When I think about my experience in AmeriCorps NCCC thus far I can only think of the song by Julianne Hough, “My Hallelujah Song.” The chorus of the song goes “Look at me, can't believe/ I finally made it here/ Feeling like I'm where I belong/ Singing my hallelujah song.” For the first time I feel like I am right where I need to be. I feel I am meant to be here working towards a greater good. I have met so many new people, all with the same reasons for being here: to get things done for America. It’s been a blast getting to know not only my amazing Water 4 team, but also other Corps Members and volunteers from other organizations.
I have enjoyed working with Habitat for Humanity, building three houses for families displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. I find it beneficial being able to work side by side with the homeowners and learn their stories about how they came to be where they are. These relationships are the reason I enjoy doing service work so much. Learning their stories, to me, is the most beneficial aspect of service. It brings a personal side to the work we are doing. I can’t wait to see what the rest of my time with AmeriCorps will bring me.
~ Jenna
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
First Steps
I was anxious to set out on our first project of our year of service in the NCCC. I didn't really know what to expect coming into the Corps but I was definitely excited about the adventure and experience to ensue. Though the housing wasn't what I had subconsciously imagined, it quickly became a welcome sight to sore eyes after working five days a week at the construction site from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. Though learning the general tricks and tools of the worksite has been a trial in itself, everyday has been one of rewarding accomplishment and educational experience. (It’s always interesting dressing up as the Village People everyday for work.)
Getting to know my team has been an interesting experience in itself. Ashley is an ideal Team Leader who has visible encouragement and motivational traits. I can’t say enough about how much easier a transition she has made this for my team and myself, relocating from state to state and so on. The Water 4 team is quite a diverse team to say the least, regarding personality, tastes, and ethnicity. Though everyone has their own quirks and faults, it's extremely encouraging to see all the obstacles we can overcome by working together and the general sense of encouragement that spreads through everyone. Aside from that we work really well together, we have a lot of fun (dancing in the streets, Ameri-dates, and going to New Orleans for Thanksgiving), and the team dynamics change noticeably with the absence of even one member; we’re a makeshift group but a family none-the-less. So far Colorado, the travel to spike, and Louisiana has been an extremely rewarding experience. I love exploring new states and really enjoy the community work that we've done thus far. I'm discovering a new sense of excitement for tomorrow.
~ Derek
Getting to know my team has been an interesting experience in itself. Ashley is an ideal Team Leader who has visible encouragement and motivational traits. I can’t say enough about how much easier a transition she has made this for my team and myself, relocating from state to state and so on. The Water 4 team is quite a diverse team to say the least, regarding personality, tastes, and ethnicity. Though everyone has their own quirks and faults, it's extremely encouraging to see all the obstacles we can overcome by working together and the general sense of encouragement that spreads through everyone. Aside from that we work really well together, we have a lot of fun (dancing in the streets, Ameri-dates, and going to New Orleans for Thanksgiving), and the team dynamics change noticeably with the absence of even one member; we’re a makeshift group but a family none-the-less. So far Colorado, the travel to spike, and Louisiana has been an extremely rewarding experience. I love exploring new states and really enjoy the community work that we've done thus far. I'm discovering a new sense of excitement for tomorrow.
~ Derek
Getting Started
From the very first day in Denver, this experience has been a complete whirlwind. Finding out our roommates, our units, and our first temporary teams were just some of the surprises of the first several days on campus. Each day was something new and often unexpected. For the first month in NCCC we had daily classes detailing our basic safety, diversity, first aid, and other training. Although some sessions were less than riveting, we learned valuable information that we'd need out on spike and we had a lot of team-building time.
After the reveal of our final teams and our first spike project assignment things shifted gears. We started focusing our efforts into spike prep, which included checking out dishes, safety gear, tools, and sleeping bags, along with researching the area and the background of the project. We also took time to really get to know the 10 other people we would be spending the next 10 months with by taking a day trip to Boulder and writing our team charter, which laid out our expectations of living and working together.
Before we knew it, we were off to Lafayette, Louisiana and a three-day trip in a 15-passenger van with all 11 teammates. It was surprisingly less stressful than I had anticipated. We spent the night in hotels in Texas along the way and learned more and more about our team as the days passed.
