Island to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to begin
geous of Iowa; a year-long special needs camp. I
serving as a Corps Member in Class 17 at the North
loved this project because we got to lead a different
Central Region campus. As I was en route to Iowa, I
group of campers each week on camp activities and
didn’t know what to ex-
trips. Most campers attend
pect. I was issued a uniform
Camp Courageous for one
shortly
at
week each year. It is the one
campus. I remember the
week of the year they look
feeling I got when I first
forward to the most! I was
wore the grey shirt with the
thankful to be apart of their
AmeriCorps NCCC logo. I
camp experience, and I was
felt relieved that I had
even more grateful that they
made it. It was a humbling
were apart of mine.
after
arriving
feeling that I was ready to serve and “leave my mark.”
I returned for a second year of AmeriCorps NCCC as a
One of our spike projects
Team Leader at the Pacific
was in Mississippi where we
Region campus in Sacramen-
performed debris cleanup
to, California. This was a
in several communities that
whole new AmeriCorps expe-
had been affected by tornadoes. I remember how
rience for me as I was now responsible for a team of
shocked I was when I saw so many homes destroyed.
diverse young adults. My Team Leader year tested
I was even more shocked at how positive some of the
my confidence and decision-making skills during
locals were after such a devastating occurrence. I
stressful times. I was proud that our team served in
never imagined I’d be back in Mississippi in such a
New York City during the Hurricane Sandy relief ef-
relatively short period of time.
fort. A majority of our time was spent at a shelter and
Our team was sent to Minot, North Dakota to assist in flood relief. Over 2,000 homes had been destroyed. Personally, this was the most challenging spike for me. Not only was it a very emotional project to serve on, but I was tasked with leading our team
food pantry. I remember how cold it was and how
long people waited in line to simply get food and clothing. This was a very moving experience for our team. It made us realize how desperate people were and how much help they needed.
for a two-week period while my Team Leader went
Our team also served at an elementary school in Ore-
on emergency leave. I was proud to lead our team in
gon where we beautified a community garden that
accomplishing the task of mucking and gutting over
hadn’t been tended to in over two years. It was
20 buildings in that community.
amazing how much better it looked in only a couple
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Jonathan Chan Q&A Why did you join NCCC? I joined because I love to travel and volunteer; and when I heard about AmeriCorps NCCC I couldn't pass up the opportunity! What was your favorite part? The relationships that I built with my teammates as well as all the construction skills that I have learned. What was it like to serve? Like I tell all my CMs, you will have a lot of fun but you will have a lot of problems that you need to work out along the way. What was your most interesting project? Saint Bernard Project in Chalmette, LA, during my Cm
year was my favorite project. I personally led 117 vol-
What was the most challenging aspect of your service
unteers repairing homes and, by far, picked up the
year?
most useful home repair skills.
Leading a Team of 12 members my TL year. I had to set aside my ego and pride and really listen to my Cms. I adapted my leadership skills and technique throughout the year to fit and work with each individual member. Can you tell us a story in which you learned something about yourself through service?
I learned that I could really stretch my limits both mentally and skill wise. I never thought I could supervise 15 volunteers at one time to rebuild a home devastated by Hurricane Katrina. What skills did you gain as an NCCC member? The most valuable would be my construction skills and ability to work with a diverse group of people.
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Griff Ryan-Roberts Q&A Why did you join NCCC? I joined NCCC so that I could get know the United States. I was looking at doing Peace Corps after college, but felt like I didn't know enough about my own country. What was your favorite part? I enjoyed the people. It is incredibly motivating to be around fellow Corps Members and Team Leaders. Also, the project sponsors, volunteers, community members were a big part of my service years. What was it like to serve? It was the an incredible time of growth and development and put me on my current life path.
What was your most interesting project? When I was a Corps Member we served at a wildlife sanctuary in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The project was unique and the community support for the organization was inspiring. What was the most challenging aspect of your service year? The challenge was when we were deployed to respond to tornadoes that hit Alabama. We worked long hours, with little time off. Keeping my team mentally and physically motivated was a challenge at times, but we focused on the survivors and their needs. Can you tell us a story in which you learned something about yourself through service? I learned from a site supervisor something that I will never forget. He said that a life dedicated to the service of others will always be a fulfilling one. That has stuck with me and is what has kept me in NCCC.
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Danielle Lambert
A
pproximately 5 years ago, I did my phone interview with NCCC after applying on a whim. Originally when I put in the appli-
cation, I had a job I loved and was in a great situation that I could hardly imagine myself leaving and I presumed even I was accepted, despite the fact it
seemed pretty interesting, I probably wouldn’t end up doing it. Nevertheless for some reason I turned in that application. By the time September rolled around, long after I had forgotten about filling out that application, and the phone rang for the interview, my situation had changed completely, AmeriCorps seemed like a breath of fresh air, a new start.
pletely unique individuals from all over the US, who started out as strangers and became like family. We lived together, worked together, and we adventured together. Of course we bickered and fought sometimes, but the memories and experiences we had were unforgettable and I can honestly say are some of my
fondest.
