After making his mark here at Castleton, 2014 graduate Cameron Maurer is off to lend his services around the world, participating in AmeriCorps NCCC, an organization aimed at moving communities forward while creating jobs and providing opportunities for young people entering the workforce.
“I am hoping that my nine months in AmeriCorps opens new doors and helps me decide what I want to focus on for a career,” said Maurer.
AmeriCorps engages more than 75,000 Americans in intensive service each year at nonprofits, schools, public agencies and community and faith-based groups across the country. AmeriCorps programs place thousands of young adults into intensive service positions where they learn valuable work skills, earn money for education, and develop an appreciation for citizenship.
Since the program’s founding in 1994, more than 900,000 AmeriCorps members have contributed more than 1.2 billion hours in service across America while tackling pressing problems and mobilizing millions of volunteers for the organizations they serve.
Before deciding to join the movement, Maurer was heavily involved in activities and community service during his college years.
“I was a delegate for Student Government for two years, I am part of Phi Eta Sigma, I ran on the cross country team and I was a Community Advisor in three different buildings for three and a half years,” Maurer explained.
Even more impressive than his extra curricular activities, was graduating as a double major in Exercise Science and Health Science.
“For me, the people that I met and the social life that I immersed myself in will be the largest boon to attending Castleton,” he said.
As he begins his AmeriCorps journey, Maurer will be located in Vinton, Iowa, with potential to be transferred to several other states such as Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, South Dakota, Indiana, Minnesota, and Nebraska.
Still, what he is looking forward to most about his experience is far more than just the travel opportunities.
During his time he will complete approximately 1,800 hours of community service in many different areas of focus including building a new house with Habitat for Humanity, supporting impoverished neighborhoods, cleaning trails, disaster relief and teaching young children.
“Small steps can make a large impact,” Maurer said. “People are role models to others and if you can influence at least one person, positively, then you have already made a larger contribution to the world than you may ever realize.”
Although he is not sure of his career path after his time with AmeriCorps, Maurer is confident this opportunity will help point him in the right direction.
“People can't be afraid to make impulsive decisions and reach out and grab opportunities that linger for a short time,” he said. “There's no point in passing up on an experience because if you don't do it, you'll never know what could be waiting for you.”