Northeast
B.A. Communication Studies, Ohio University, 2007
What major projects do you work on as a VISTA?
I work on Community health related outreach programs through The University of Akron. I also work closely with Edgewood Community and University Park Alliance to increase health awareness and promotion for residents in those areas
Why did you choose to be an Ohio Campus Compact VISTA?
I choose OCC because it was a great way to help individuals and to work with students.
Tell us something about yourself
I enjoy hiking in the summer and go almost every weekend.
Favorite quote
You can’t change the world, you just have to look for the good in it.
Honors B.A. in Classics and History, Xavier University, 2010
What major projects do you work on as a VISTA?
My main task is to coordinate the after school tutoring programs at three different community partners in the area, which are Garfield Elementary School, Renaissance Community Center, and King Kennedy Community Center. Besides the work I do at our community partners, I help coordinate the Hiram Service Leaders program, which places student workers at various nonprofits in the area, and work to further develop college access programming.
Why did you choose to be an Ohio Campus Compact VISTA?
I choose to be an OCC VISTA because I firmly believe in the value of active community engagement–we all have a responsibility not only to our immediate community, but also to the global community.
Tell us something about yourself
Because I have a strong aversion to throwing things away, I enjoy being crafty and finding ways to make new things out of the old. I also love knitting, reading, and experimenting in the kitchen.
B.A. in English Writing, University of Mount Union, 2011
What major projects do you work on as a VISTA?
As the media committee chair for Synergy Alliance, the partnership that oversees afterschool programs in Alliance, I work closely with the other three partners to aid the program. Additionally, there are a variety of events I am in charge of including a community wide Thanksgiving Dinner, Trick or Treat for Canned Goods and the MLK Day of Service. I will also be bringing the Blessings in a Backpack program to Alliance in the spring.
Why did you choose to be an Ohio Campus Compact VISTA?
Honestly, it was a great way to stay at Mount Union while doing what I love. It seems so simple but Mount Union and the City of Alliance mean the world to me so having the chance to plan events, discuss education and work with students of all ages while making a difference is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Tell us something about yourself
Last spring, my life was changed because of my experience visiting El Salvador combined with the time I spent at a shady bar on Main Street in Alliance, both gave me a new perspective on life as they allowed me to interact with people I otherwise would have never met. From them (both the El Salvadorians and my bar acquaintances) taught me more about the world and human nature and what love really is than I could have learned any where else. Lastly, I have to mention my family, more specifically my only sibling, Matthew who is 13, my parents live on a farm to this day and I am blessed to have learned from them AND have the world’s greatest little brother.
Post-VISTA plans: I want to be a VISTA forever. Seriously though, I know now that I want to spend my career working to make a difference in the lives of others and impacting the education system in some way even if it can’t be as a VISTA. This will also hopefully include a master’s and doctorate degree along the way and teaching a few college courses.
Favorite quote
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can changed the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead
B.A. in Comparative Religious Studies, The Ohio State University, 2007
M.A. in Religious Studies, John Carroll University, 2010
What major projects do you work on as a VISTA?
Major projects that occupy my time revolve around building supportive webs for our student veterans. This includes raising awareness on campus, serving on various committees, inviting local veteran-specific resources onto campus, informing the student veterans about those resources, and helping with our New Student Orientation for Veterans.
Bridget is a 2nd-year VISTA, read her 2010-2011 VISTA Impact Report here
Why did you choose to be an Ohio Campus Compact VISTA?
I chose to be an OCC AmeriCorps VISTA so that I could explore the most productive ways to be a relevant part of my community, to answer that question of where I belonged in the universe.
Tell us something about yourself
Both my parents are US Army Veterans, I have served for almost 10 years, and my sister has served for over a year now. I still read about religion and spirituality to keep up my scholarly interests!
Favorite quote
I have many quotes that resonate with me on different occasions, but the simplest one is “Peace begins with a smile” from Mother Teresa.
B.A. in Anthropology and English, Florida State University, 1998
M.A. in English, University of Connecticut, 2003
What major projects do you work on as a VISTA?