For the last two weeks we've worked with Habitat for Humanity building three houses in the area for survivors of Hurricane Katrina who have been relocated to Lafayette. During our first week, about 60 Job Corps members were on site with us. Although I am admittedly not at all experienced with construction, the project has certainly been a great learning experience. On a daily basis I find myself understanding more and more about the building process. Our site supervisors are extremely knowledgeable and wonderful about letting us know exactly how to perform every task we're assigned.
Generally, I would say that the experience so far has been chaotic in the best way possible. Every day is different and I am constantly learning things about not only construction but about my amazing teammates.
~ Sarah
After the reveal of our final teams and our first spike project assignment things shifted gears. We started focusing our efforts into spike prep, which included checking out dishes, safety gear, tools, and sleeping bags, along with researching the area and the background of the project. We also took time to really get to know the 10 other people we would be spending the next 10 months with by taking a day trip to Boulder and writing our team charter, which laid out our expectations of living and working together.
Before we knew it, we were off to Lafayette, Louisiana and a three-day trip in a 15-passenger van with all 11 teammates. It was surprisingly less stressful than I had anticipated. We spent the night in hotels in Texas along the way and learned more and more about our team as the days passed.
For the last two weeks we've worked with Habitat for Humanity building three houses in the area for survivors of Hurricane Katrina who have been relocated to Lafayette. During our first week, about 60 Job Corps members were on site with us. Although I am admittedly not at all experienced with construction, the project has certainly been a great learning experience. On a daily basis I find myself understanding more and more about the building process. Our site supervisors are extremely knowledgeable and wonderful about letting us know exactly how to perform every task we're assigned.
Generally, I would say that the experience so far has been chaotic in the best way possible. Every day is different and I am constantly learning things about not only construction but about my amazing teammates.
~ Sarah
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
The Beginning
Arriving at the campus in Denver was very exciting because I knew that the next 10 months was going to be an amazing experience. The first month we stayed at our Denver campus where we completed our basic training, CTI (Corps Training Institute). At times the training was like any lecture you received in school but for the most part they made it fun. CTI was a great opportunity to meet new people and I learned a lot about myself. At first it was hard to adjust to my new surroundings because it was the first time in my life where I knew nobody. The 250+ members at the campus made it very comfortable for everyone. During CTI we rotated between the five team leaders in our unit, so it was easy to learn about the members in the Water Unit. We were able to do some exciting things during the month of training. Some highlights included rock climbing, a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, and seeing Red Rocks, which has the most amazing view to see a music concert. My favorite time during CTI had to be when I found out our teams. I remember the cameras following us to meet Ashley, our team leader, and that’s when I first knew that I would be on Water 4, which is the team that was going to be doing the NBC documentary. I couldn’t be happier with our team. Each person brings something different to the table and I wouldn’t want to share the next nine months with anyone else.
Our first project is in Lafayette, Louisiana. It took us three days to get here. The drive was a great opportunity to learn about the rest of my teammates. We drove through Colorado, New Mexico and Texas before our final stop. We made two stops in Texas, in Amarillo and Tyler. Being from the Midwest, I don’t get to see the landscape that we were able to see. It made the three-day journey much more enjoyable.
The project itself is a great first project. We are working with Habitat for Humanity building homes for those who were affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. We met with some of the homeowners and they have been wonderful to us. It has been hard to hear their stories about how they lost their homes. I have had a lot of fun on the worksite. My family has always been involved in construction so I am finally able to see what it’s like. We have been able to do a bunch of different things on the site. I really enjoy using all of the saws. We have been working on three houses and they are going up so fast. I can’t wait to see how much gets done in our month here. I’m glad we get the opportunity to write and be a part of the documentary that shows everyone the good that AmeriCorps NCCC does for this country.
~ Jeremy
Our first project is in Lafayette, Louisiana. It took us three days to get here. The drive was a great opportunity to learn about the rest of my teammates. We drove through Colorado, New Mexico and Texas before our final stop. We made two stops in Texas, in Amarillo and Tyler. Being from the Midwest, I don’t get to see the landscape that we were able to see. It made the three-day journey much more enjoyable.
