Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Corps Member Spotlight - Brittany Bergstrom

Name: Brittany Bergstrom

Hometown: Bethel, CT

NCCC Team: Cedar 2

Brittany graduated from Westfield High School in 2007, then went to Western Connecticut State University and graduated in January 2011 with a Bachelor's of Arts and Sciences in Social Science. Before AmeriCorps NCCC started, Brittany graduated from college a semester early in order to prepare for her service year. Brittany found out about NCCC through a few friends who did NCCC and VISTA, but she also researched programs that provided opportunities for service. When asked why she chose to do a term of national service, Brittany said, “I have a passion for traveling and helping people and have been well-off my entire life. I look at NCCC as an opportunity to help others, see parts of the United States I have never been too, create lasting relationships, and to learn and grow as an individual.” After finishing this year with NCCC Brittany plans on applying for other programs, including Teach for America, and attending graduate school to pursue a career in teaching. Something special about Brittany is she has previous abroad volunteer experience, including a two week mission trip to Quito, Ecuador and a month long volunteer trip to Tanzania, Africa. Also, she has been involved with various organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Special Olympics and the American Red Cross.

Brittany and Cedar 2 finished their first project in Maquoketa, Iowa where they were restoring trail for the Jackson County Conservation board. The team had the opportunity to help with many other tasks in Maquoketa as well by reconstructing housing and removing encroaching vegetation. In addition to this, they had the opportunity to work with several local conservation groups such as the National Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever.

Brittney and Cedar 2 left for their second project in Rapid City, South Dakota on May 5. The team is currently caring for and teaching individuals at the Blacks Hills Workshop. In addition, Cedar 2 is assisting with repairing a baseball field and horseshoe pit. The team will be serving in South Dakota until June 30.