Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Class 19 Corps Member Spotlight: Jarrett Thompson

By: Rebecca Bigler

Jarrett Thompson, from Albion, N.Y., is a member of Maple 6 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. Maple 6 is made up of eight people from across the country, and they will serve together in a number of service projects across the North Central Region.

“I feel like (NCCC) would be a great opportunity to help people in this country who are in desperate need,” Jarrett said. “In addition, I will be making new friends with a diverse group of people from around the country.  Ultimately, it will strengthen my capabilities as an individual and prepare me for a better future.”

Jarrett brings a lot of skills with him to NCCC, which help to carry out his role as a Corps Member. He is a team player, which is a skill he gained through playing constantly playing sports when he was growing up. Jarrett is a hard worker as well. “I worked with special needs children at my mother’s job, as well as working with my Dad restoring and refinishing hardwood floors,” he said.

Prior to NCCC, Jarrett was working a couple part time jobs and going to school. He graduated from Albion High School in January of 2013. He has also completed over a semester of college through Genesee Community College. After finishing NCCC, Jarrett plans to attend college and possibly major in business.

One unique experience for Jarrett comes from a ministry he volunteered with last year during spring break called Flower City Work Camp. “I volunteered to work with inner-city Rochester kids,” he said. “We had fun with the kids.  My role was leading the games and it was a great experience to watch the kids get along and play together, even though they lived in an area where daily life is a struggle.”

Maple 6’s current project runs from May 3 to June 24 with Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation in Youngstown, Ohio. The team is participating in urban development projects that assist residents and volunteers in addressing housing and vacant property challenges in Youngstown neighborhoods. The team is completing three primary work projects: the boarding of vacant homes, painting of low-income housing and vacant land reuse projects.

Some fun facts about Jarrett:

Q: What is your favorite movie? Spirited Away

Q: What is your favorite book? The Bible

Q: What is your favorite candy? Swedish Fish

Q: What is your favorite food? Pizza

Q: What is your favorite animal? Polar bear

Q: Who is your favorite super hero? Batman

Q: What is one place in the world you really wish you could visit? Rome, Italy

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? Play sports and workout