Et cetera : NCCC Class 21 Corps Member Spotlight: Tianna Morris

Tianna Morris from Helena, Montana is serving on team Cedar 1 in AmeriCorps NCCC Corps Class 21. She arrived in Vinton in February of 2015 to start her 10-month service term with the program. Cedar 1 is made up of seven people from across the country who serve together around the Midwest.

Before her term of service she graduated from the Starr Mills High school in 2010. Afterwards, she worked in the food industry for four years and did a service term with the Montana Conservation Corps.

Tianna talks about her motivation for joining NCCC, “I wanted the experience of NCCC from what I had heard from other members while serving with the Montana Conservation Corps. I knew that in this program I would gain new skills.”

Cedar 1 served on their first project in Coon Rapids, Iowa serving with the Whiterock Conservancy to increase accessibility by expanding trails through prescribed burns to open up the landscape. In addition, the team cleaned up brush and removed invasive species to encourage native plant growth.

They are currently on their second project in Flint, Michigan with the Power of One Ministry improving safety in the community. The team is building and improving bus stops in addition to boarding and painting vacant houses. They are also beautifying the community by mowing the grass of vacant yards, and removing brush and debris in the area. The team is providing a safer environment by educating neighborhood block clubs through workshops on vacant property maintenance and safety.

After completing the program in November, she plans on looking into other AmeriCorps programs to continue her dedication to national service.

Some fun facts about Tianna:

Q: What is your favorite TV show and why? Grey’s Anatomy, it has lots of drama!

Q: What song best describes you? Victory by Janelle Money because I take time to appreciate little things.

Q: If you could have a superpower what would it be and why?To be able to heal, I have always wanted to help people though service. It’s my dream.

Q: What is the most challenging and/or exciting thing you have done? Montana Conservation Corps because I knew nothing about camping, hiking, backpacking or anything else related to outdoor experiences.

Q: What is one thing you can’t live without? My twin

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