Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Class 19 Team Leader Spotlight: Erica Ratner

By: Rebecca Bigler

Name: Erica Ratner

Hometown: Beachwood, OH

Erica arrived in Vinton on January 8, 2013 to begin her 11-month service as the Maple 7 Team Leader for NCCC’s Class 19. She is leading a team of 10 members on a number of service projects throughout the North Central Region starting March 11.

“I believe that the best way to help ourselves grow and learn is to serve others,” says Erica. She wants to use this year as a way to further her commitment to community service. This isn’t just a goal Erica has for this year; she plans to continue taking advantage of community service opportunities for the rest of her life. She believes she has the privilege to be able to help others, and plans to take advantage of that.

Prior to joining NCCC, Erica served for three months in Cambodia, working with the Peace Corps. That experience gives her a diverse perspective that will greatly help her in the coming months as a Team Leader. Also, the Peace Corps broadened her definition of how she can help to serve communities.

Erica graduated from Beachwood High School in June of 2008. She graduated from Ohio University in June of 2012 with a Bachelor's of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Her team’s first project is with Living Lands and Waters in East Moline, IL. The main task for Maple 7 on this project is assisting with the Million Tree Project in which members are bundling, packaging, delivering and planting native trees to provide more food and shelter for wildlife, prevent soil run-off and erosion, and create diversity along waterways.

Some fun facts about Erica:

Q: What was your first job? Working as a camp counselor for children with special needs.

Q: What is your favorite movie? Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Q: What will be your first words of advice for your team members? “Be flexible, willing to learn, and remember to enjoy the experience.”

Q: What is one place in the world that you really, really wish you could visit? I would love to visit Alaska.

Q: What is your favorite candy? Dark chocolate

Q: If you could come back as an animal which animal would it be and why? A kitten, because I am oddly infatuated with cats.

Q: Are there any sayings your parents repeated over and over that you can still remember clearly? “Are you sure you don’t want to go to grad school?”

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? I enjoy good company or a comfy couch, cup of tea, and a good book.

Q: Could you give us one reason to join AmeriCorps NCCC? “The purpose of life is a life of purpose.”