The project itself is a great first project. We are working with Habitat for Humanity building homes for those who were affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. We met with some of the homeowners and they have been wonderful to us. It has been hard to hear their stories about how they lost their homes. I have had a lot of fun on the worksite. My family has always been involved in construction so I am finally able to see what it’s like. We have been able to do a bunch of different things on the site. I really enjoy using all of the saws. We have been working on three houses and they are going up so fast. I can’t wait to see how much gets done in our month here. I’m glad we get the opportunity to write and be a part of the documentary that shows everyone the good that AmeriCorps NCCC does for this country.
~ Jeremy
Monday, November 23, 2009
Welcome!
Welcome to Water 4's Water Log! We are an AmeriCorps NCCC team based out of the NCCC Southwest Region Campus in Denver. We are 11 members from all over the United States, including (but not limited to) California, Arizona, New Hampshire, Illinois, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, and Texas. Our ages range from 18-25 and our personalities are just as diverse. Although we all come from different backgrounds and lifestyles, we have come together to give back to our communities and to help those in need. There’s a lot we will learn this year about these communities, about each other, and most importantly, about ourselves. As a result, we all hope to grow as individuals and make a lasting impression on the places we’ll go and the people we’ll meet along the way.We hope you will enjoy learning with us this year as we travel to community service projects throughout the central United States and Gulf Coast regions. Happy travels!
Ashley (Team Leader)Hometown: San Diego, CA
Why I Serve: AmeriCorps NCCC was never a transitional phase for me; rather, I see it as a stepping stone toward developing a life long career in community service.
Why I Serve: AmeriCorps NCCC was never a transitional phase for me; rather, I see it as a stepping stone toward developing a life long career in community service.
Path to Service: My service started as a small child delivering care packages for the homeless. I later organized a Hurricane Katrina relief fund at a neighborhood park. I also worked with special needs children and coached basketball for underprivileged children ages 6-16 with the Young Champions of America. I joined AmeriCorps NCCC as a Corps Member in October 2008. During my 10 months I worked with F.E.M.A. in disaster recovery centers after Hurricane Ike, I helped build homes with Habitat for Humanity in both Alabama and Mississippi as part of Hurricane Katrina recovery, and I was a crew leader for NCCC’s Summer of Service program, leading 14-17 year old at risk youth in Denver. Shortly after I started my Team Leader year, I was sent to American Samoa to work with Red Cross, just days after the earthquake and Tsunami hit. It was an experience I will never forget. I’m so excited to have my own team and I can’t wait to see what new experiences this year brings!
Fun Fact: I am a healthy, happy vegan.
ChristinaHometown: Tucson, AZ
Why I Serve: Last Christmas I volunteered with a program called Shop With a Cop. The local sheriff’s department gives $100 to various underprivileged kids from my community. Then we take the kids to our local mall before it opens and take them shopping. Most of the kids had never seen that much money, let alone have that much to spend on themselves. Some of the kids bought toys, others bought clothes, but most of them got their family and friends Christmas gifts. Their selflessness was amazing and beautiful; it is something that I will never forget. I want to be able to look back at my life and be happy and content with what I see, and I know that AmeriCorps will be one of those experiences that I will look back on and love.
Path to Service: Luckily, I was blessed with an amazing family. My parents taught my sister and me to always be kind, respectful, and generous, to give back to the community, and to care about others. So, volunteering has always been a part of my life. I also believe that random and intentional acts of kindness can make someone’s day, even if it’s as small as smiling at a person who looks like they are having a bad day or as big as donating your time towards a cause that is for the common good.
Fun Fact: I love to dance and have since I was eight. My favorite styles are ballet, modern, and lyrical.
Path to Service: Luckily, I was blessed with an amazing family. My parents taught my sister and me to always be kind, respectful, and generous, to give back to the community, and to care about others. So, volunteering has always been a part of my life. I also believe that random and intentional acts of kindness can make someone’s day, even if it’s as small as smiling at a person who looks like they are having a bad day or as big as donating your time towards a cause that is for the common good.
