Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Class 19 Corps Member Spotlight: Alex Bissell

By: Rebecca Bigler

Alex Bissell, from Penfield, N.Y., is a member of Cedar 7 in NCCC’s Class 19. He arrived in Vinton on February 5, 2013, to start his 10-month service term on a team of people between the ages of 18 and 24. Cedar 7 is made up of seven people from across the country, and they are serving together in a number of service projects across the North Central Region throughout their term.

“A year of service appeals to me because I want to give to people I'd never otherwise have the chance to meet,” Alex said, when asked why he joined. “I want to explore new corners of America.”

Alex brings a lot of skills with him to NCCC, which help him be successful in his role as a Corps Member. These skills come from his previous experience. He has worked as a tutor and teaching assistant at SUNY Oswego. He has also volunteered at the local senior home to give music lessons.

Prior to NCCC, Alex spent a lot of time traveling, especially backpacking in the Adirondacks. He graduated from State University of New York Oswego in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in cinema and screen studies, with a minor in Native American studies. He also graduated from Penfield High School in 2007. After finishing NCCC, Alex hopes to work on an organic farm somewhere warm or potentially join the Peace Corps.

One unique experience for Alex comes from his time in the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks last summer. “A black bear stole my lunch and came back later that night while I was in my sleeping bag and went through my backpack,” he said. “Fortunately, no bears or humans were hurt in the making of this story.”

Cedar 7’s current project runs from May 2 to June 25 with Genesee County Habitat for Humanity in Flint, Mich. The team is completing all construction related activities of a full-gut rehab for a work/live home that will house a low income family. These construction activities take place after a full environmental assessment and remediation has taken place. These activities include demolition, drywall, painting, trim work and landscaping.

Some fun facts about Alex:

Q: What is your favorite movie? The Big Leboski

Q: What is your favorite book? The Hobbit

Q: What is your favorite candy? Don’t like candy

Q: What is your favorite food? Eggs

Q: What is your favorite animal? Dog

Q: Who is your favorite super hero? Batman

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

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? Camp and backpack