She is currently developing a new college access program, the Rural Scholars Program, at the Kent State University campuses in Columbiana County. The program will facilitate closer ties between the campuses, local school districts, and businesses to build a stronger pathway to higher education for low-income students, beginning with programming in elementary school and continuing throughout their years in college if they attend Kent. Rural Scholars places a particular emphasis on STEM education, applied learning opportunities, and partnership with businesses and organizations in the local community. The goal is to foster in local first-generation college-bound students a clear vision of the connection between education and employment as well as realize the possibilities for investing their talents back in the local community when they graduate college or other post-secondary programs.
Why did you choose to be an Ohio Campus Compact VISTA?
I was looking for a way to move beyond service learning, which is what I had been involved with previously at the University of Connecticut. This opportunity with Ohio Campus Compact/AmeriCorps VISTA offered me the chance to do more of the two things I love best: creating and strengthening campus-community connections while also working collaboratively with students.
Tell us something about yourself
As a Peace Corps volunteer in the Russian Far East, I was deeply immersed in a another culture and a very un-American experience of poverty for two years. This experience continues to challenge me in my thinking about sustainability, access to essential resources, economic class, and the often unrecognized wealth that may be right at our fingertips.
When I’m not driving around Columbiana County I enjoy playing with my three children, reading travel narratives from previous centuries, and being outside in all weathers.
Favorite quote
“Places matter. Their rules, their scale, their design include or exclude civil society, pedestrianism, equality, diversity (economic and otherwise), understanding of where water comes from and garbage goes, consumption or conservation. They map our lives.” ~ Rebecca Solnit
Associate of Arts, Lorain County Community College, spring 2008
B.A. in Urban Studies, Cleveland State University, spring 2010
M.A. in Nonprofit Administration and Leadership, Cleveland State University, expected 2013
What major projects do you work on as a VISTA?
VISTA work at the Lorain County Community College revolves around addressing local Lorain County community needs identified though community organizations by connecting them to the college resources. These resources usually include the student’s time, skills, inspiration, and innovative ideas. What better way to address our local social issues than by connecting needs with students who have particular skills/talents that can be utilized? And by engaging our country’s citizens as a part of the true education of today, we will encourage a lifelong attitude of being a civically engaged community. We are providing the environment and engaging students to foster a sustainable and aware community.
Julia is a 2nd-year VISTA, read her 2010-2011 VISTA Impact Report here, and view her 2010-2011 Impact Presentation here
Why did you choose to be an Ohio Campus Compact AmeriCorps VISTA?
I choose to be an OCC AmeriCorps VISTA because I’ve chosen to dedicate my life career to creating solutions to community problems and the work I am doing now is moving me along in on that path. I am now more aware of not only the issues but what is being done in other communities to address them.
Tell us something about yourself
Life outside of work for this VISTA involves graduate course work, time with family and friends, and playing Batman (aka, my guitar).
Post VISTA includes the finishing of Grad school and continuing work in the nonprofit sector around basic needs issues.
Favorite quote?
I’m a quote junky, but this is one of my favorites,
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” ~Gandhi
B.A. in Sport Business, University of Mount Union, 2011
What major projects do you work on as a VISTA?
As a VISTA at Baldwin-Wallace College in Cleveland, I work with a pre-college program called the B-W Scholars. We mentor 30 ninth-grade students from John Adams High School in Cleveland throughout their four years of high school, so that they will be well-prepared for post-secondary opportunities upon graduation. We partner with the Cleveland Municipal School District as well as the Boys & Girls Club of Cleveland.
Why did you choose to be an Ohio Campus Compact VISTA?
I chose to be an OCC Americorps VISTA because of the opportunity it allowed for me to come back to my hometown and serve. I have always wanted to give back to the community that raised me, and VISTA allows me to do just that.
Tell us something about yourself
I enjoy playing basketball in my spare time, in addition to reading, listening to music, and cheering on my Cavaliers, Browns, Indians and Buckeyes!!
After VISTA, I plan to attend graduate school and earned my masters in Sport Administration. My goal is to go into recreation and maybe coach basketball at the middle school or high school level.
Favorite quote
“Achievement lies within reach of those who reach beyond themselves.” ~ William O’Hara
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