Fun Fact: I love to dance and have since I was eight. My favorite styles are ballet, modern, and lyrical.
DerekHometown: Manchester, NH
Why I Serve: There’s more to life than oneself. For me, making a difference in other people’s lives is an invaluable reward alone. I am rejuvenated helping those in need.
Path to Service: AmeriCorps is an organization that makes a difference in people’s lives. If there’s anything that I could do that made me feel accomplished and successful, it would be helping others. I am the eighth child of nine. I’ve learned a lot from the experiences with my siblings and friends, but have learned even more from my mother. She has been my motivation throughout my life. Watching her help and care for complete strangers and friends with great devotion and sacrifice has influenced my life greatly. I cannot pick a single action or experience because her life is a testimony of her caring nature. I wish to join AmeriCorps to spread the same compassion that my mother does to those who need it most.
Fun Fact: I was an Art All State with kids from different schools throughout New Hampshire where we got to work with two professional artists to create a collaborative piece.
Sarah
Hometown: Isla Vista, CA
Why I Serve: I've always made an effort to put others before myself, to care for those who are less fortunate, and to help out whenever I'm able. I couldn't have found a better way to give back than to take 10 months out of my life to travel the country and reach out to so many different communities in need. I hope to gain insight into the lives of others and make a positive impact on everyone that I am able to serve.
Path to Service: Until now my only experience with community service has been volunteering at my local animal shelter, but now that I am taking time off from college I'm excited to participate in other ways. After about three semesters of college I found myself becoming restless and less than inspired to do school work. I decided that instead of struggling through the remainder of my credit hours I would dedicate my time to something more meaningful. I'm thrilled to travel, work hard, and above all help those in need.
Fun Fact: I recently donated 13 inches of my hair to Locks of Love.
Jeremy
Hometown: Blue Island, IL
Why I Serve: I believe every individual should serve his or her country in some way. This country has an urgent need for individuals who are willing to put others first. There is no better time in my life to be able to go ahead and do that. Throughout my life I have thought that community service is a very important part of being the best person that I can be. I have been blessed to grow up around many volunteers in my community and this is my chance to say thanks by giving back. I am the person I am today partly because of those who volunteered their time for me.
Path to Service: Presidents Bush and Obama recently stood together to call on us to serve our country and I have heard that calling. I just graduated from St. Ambrose University and I plan on going on to grad school to get my masters. Before I take that next step, I felt that this was the perfect time in my life to take a step back and enjoy this great opportunity to serve and travel the country. I recently heard this quote by John Wooden that really makes my decision to join AmeriCorps easy: "Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” Serving your country is something everyone can and should do.
Fun Fact: I played college football at St. Ambrose University.
Leia
Hometown: Waimea, Kauai, HI
Why I Serve: My participation in Girl Scouts and my religious community established the importance of community service. A resounding quote from my model, Marianne Williamson is, “In every community there is work to be done. In every nation there are wounds to heal. In every heart there is the power to do it.” This reminds me of what I need to do to help my community and country, especially now during the economic recession.
Path to Service: Recently, tutoring has been my main category of service. In addition, I have participated in cultural awareness activities for my local Asian-Pacific communities and helped run canned-food drives, orphanage fund raisers, and care packages to the deployed troops in Iraq.
Fun Fact: I have lived in four countries including: Korea, Belgium, Germany and the United States.
Jenna
Hometown: Hoffman Estates, IL
Why I Serve: I have always had compassion for those in need. I have been very privileged in my life and understand the importance of giving back to my community. Volunteering has been a very important part of my life since I was 14 years old. I have learned about many issues that are prevalent in our nation and the world through the many opportunities I have been given. I believe volunteering and strengthening our communities is the first step in making an impact on these issues, and is a vital part of living life to the fullest.
Path to Service: I began volunteering with my church during my confirmation. When I turned 14, I started working with the Appalachia Service Project (ASP). Each summer for the past nine years I have had the opportunity to work with ASP, spending a week with my church in Appalachia repairing homes of the people living in the poverty stricken region. It was a major influence in why I am in AmeriCorps today. It taught me the importance of working together for the common good and led me to a career path working with families. I graduated from Eastern Illinois University (Go Panthers!) with a B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Family Services. While in school I was a member of a service sorority, Epsilon Sigma Alpha, where I did a lot of service work in the Charleston-Mattoon area and fundraising for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Easter Seals.
