Et cetera : NCCC Class 21 Corps Member Spotlight: Kyla Russell

By: Marilyn Ponce

Name: Kyla Russell

Hometown: Troy, NY

Kyla from Troy, New York is serving on team Cedar 7 in AmeriCorps NCCC Corps Class 21. She arrived in Vinton in February of 2015 to start her 10-month service term with the program. Cedar 7 is made up of nine people from across the country who serve together around the Midwest.

Before her term of service she graduated from Troy High School in 2013 and attended the State University of New York at Albany for a year studying Graphic Design. One of the most memorable moments in her life was after she watched the documentary, Invisible Children, when she was only 10 years old. It motivated Kyla to join AmeriCorps NCCC and dedicate a year of her time to service to benefit others and her as well.

Kyla talks about her motivation for joining NCCC, “I chose to do a year of service with AmeriCorps NCCC because I truly care about the well-being of others and I know that if I can at least put one smile on someone's face in the upcoming year from the work that we will do, I will know that I have done my job.”

Cedar 7 served on their first project in Wapello, Iowa with the Louisa County Conservation Board. The team conducted prescribed burning during proper conditions such as light winds, stable atmospheric pressure, moderate temperatures in Louisa County and Iowa River Corridor. Their second priority was to remove invasive species removal such as cedar trees and prairie grasses, land management, and assist with environmental education programs.

They are currently on their second project in Halsey, Nebraska serving with the Nebraska 4-H Foundation doing building maintenance, which includes painting and building shed-storage for equipment. The team is aiding with environmental education by facilitating and planning programs such as nature hikes, canoeing, and astronomy activities. Additionally, they are creating environmental education kits and posters for campers to use.

After completing the program in November, she plans on going back to school to get her bachelor's degree in graphic design and eventually open her own online store to sell the original prints that she designs. She hopes to join the Peace Corps or other national service program to continue her passion for serving others.

Some fun facts about Kyla:

Q: What is your favorite TV show and why? Grey’s Anatomy because the science is pretty cool and the drama is extremely entertaining.

Q: What song best describes you? Love of my life by Erykah Badu featuring Common.

Q: If you could have a superpower what would it be and why? Psychic abilities because I always want to know what people are thinking.

Q: What is the most challenging and/or exciting thing you have done? Going to the Putney summer program in 2010 was one of the most eye opening and exciting experiences of my life.

Q: What is one thing you can’t live without? Personal time!

Q: What is one thing you would like to try but have not had the chance? Walk across a slack line.