Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Class 19 Corps Member Spotlight: Rachel Schumacher

Rachel Schumacher, from Norwich, Conn., is a member of Oak 3 in NCCC’s Class 19. She arrived in Vinton on February 5, 2013, to start her 10-month service term on a team of people between the ages of 18 and 24. Oak 3 is made up of nine people from across the country, and they are serving together in a number of service projects across the North Central Region throughout their term.

“I initially heard of NCCC while I was helping to rebuild in New Orleans on a college service learning trip,” Rachel said. “There I met several NCCC corps members who were living and working alongside us. Ever since that trip, I have been interested in AmeriCorps and especially NCCC. The people I met all those years ago seemed to be having the greatest experience and service means so much to me. I just couldn't let such an opportunity pass me by.”

Rachel brings several skills with her to NCCC, which help her be successful throughout her term with the program. She is compassionate and has a strong desire to help others. She has previous experience working with children and families, as well as experience from college clubs and service learning trips. She also has some skills in building, crafts, and photography.

Prior to joining NCCC, Rachel had completed a year of service with Health Corps in Connecticut, staying on as a part time employee afterward and training the next member to serve. She graduated from Wheelock College in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in human development. She also graduated from Norwich Free Academy in 2007. After finishing the program, Rachel hopes that her experience in NCCC will help guide her toward either a career or ways to continue on with service.

Rachel’s previous service learning trips have created unique experiences in her past that have helped shape who she is today. Aside from the trip she took to New Orleans, she also took a service learning trip to Northern Ireland. It focused on conflict resolution in children, and as a result of that, she got the opportunity to meet and share her experience from the trip with the first female president of Ireland.

Oak 3 is currently working from August 9 to 29 with Vinton Parks and Recreation in Vinton, Iowa. The team is assisting with cutting and removing trees from Riverside Park. This area was impacted by the 2011 windstorm that hit Vinton. The team is block landscaping and constructing a fire pit at Celebration Park. Also, the team is painting some of the park shelters.

Some fun facts about Rachel:

Q: What is your favorite movie? Rent

Q: What is your favorite book? Zeitown

Q: What is your favorite candy? Watermelon sour patch kids

Q: What is your favorite food? Chinese food – General Tso’s

Q: What is your favorite animal? Tiger or bunny

Q: What is one place in the world you really wish you could visit? Australia

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? Photography, read, watch movies, jewelry making