Fun Fact: I have an unhealthy obsession with Lady Gaga; whenever her music comes on I have to stop what I'm doing to dance and sing along.
Jo
Hometown: Ashburnham, MA
Why I Serve: The importance of community service is something that was impressed upon me at a very early age; it has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. There are few things in life as rewarding as seeing a smile on someone's face and knowing you helped put it there.
Path to Service: I knew I wanted to take some time off in between college and graduate school, but I wanted to do something productive with that time. Both of my older sisters did a term of service with AmeriCorps after graduating from college. At their advice and encouragement, I decided to follow in their footsteps and dedicate my year off to serving others. I didn't do nearly as much community service when I was in college as I did in high school, so I am happy to be able to recapture that part of myself.
Fun Fact: I am a lover of languages. I know Latin, Ancient Greek, some French, and a little Modern Greek.
Ian
Hometown: Potomac, MD
Why I Serve: I have always been interested in community outreach and national service. I am happiest when I am making other people smile. While building a house in New Orleans in 2008, I met two girls from AmeriCorps NCCC and they inspired me to pursue the program. Working for AmeriCorps will allow me to give back to my country and help others in need.
Path To Service: In the last few years, I have participated in three community service trips. I went on Hillel’s Winter Israel Experience: Leading Up North in 2006 to help rebuild northern Israel after the war with Lebanon. I also went to New Orleans twice on Hillel’s Alternative Spring Break in 2007 and 2008 to help rebuild the Gulf Coast.
Fun Fact: I like to take pictures of ugly dogs… but only after asking them for their permission.
Shawn
Hometown: Oneonta, NY
Why I Serve: I have had a difficult life, but I have never lost the hope and faith that things can get better, and what makes it better is that I know I have contributed.
Path to Service: When I moved to Oneonta, I began volunteering at a soup kitchen. In return I found my place of congregation and started working with the youth group there. As a previous AmeriCorps member, I wanted to further my service so I checked out the AmeriCorps website.
Fun Fact: I love to EAT and DANCE...sometimes at the same time!!!
‘Shiny’ Dave
Hometown: Austin, TX
Why I Serve: "If not you, then whom? If not now, then when?"
Path to Service: No service experience.
Fun Fact: Mostly Carnivorous
Fun Fact: I was an Art All State with kids from different schools throughout New Hampshire where we got to work with two professional artists to create a collaborative piece.
SarahHometown: Isla Vista, CA
Why I Serve: I've always made an effort to put others before myself, to care for those who are less fortunate, and to help out whenever I'm able. I couldn't have found a better way to give back than to take 10 months out of my life to travel the country and reach out to so many different communities in need. I hope to gain insight into the lives of others and make a positive impact on everyone that I am able to serve.
Path to Service: Until now my only experience with community service has been volunteering at my local animal shelter, but now that I am taking time off from college I'm excited to participate in other ways. After about three semesters of college I found myself becoming restless and less than inspired to do school work. I decided that instead of struggling through the remainder of my credit hours I would dedicate my time to something more meaningful. I'm thrilled to travel, work hard, and above all help those in need.
Fun Fact: I recently donated 13 inches of my hair to Locks of Love.
JeremyHometown: Blue Island, IL
Why I Serve: I believe every individual should serve his or her country in some way. This country has an urgent need for individuals who are willing to put others first. There is no better time in my life to be able to go ahead and do that. Throughout my life I have thought that community service is a very important part of being the best person that I can be. I have been blessed to grow up around many volunteers in my community and this is my chance to say thanks by giving back. I am the person I am today partly because of those who volunteered their time for me.
Path to Service: Presidents Bush and Obama recently stood together to call on us to serve our country and I have heard that calling. I just graduated from St. Ambrose University and I plan on going on to grad school to get my masters. Before I take that next step, I felt that this was the perfect time in my life to take a step back and enjoy this great opportunity to serve and travel the country. I recently heard this quote by John Wooden that really makes my decision to join AmeriCorps easy: "Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” Serving your country is something everyone can and should do.
