Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps Class 19 Member Spotlight: Leah Keith

Name: Leah Keith

Hometown: Trinity, NC

Leah is serving as a member of the NCCC FEMA Corps team Pine 2 at the Vinton Campus. She chose to participate in AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps because she wanted to spend time focusing on helping others while exploring the nonprofit field and making professional connections that could help her later in life.

Leah graduated from Trinity High School in 2006 and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in English. After her service term ends she hopes to either apply for Teach for America or go back to school for a degree in plant and soil science and work on a farm in a developing country.

Leah’s dedication to service began in 2009 when her mother was diagnosed with lupus. Watching her mother’s struggles inspired Leah to build a career on helping those who can’t help themselves. When talking about her mother, Leah says, “She also continues to help people out whenever she can and I think, ‘If she can continue to give, then I have no excuses.’ Her strength and generosity are my motivation to work in public service.”

Fun Facts about Leah:

Q: What is your favorite movie? Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Q: What is your favorite book? “In Beauty” by Zadie Smith

Q: What is your favorite candy? Twizzlers

Q: What is your favorite food? Peanut butter

Q: One place in the world you really, really wish you could visit? Anywhere in South America

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? I read, journal, hike, and work out.