Whether it was biking ridiculously steep hills
in New Hampshire, building houses in New Orleans, adding firewood to the fire pits in the river in Providence (RI), checking out the view of Baltimore from the roof of the abandoned school we were living in or riding in the back of a Nature Conservancy scientist’s pickup truck to collect samples on a secluded island
In my AmeriCorps year, I travelled the country
(Shelter Island, NY), or just dancing to our favorite
(Baltimore, Rhode Island, New Orleans, New Hamp-
song (Telephone by Beyonce and Lady Gaga) in our
shire and Long Island, NY), and bonded with 10 com-
team van, we lived every day to the max.
I think the
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coolest thing about AmeriCorps is that every team’s experience is completely different. The projects are different, which makes the experience different, but also the individuals are different which can affect the experience almost as much the project.
To say
AmeriCorps NCCC is life-changing is only really touching the tip of the iceberg and there is no way to fully describe the effect the program has had on my life.
It not only broadened my horizons and
take more space than the allotted 750 words available, today I am sitting at my desk in my home in Tilaran, Costa Rica, where I have been living with my husband since 2012. We are planning to move back to the USA this year (or whenever they finally approve his visa). In
2015, we want to work and travel our way around the country (stopping in to visit my old AmeriCorps pals and perhaps some of our old projects) before settling down for a while in Virginia.
opened my eyes to new places, ideas, and issues, it made me a better and stronger person.
Danielle Lambert
Where I am today was started by a chain of events that began in AmeriCorps (New Orleans to be specific). Although going through the exact story would
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What advice would you give to current or prospective members? Come here without expectations. Develop goals and desires as you grow in the program. I found that having specific expectations limits member's ability to take full advantage of all the different opportunities that are available in AmeriCorps NCCC. Where are you now in life and how did Ameri-
Corps affect your life path? I am currently a Unit Leader for the Unit I served in as a member. My Unit Leader inspired me to improve myself and I realized just how much helping and mentoring others means to me. How have you continued to serve beyond NCCC? I serve by being a force multiplier. As a Unit Leader I help my members serve multiple communities. I also became an Assistant Scoutmaster
What skills did you gain as an NCCC member? I gained the ability to trust in my skills and know that no challenge is too great. I also learned that often times all anyone needs is just to be heard.
where I am able to help mentor other youth in an
What advice would you give to current or pro-
educational/service program.
spective members?
Anything else you’d like to add?
Take advantage of every opportunity that comes
Join AmeriCorps NCCC!!! It is life changing and you get to travel and learn and serve and meet the most amazing people in the world!
your way. You never know what door you may open to find your true passion. Where are you now in life and how did AmeriCorps affect your life path? Well, I'm still with NCCC, so clearly it has had a huge impact. I love and believe in How have you continued to serve beyond NCCC? After my NCCC years, I served as an AmeriCorps VISTA with the California Conservation Corps. It was great to experience another corps and how they operate. Anything else you’d like to add? If you are thinking of coming back as a Team Leader, please consider the beautiful Pacific Re-
gion! 27
of weeks! We also created nature trails in the
woods behind the school which the students absolutely loved.
Not only did they respond, they did it with the most dedication I've ever seen in my entire NCCC tenure. I had never been prouder of our organization. These "kids"
During our final round project, our team was
systematically set up and operated emer-
camping in central California when I received a
gency shelters for 600+ displaced residents
call from the Southern Region Campus in
when basic resources were minimal and
Vicksburg, Mississippi. I interviewed for a posi-
support from national relief agencies was
tion, and I am now proud to say that I have
lacking. They worked round the clock, they
been the Residence Coordinator at the Ameri-
did personal care for the elderly, they com-
Corps NCCC Southern Region campus for over
forted the children, they fed the hungry and
a year.
throughout, they never once complained.
AmeriCorps NCCC has taught me so much
They knew, like I knew, that they were ex-
about myself and others as well. I am proud
actly where they needed to be and that
that during my service, we were able to ac-
they would look back on those last two
complish so much good for so many people. I
weeks for the rest of their lives and be
am grateful for the skills I have learned and the
grateful for having had the experience.
confidence the program has instilled in me. As
They came home three days before gradua-
I meet new NCCC members beginning their
tion, raised their right hands to say the
journey, I am hopeful that they will have similar
pledge one last time together and left the
positive experiences. When I see the Ameri-
Ameri-World for good. I've never been
Corps NCCC logo on their uniforms, I am re-
more inspired to have been a part of this
minded of that same humbling feeling I got
amazing organization and am so honored to
when I first put on my grey shirt.
have called myself a proud member for 15
Dave Condlin
out of the 20 years it has been changing this country for the better.
Jennifer Horan
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