Et cetera : NCCC Class 21 Corps Member Spotlight: Ashley Prunier

Ashley Prunier from Worcester, Massachusetts is serving on team Maple 5 in AmeriCorps NCCC Corps Class 21. She arrived in Vinton in February of 2015 to start her 10-month service term with the program. Maple 5 is made up of 10 people from across the country who serve together around the Midwest.

Before her term of service Ashley graduated from Tahanto High School in 2012. Afterwards, she attended Quinsigamond Community College for a brief period after which she worked in various stock rooms and sales jobs. As a member, Ashley brings multimedia experience in photography, videography and filming editing in programs such as Final Cut Pro, Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, and Lightroom. She also has a basic knowledge of FL Studios music production software.

Ashley talks about her motivation for joining NCCC, “I am interested in pursuing a future career in human services and have always felt compelled to help others throughout my life. I thought that this would be a good step toward figuring out what exactly I want to do.”

Maple 5 served on their first project in Tell City, Indiana with the Hoosier National Forest helping reduce hazardous fuel loads within 202,000 acres. This involved various tasks including the removal of non- native invasive species such as the Tree of Heaven and doing controlled burns to reduce fuel buildup and lessen the potential for major forest fires.

They are currently on their second project in Columbus, Nebraska serving with Connect Columbus and conducting trail maintenance by installing trail trenches and clearing overgrown vegetation around the retreat center. They are also finishing homes for low income families by installing siding and painting the interior and exterior. In addition, the team is building garden boxes and painting concrete window sills for the local housing authority. Finally, members are tutoring children who are learning English as a second language and educating seniors on media literacy.

After completing the program in November, she plans on continuing her education to pursue her bachelor’s degree.

Some fun facts about Ashley:

Q: What is your favorite TV show and why? The Office, because it always make me laugh and puts me in a good mood.

Q: What song best describes you? Piano Man by Billy Joel because my heartache and desperation have inspired me to do better

Q: If you could have a superpower what would it be and why?Invisibility

Q: What is the most challenging and/or exciting thing you have done? Sling Shot Ride in Atlantic City, it was terrifying

Q: What is one thing you can’t live without? My family, they are my backbone

Q: What is one thing you would like to try but have not had the chance? Skydiving