Central

B.A. English Literature and Educational Studies, Denison University, 2011

What major projects do you work on as a VISTA?
I serve on the guiding coalition for Bridges Out of Poverty of Licking County and work to build capacity within the organization to increase their impact in Newark, OH and the surrounding areas. Furthermore, I'm investigating the connection between BOP and Ohio institutions of high education to support and promote the implementation of BOP curriculum and methods in higher ed classrooms and offices. I also work closely with 6th Street and Growing Community Gardens, an organization whose mission is to support and increase the number of community gardens in Newark, OH. My current project with the organization is the construction of a new garden with my interest being the involvement of youth in the process.

Why did you choose to be an Ohio Campus Compact VISTA?
I chose to be an OCC VISTA because I'm passionate about OCC's mission. My undergrad experience was very much shaped by my own experiences with community organizations and I knew that I wanted my post-grad work to support these kinds of opportunities. The position with OCC has allowed me to do this kind of work on a state-wide level while at the same time allowing me to continue my involvement with organizations I worked with as an undergrad.

Tell us something about yourself
I grew up on a farm in Wisconsin and spent my summers showing chickens at local fairs and eating cheese curds

Favorite quote
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." — Ralph Waldo Emerson

B.A. in Psychology, minor in Sociology/Anthropology, Denison University

What major projects do you work on as a VISTA
Currently, I am working with my college and various local non-profits to support college access and Bridges Out Of Poverty initiavite. On my campus, COTC, I work in the Gateway’s Center for Access and Retention. There my responsibilities include recruiting volunteers for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, serving as a member on our Campus Bridges out of Poverty Guiding Team, and acting as a College Ambassador and Liason with Community Groups who work with at- risk youth (Goodwill, Foster Care, YES Clubhouse, A Call to College, etc ).
For A Call to College, I serve as "the feet on the street" as I assist with their PEAK ( Providing Early Awareness and Knowledge) Program by recruiting volunteers, creating curriculum, assisting in the implementation, and acting as a near peer role model to 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th grade Newark City School students.

Why did you choose to be an AmeriCorps VISTA?
I chose to be an Ohio Campus Compact volunteer because while at Denison University I had various opportunities to work with the Newark and Licking County community through volunteering, my job in the Alford Center for Service Learning, through my classes, and later through my Summer Research Project. From my various interactions I grew fond of the community and its potential and felt compelled "act local."

Favorite quote
"It is from the numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal or acts to improve the lot of others or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."
--Robert F. Kennedy

Mary is a 2nd-year VISTA, read her 2010-2011 VISTA Impact Report here

B.A. in English and Spanish, Denison University, 2009

What major projects do you work on as a VISTA?
As a VISTA, Erica focuses on fostering awareness and action surrounding food security, particularly the Otterbein Community Garden. Through the garden, Otterbein has a local impact on a larger national movement related to the food system. Erica also works to build the capacity of local non-profits with the resources, often student volunteers, of Otterbein’s campus. She is immersed in volunteer management, grant applications, and daily program administration.

Erica is a 2nd-year VISTA, read her 2010-2011 Impact Report here

Why did you choose to be an Ohio Campus Compact VISTA?
Volunteerism was an integral part of Erica’s undergraduate experience, so working as an AmeriCorps VISTA with Ohio Campus Compact was a natural extension of that involvement, providing opportunities to continue to build the capacity of non-profit organizations through student volunteerism.

B.A. The Ohio State University, 2010

What major projects do you work on as a VISTA?
As a VISTA at The Ohio State University, I work with many different programs geared towards college access and retention. Early College Access Tours are specifically designed for underserved student groups from central Ohio in grades 5-8. This visit is limited to low income, minority, and/or first-generation student groups who may not otherwise have much exposure to college. I work with the Students in Service students and help coordinate service sites for them around Columbus. I also work with the I Know I Can program, Blueprint: College, which is a series of parent and student workshops designed to teach families about the importance of starting college preparation in middle school, and how they can start now. I recruit volunteers to help run the program and I facilitate the Kindergarten-5th grade classrooms.

Why did you choose to be an Ohio Campus Compact VISTA?
I chose to be an Ohio Campus Compact AmeriCorps VISTA because I enjoyed my first year of service in AmeriCorps, and wanted to continue my service at my Alma mater, The Ohio State University. I am also very passionate about College Access, and this was the perfect opportunity to fulfill that passion at one of my favorite places on earth!

Tell us something about yourself
I am very close with my family, they mean everything to me. I am the youngest of three and have three handsome, energetic nephews!

Favorite quote
“Give but don’t allow yourself to be used. Love but don’t allow your heart to be abused. Trust but don’t be naïve. Listen to others but don’t lose your own voice.”
GO BUCKS!

B.A. in English, Xavier University, 2011

What major projects do you work on as a VISTA?
The majority of my projects center around A Call to College, an organization in Newark that provides college access material for students in Newark City Schools. I also help with service projects on Denison's campus which include 9/11 Service Day, Big Red's Big Day, Make A Difference Day, and MLK Service Challenge.

Why did you choose to be an Ohio Campus Compact VISTA?
I chose to be an Ohio Campus Compact AmeriCorps VISTA because I wanted to do work involving education and college access.

Tell us something about yourself
My favorite thing to do is read and watch women's basketball.
Post-VISTA I hope to start up basketball tournaments for girls centered around workshops about building self esteem.

Favorite quote
"I don't have to be rich. I don't have to be famous. I just don't want to be bored." ~ Jocelyn Taylor