Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Class 20 Corps Member Spotlight: Maureen Murphy

By: Sarah Williams

Maureen Murphy, from Lake Placid, New York is serving on team Oak 3 in AmeriCorps NCCC Class 20. She arrived in Vinton on February 11 to start her 10-month service term. Oak 3 is made up of nine people from across the country who will serve together around the Midwest.

Maureen says “After doing service trips to El Salvador while in high school I have always wanted to do something similar. AmeriCorps NCCC is a great way to help others, meet people, and gain experiences I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”

Before Maureen joined the NCCC program she had just graduated from college in May, and worked at Ibex Outdoor Clothing for 7 months.

Oak 3’s first round project is at UW Arboretum, in Madison, Wisconsin.

Oak 3 is assisting the University of Wisconsin (UW) Arboretum with the removal of invasive weeds and brush, collection of native seeds, and transplanting native plants from the nursery to various Arboretum lands.

Some fun facts about Katherine:

Q: What is your favorite TV show? Chicago Fire

Q: What is one place in the world that you would really like to visit? New Zealand

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up? A Vet

Q: If you could have a superpower what would it be? To read minds.

Q: What is the most challenging and/or exciting thing you have done? Costa Rica Outward Bound.

Q: If you could come back as animal which one would it be? Red Fox

Q: What is your favorite book? “Oh the Places You’ll Go” By Dr. Seuss