Exploring and More

So I thought it over and decided that I will update more while I'm in Denver. While on spike, I will try to update about once a week. It all depends on where I am. The picture to the left is the campus that I'm staying on. It is really nice. You can even see the bell tower from the Light Rail Station and a little ways off. It's mostly AmeriCorps NCCC members on campus, but every now and then you may see a few students.

Today was fun! I had the day off, so I went downtown with a couple of friends. We took a bus to the Light Rail Station and then a Light Rail to downtown. In total, I spent $4 for transportation. It would have been $2 if I had my student id. We also walked to the capitol, but it was closed. Luckily, there was an event going on right across the street. It was called Rock n' Roll Marathon. Rock music played on the radio and by bands while the marathon went on. It was pretty cool. We went to the gate and hi-fived the runners as they were about to finish. There were a lot of people there. We walked over to 16th Street Mall which can also be known as an outside mall. It's really awesome! We went to some souvenir shops and REI. We had to get back by 5pm to have our tb shot checked. I was all clear! I don't think anyone has it. I planned to do laundry today, but I'm so tired. I'm still adjusting to the altitude, I guess. I know I'm doing better than some others.

As for the days before this, not much happened. I did a drug test and got my tb shot. There was a team tour of downtown Denver. We had a meeting that was VERY long about everything in the member handbook. There isn't much else. Tomorrow is going to be more eventful.

So long for now! I'm going to put up a link to my AmeriCorps pictures if you would like to see more. Email me if you have any problems seeing them.

My oh my.

So it's the second day. I must say, it has been VERY long. I'll start with the yesterday first.

Yesterday was pretty good. There was a slight flight delay, but only by about thirty minutes. I arrived to the Denver airport around 1:30pm and arrived on campus around 3pm. I checked-in at the front office in Welsh Hall and received my key and room number. My roommate was not here at the time, so I unpacked and got my boxes that I had shipped earlier. After that, I went to dinner around 5pm. The cafeteria food is pretty good, but the team leaders said that food on spike is better.
At 8pm there was a unit meeting where we went over rules, regulations, etc. It was kind of long, but it was interesting. Everyone introduced themselves and we all talked of how we discovered AmeriCorps NCCC. I even saw some familiar faces from when we had talked on the Denver campus Facebook page. When it was over, we had a quick team meeting then we were done for the day.
I was tired and jet-lagged. I wanted to go to sleep right when I got back to the dorm, but I didn't get to. My roommate showed up sometime later. She's 24 and from Arizona. We talked for a little while she prepared her area. We went to bed shortly after. I slept like a rock.
Today has been long. I started out with breakfast and went to a meeting shortly after. It wasn't long. We broke up into teams and did everything we needed to do today. I got my uniform, turned in paperwork, listened to more presentations, and more. I can't believe it's only the second day. Sometime in between all that, I had my first ride in a team van. A few members and I went to Target to get some last minute items. When everything was finally done, there was free time. The older members went to a bar down the street. I'm not quite sure what I want to do, but I know I'm tired right now. It may be the altitude change. I'm sure I'll get used to it.

That is all I have right now. I will try to update as much as I can. Tomorrow we will take a tour of the campus and Denver, so I'll post some pictures soon.

All About AmeriCorps NCCC

So I'm going to tell about everything one may need to know about AmeriCorps NCCC. Or at least about what I know so far.

1. Overview (from Welcome Packet)
AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) is a residential national service program for men and women between the ages of 18 and 24. Approximately 1100 members serve nationwide annually.

For 10 months, members serve on teams to meet urgent community needs through projects that support the environment, infrastructure improvement, energy conservation, urban and rural development, and immediate and continuing disaster response, which is our priority project area. AmeriCorps NCCC has responded to every national disaster since the program began in 1994. Projects operate through partnerships with non-profit organizations, state and local agencies, and other community and faith-based groups. Teams will work on a series of different projects, allowing members to experience a variety of service work as well as different communities and cultures.

2. Units and Teams
There are four units. They are Earth, Fire, Sun, and Water. The name has no relation to what projects are assigned. Each unit will probably have about 7 teams with 12 members in each. The teams are all assigned a certain number (Water 4, Sun 2). Some teams are specialized to fight the forest fires, but I didn't want to do that. I got a call about two days ago and found out that I'm in the Sun Unit. I will probably stay there through the whole program.

3. Corps Training Institute (CTI)
During the first four weeks I will be stationed in Denver. While in Denver, I go through specialized training. I will learn MANY different things that I will use while on spike (see below).

4. What is a SPIKE?
From Welcome Packet- A SPIKE is when a team undertakes a service project which is more than a one hour drive from campus. You will not be housed in the campus dormitories while on SPIKE. SPIKE accommodations have included staying at community centers, churches, military facilities, youth hostels, camping, etc. If you are without a bed you will be provided a sleeping bag and sleeping mat. You may or may not be cooking your own food. You may have to share a single bathroom or shower facility among your teammates. Come prepared for any of the above and beyond. SPIKES usually last six to eight weeks.

The first spike will be shorter than the others. There are usually 4-6 spikes during the service year. I kind of hope we won't have to go to the Texas coast, but if I have to then I will get over it. The southwest region is mainly what the Denver campus covers, unless a major disaster happens.

5. Miscellaneous
Packing- UGH!!! That was one of the most time consuming of all. It was a LONG list. I had to pack for all seasons as well as the different weather conditions. I've never even had to really worry about cold climate before. I got it all done with the help of friends and family members. I really appreciate it.

Process- Ever since that day I turned in my application about a year ago, I have been standing on pins and needles. Flexibility is a must. First, was the interview in March. The service projects I did in high school really helped with that. Next, was the waiting period. A very long waiting period. That waiting period ended up with me on the waitlist. -sigh- Finally, in July I hear from them. I had been accepted. That was the ONLY information they gave me. Where was I going? When would I find out? I ended up calling the next day. I was on hold for an hour and transferred through many people till finally I was told that I was assigned to Denver and will leave in October. All the stuff after that involved paperwork, more paperwork, and some more phone calls.


I really am excited to finally start this new adventure. I will try to post when I can. Thanks to all who are reading this and continue to read. Please comment or send an email! I hope to hear from any of you!