Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Class 19 Corps Member Spotlight: Andrew Kuka

Andrew Kuka, from Grand Vernon, N.J., is a member of Oak 1 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. Oak 1 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 am choosing NCCC as my first of many years of service,” Andrew said. “I don't see any better way to use my abilities than to give back to the community. The fulfillment that I have felt in the past by contributing to projects that help people that truly need it has made me reconsider the importance of personal income and achievement. Beyond this, I believe that NCCC can teach me a lot about community organizing, fundraising, and a multitude of other skills that would prove useful in my future work.”

Andrew brings several skills with him to NCCC, which help him be successful in his role as a Corps Member. He has skills in critical thinking, analyzing, writing, encouraging team work and positive group interactions.

Prior to NCCC, Andrew graduated from Rutgers University in January, 2013 with a degree in sociology. He also graduated from Vernon Township High School in 2008. After finishing his year with NCCC, Andrew is looking into a lot of options. He might volunteer for another year as a Vista or a Team Leader, head to graduate school, or just find a job he loves. “It's all kind of up in the air right now,” he said.

“Every unique experience that I have had so far has involved moving further away from my family, and further out of my comfort zone,” Andrew said. “Moving away to college, immersing myself in school work, taking service trips with Habitat for Humanity over break instead of being home, and now moving to Iowa for a year are difficult sacrifices that I have to deal with.  But there is no way that I can regret these sacrifices when I see the significant difference that I make in people's lives.”

Oak 1 is currently on a project that runs from July 15 to August 2 with Central Rivers Farmshed in Stevens Point, Wis. The team is assisting the farmshed with the removal of glass from their greenhouses in order for the organization to open the space to the public. Currently, the glass poses a safety hazard. The team is also assisting with other facility upgrades such as trim installation and landscaping. The space is going to be transformed into a model demonstration and educational site that creates rich composts from local organic waste streams, maintains space and resource for growing plants, and manages a community kitchen.

Some fun facts about Andrew:

Q: What is your favorite movie? Hesher

Q: What is your favorite book? Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

Q: What is your favorite candy? Chocolate

Q: What is your favorite food? Pasta

Q: What is your favorite animal? Whale

Q: Who is your favorite super hero? Batman

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

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? Write