WATERVILLE – “While interning during college, I met an AmeriCorps member who inspired me to check out AmeriCorps opportunities across the U.S. I found the perfect fit in central Maine,” says Laura St. John, AmeriCorps member.
After completing a BS in Community Health Education at University of Maine at Farmington, Laura St. John accepted an AmeriCorps position at HealthReach Community Health Centers. At HealthReach, which provides medical care to people of all ages in rural Maine communities, Laura is responsible for a variety of tasks. These range from registering patients for programs that help with the cost of healthcare to assisting in the roll-out of a web-based portal where patients can securely communicate with their providers.
“But my favorite project is leading Living Well for Better Health classes for individuals with chronic conditions,” St. John said. “I work with people in a group settings as they learn better ways of managing their health issues and improving their support systems.”
“AmeriCorps provides an opportunity to make a huge difference in your life and in the lives of those around you,” St. John added. It is a chance to apply personal skills and ideals toward helping others and meeting critical needs in the community. Each year, AmeriCorps offers 75,000 opportunities for adults of all ages and backgrounds to serve through a network of partnerships with local and national nonprofit groups. AmeriCorps Week was set up to recognize the commitment of AmeriCorps members and alums by highlighting the extraordinary impact AmeriCorps makes across our nation every day. This year, AmeriCorps Week will take place from Saturday, March 10 through Sunday, March 18, 2012.
Laura believes it is important for young adults to give back to the community. AmeriCorps has offered her the chance to participate in improving the lives of the people in the communities HealthReach serves. St. John said feels she is also building skills for her future.
“AmeriCorps is helping me improve my time management, budgeting and networking skills,” she said. “Learning how to network is beneficial in that it increases access to resources, ideas and building blocks for the future.”
After AmeriCorps, St. John plans to continue professional development and to pursue a career in the health field. “I would recommend AmeriCorps to others as it allows you to enter and gain experience in a field in which you might be interested. By working on different projects you are able to find direction. I am even considering signing on for another year,” said St. John.
For more information on AmeriCorps visit www.americorps.gov.
Thank you for the tremendous work you do Laura!
Go Laura!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!