Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps Class 19 Member Spotlight: Rachel Stothfang

Rachel Stothfang of Cincinnati is serving as a member of the NCCC FEMA Corps team Pine 4 at the Vinton Campus. She chose to participate in AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps because she is passionate about serving others and the program seemed like a great opportunity.

Rachel graduated from Winton Wood High School in 2011 and attended the University of Cincinnati before joining NCCC FEMA Corps. After her service term ends she plans to work over the summer then volunteer with Work Away, an international work exchange program, before possibly attending culinary school.

Community service is a big part of Rachel’s life. She says, “I've noticed that my happiest moments are when I am serving and literally nothing gives more joy!” She came to this realization during a week-long mission trip to St. Louis with her youth group. During that time her group helped clean and organize a homeless shelter. She says, “This experience helped me to realize that service is important but what is equally important is bonding with the people you are serving with.”

Rachel and her team are wrapping up their final project in Kansas City, Mo. after spending the last two rounds in New Jersey working on the Hurricane Sandy response with FEMA. They return to Vinton in June for graduation.

Fun Facts about Rachel:

Q: What is your favorite movie? School of Rock

Q: What is your favorite book? Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut

Q: What is your favorite candy? Snickers

Q: What is your favorite food? Cincinnati’s Skyline Chili

Q: One place in the world you really, really wish you could visit? India

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? Read, sing, participate in musicals/plays and spending time with friends