Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Class 19 Team Leader Spotlight: Garrett Stern

A Virginia native who has blacksmithing for a hobby is among the AmeriCorps Class 19 team leaders.

Name: Garrett Stern

Hometown: Roanoke, VA

Garrett arrived in Vinton on January 8, 2013 to begin his 11-month service as a Team Leader for NCCC’s Class 19. He will lead a team of 10-12 members on a number of service projects throughout the North Central Region starting mid-March.

Garrett brings the following skills to his Team Leader position: community organizing, directing young adults in outdoor projects, construction and training in the art blacksmithing.

He chose to do a year of service because he believes that every young person should be empowered to serve their country in a way that best suits them. His year of service is his way of giving back to the people that enabled him to be where he is today.

Prior to joining NCCC, Garrett was designing a sustainable agriculture certification program for James Madison University and serving as Director of Valley Crop Mob, an organization he co-founded with John Picklap in 2010.

Upon completion of his NCCC term of service, he plans to pursue a job that will enable him to work outside and mentor young people. He also plans to pursue Blacksmithing as a part-time occupation.

Garrett graduated from Northside High School in 2007 and James Madison University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Studio Art Minor.

Some fun facts about Garrett:

Q: What was your first job? Soccer Referee

Q: What is your favorite movie? Planet Earth documentary series

Q: What will be your first words of advice for your team members? “Be flexible and adaptable. Life can throw you curve balls but these two traits will allow you to persevere.”

Q: What is one place in the world that you really, really wish you could visit? New Zealand

Q: What is your favorite candy? Dark chocolate

Q: If you could come back as an animal which animal would it be and why? Harpy Eagle…they live in the Philippines in the jungles and are one the most agile birds of prey

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? Play music and blacksmith