As the Class of 2015 prepares to graduate, soon-to-be alums consider where their predecessors have found success beyond Beacon. One place that Beacon alumni have found fulfillment is in the AmeriCorps program. During the 2013-2014 academic year, Career Development instructor Kelly Rogers introduced her graduating students to AmeriCorps. Established in 1994, the AmeriCorps program is designed to provide young adults the opportunity to develop professionally and personally, earn money for graduate studies or college loan repayment, and become a good citizen committed to volunteer efforts. Two recent Beacon graduates, William Baldwin and Alex Sweet became part of the AmeriCorps volunteer community this past fall and encourage other graduating students to consider this opportunity. Another recent graduate, Adriyan Scipio, joined AmeriCorps just last week, and graduating senior Peyton Forster is looking forward to her service, set to begin in August.
In conversation with Alex Sweet, it rapidly became clear that he has an incredible enthusiasm for his
Alex insists, “I can’t even tell you how amazing this program is.” His zest for the program, however, is clearly evident in his descriptions of the work he has been doing. He speaks of his experience in glowing terms, and the photos and stories he shares on social media demonstrate the passion he has for what he is doing.
Bill’s advice to other Beacon alums: “If you don’t have a job yet try, try, and try again. Go after what you want, but you still have to look for it. My stint with AmeriCorps isn’t permanent, but it’s a step in the right direction…Having a learning disability doesn’t mean you can’t succeed. You most certainly can succeed. You just have to put your head down and work really hard and don’t procrastinate.”
Adryian Scipio is the newest Beacon College graduate to join the ranks of AmeriCorps volunteers. As a
Graduating students have also caught the AmeriCorps spirit. Senior Peyton Forster has plans to join FEMA in August and is already excited by the prospect. She says she was inspired by alumnus Alex Sweet. Seeing all his photos on Facebook and hearing the stories about what he was working on made Peyton realize just how valuable the experience is. Knowing that she is a kinesthetic learner makes Peyton confident that the hands-on activities that AmeriCorps FEMA members are involved with makes this program a good fit for her. She is already looking forward to gaining new skills and meeting new people.
All of the Beacon College alumni who have been drawn to the AmeriCorps program were Human Services majors. The community service aspect clearly appeals to the nurturing side of these students, and the interpersonal skills they learned in their undergraduate education have been put into effect through their various commitments. This program offers opportunities that may appeal to students from any major and is definitely worth considering as a next step beyond Beacon (full disclosure: the author is an alum of AmeriCorps).
AmeriCorps Week was celebrated from March 9-13th, and the social media slideshow may be viewed on Storify. Check it out to see what this program is all about, in the words of current and former members.
NCCC is accepting applications now through April 1st for service terms beginning in October, and FEMA terms begin this summer. Learn more about the available opportunities here.
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~Gretchen Dreimiller
Head shots courtesy of Heather Reed