6 June AmeriCorps Member Profile: Ohio Stream Restore Corps June 6, 2018 By whall AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps Member Stories, Impact Stories Rural Action, AmeriCorps, Jeremy Held, Ohio Stream Restore Corps, watershed restoration 0 Fresh out of Ohio University with a degree in plant biology, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do between my undergraduate studies and graduate school. Hike the Appalachian Trail, yeah, that could be fun. A job with the U.S. Forest Service continuing my thesis research would be great experience and solid pay. But when I saw the flier for the Ohio Stream Restore Corps AmeriCorps program, I had to apply. An opportunity to use my scientific background and grow my interpersonal skills while giving back to the region I had called home for four years was not something I could let slide by. Nine months into my term with Rural Action's watershed restoration program, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in Appalachian Ohio. Week after week I am challenged with a new task, whether it be organizing a community event, fundraising for summer camps, or leading elementary school students on a stream exploration. Few jobs would allow the opportunity for such diverse experiences while at the same time supporting your growth as a professional and a person. The traits I have developed--compassion, tolerance, patience, and a touch of improv-- will guide me through the next 5 years as I navigate a PhD plant biology program at Pennsylvania State University. While I will not be pursuing a PhD in community development, my term in OSRC has prepared me for life's next challenge. To succeed as a researcher in today's world, you must be willing to reach out to others and collaborate. My involvement with the project to turn acid mine drainage into a marketable paint pigment inspires me to pursue research that can translate into on-the-ground change. I have gained confidence in instructing and mentoring others, crucial to being a successful scientist at an academic institution. Serving with a non-profit organization is humbling and shows you how different the world can be from your perception. I hope to retain my ties to southeastern Ohio and forge new connections to my next place of residence. For when we value where we live and the people around us, life attains a richness that cannot be undermined. Thank you to Michelle, Shannon, watershed colleagues, and my fellow AmeriCorps members who have made this year one for the record books. Keep on getting things done for America! --- Jeremy Held, Rural Action, Ohio Stream Restore Corps Related Posts Meet the Class of 2019-2020: Ohio LeaderCorps Edition In it’s second year, Ohio’s LeaderCorps program is boosting AmeriCorps awareness and connecting members from across the state. Learn more about this extraordinary group of AmeriCorps members! ServeOhio Welcomes Four AmeriCorps NCCC Teams to Ohio ServeOhio is excited to welcome four AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) teams to Ohio this summer! NCCC strengthens communities and develops leaders through a full-time, team-based, residential national service program. NCCC partners with a variety of nonprofit organizations, tribal, federal, state, and local agencies to help meet a community need that would not be fully addressed without additional assistance. Learn more about the projects and how you or your organization can get involved with NCCC. AmeriCorps Members Continue To Serve Ohio’s Students As schools start across the state, Ohio AmeriCorps members continue their work supporting Ohio’s K-12 students. Fourteen education-focused AmeriCorps programs will engage hundreds of individuals to creatively connect with students to support them academically, emotionally, and socially during the pandemic. Meet our New AmeriCorps Programs In the 2020-21 Program Year, we are delighted to welcome six new AmeriCorps programs into our portfolio. These programs will support 123 AmeriCorps members who will serve in schools, nonprofits, and community organizations throughout Ohio. Learn more about our new programs! Youth Commissioners Add AmeriCorps Member Voice to ServeOhio Discussions Hannah Sublett, a current AmeriCorps member at the Cincinnati Zoo and Mary Jeter, a recent AmeriCorps Alum at Rural Action were recently appointed by the Governor to join the ServeOhio Commission. Hannah and Mary will add a valuable perspective to their fellow Commissioners by sharing their firsthand experience of serving in the AmeriCorps program. 2019 Year in Review As we ring in the New Year, it is a great time to reflect on our work and all the amazing accomplishments in service and volunteerism we saw in our state over the past twelve months. Read more for just a few highlights of our work this year. Comments are closed.