Fun Fact: I played college football at St. Ambrose University.
LeiaHometown: Waimea, Kauai, HI
Why I Serve: My participation in Girl Scouts and my religious community established the importance of community service. A resounding quote from my model, Marianne Williamson is, “In every community there is work to be done. In every nation there are wounds to heal. In every heart there is the power to do it.” This reminds me of what I need to do to help my community and country, especially now during the economic recession.
Path to Service: Recently, tutoring has been my main category of service. In addition, I have participated in cultural awareness activities for my local Asian-Pacific communities and helped run canned-food drives, orphanage fund raisers, and care packages to the deployed troops in Iraq.
Fun Fact: I have lived in four countries including: Korea, Belgium, Germany and the United States.
JennaHometown: Hoffman Estates, IL
Why I Serve: I have always had compassion for those in need. I have been very privileged in my life and understand the importance of giving back to my community. Volunteering has been a very important part of my life since I was 14 years old. I have learned about many issues that are prevalent in our nation and the world through the many opportunities I have been given. I believe volunteering and strengthening our communities is the first step in making an impact on these issues, and is a vital part of living life to the fullest.
Path to Service: I began volunteering with my church during my confirmation. When I turned 14, I started working with the Appalachia Service Project (ASP). Each summer for the past nine years I have had the opportunity to work with ASP, spending a week with my church in Appalachia repairing homes of the people living in the poverty stricken region. It was a major influence in why I am in AmeriCorps today. It taught me the importance of working together for the common good and led me to a career path working with families. I graduated from Eastern Illinois University (Go Panthers!) with a B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Family Services. While in school I was a member of a service sorority, Epsilon Sigma Alpha, where I did a lot of service work in the Charleston-Mattoon area and fundraising for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Easter Seals.
Fun Fact: I have an unhealthy obsession with Lady Gaga; whenever her music comes on I have to stop what I'm doing to dance and sing along.
JoHometown: Ashburnham, MA
Why I Serve: The importance of community service is something that was impressed upon me at a very early age; it has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. There are few things in life as rewarding as seeing a smile on someone's face and knowing you helped put it there.
Path to Service: I knew I wanted to take some time off in between college and graduate school, but I wanted to do something productive with that time. Both of my older sisters did a term of service with AmeriCorps after graduating from college. At their advice and encouragement, I decided to follow in their footsteps and dedicate my year off to serving others. I didn't do nearly as much community service when I was in college as I did in high school, so I am happy to be able to recapture that part of myself.
Fun Fact: I am a lover of languages. I know Latin, Ancient Greek, some French, and a little Modern Greek.
IanHometown: Potomac, MD
Why I Serve: I have always been interested in community outreach and national service. I am happiest when I am making other people smile. While building a house in New Orleans in 2008, I met two girls from AmeriCorps NCCC and they inspired me to pursue the program. Working for AmeriCorps will allow me to give back to my country and help others in need.
Path To Service: In the last few years, I have participated in three community service trips. I went on Hillel’s Winter Israel Experience: Leading Up North in 2006 to help rebuild northern Israel after the war with Lebanon. I also went to New Orleans twice on Hillel’s Alternative Spring Break in 2007 and 2008 to help rebuild the Gulf Coast.
Fun Fact: I like to take pictures of ugly dogs… but only after asking them for their permission.
ShawnHometown: Oneonta, NY
Why I Serve: I have had a difficult life, but I have never lost the hope and faith that things can get better, and what makes it better is that I know I have contributed.
Path to Service: When I moved to Oneonta, I began volunteering at a soup kitchen. In return I found my place of congregation and started working with the youth group there. As a previous AmeriCorps member, I wanted to further my service so I checked out the AmeriCorps website.
Fun Fact: I love to EAT and DANCE...sometimes at the same time!!!
‘Shiny’ DaveHometown: Austin, TX
Why I Serve: "If not you, then whom? If not now, then when?"
Path to Service: No service experience.
Fun Fact: Mostly Carnivorous
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