AmeriCorps Featured Member - Acadia

Acadia is a member of MACOG’s first AmeriCorps cohort serving with the City of Goshen’s Department of Environmental Resilience. You can find Acadia out and about in the community identifying tree species with the city forester, or in the office assisting with implementing projects and learning how local government works.

What led you to be interested in environmental issues?

I am originally from northeastern Pennsylvania and spent much of my childhood exploring the ecosystems of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York State. I was homeschooled until college. This allowed me the freedom to pursue what most interested me, in addition to traditional courses of study. I enjoy learning and working outdoors and knew that would be something I would want to carry over into any future career. For five summers I worked as a wilderness camp counselor which further grew my love of nature and gave me an incentive to want to protect it. I am also a very creative person and like to bring my creativity into everything I do.

How did you select the City of Goshen as your preferred AmeriCorps service site?

I have always had an interest in the natural environment and sustainability, so I appreciate that AmeriCorps supports these endeavors. I transferred to Goshen College, despite the pandemic, to major in Sustainability Studies. While I cannot recommend transferring to a new school, in a new state, during a pandemic, Goshen’s Sustainability program provided me with a wealth of knowledge and connections. After graduating in the Spring of 2022, I decided to stay in the City of Goshen for a bit longer…with AmeriCorps.

What’s next after your AmeriCorps service? Serving in AmeriCorps is allowing me to build my resume while I decide on the next steps of my career. In the future, I hope to get my masters in Environmental Education and one day own a small sustainable farm.

If you or someone you know is interested in serving in the AmeriCorps program, please fill out our Interest Form!