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Neill Minish
In late 2005, I read about Hurricane Katrina’s devastation along the Gulf Coast and how volunteers from all across the nation were pitching in to help total strangers. I was inspired and wanted to be part of something bigger than myself.
After graduating from college in 2007, I applied for a position with the Sacramento AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps. I was accepted into AmeriCorps where two of my four projects focused on Hurricane Katrina recovery work. AmeriCorps broadened my perspective and connected me with career-building opportunities that I didn’t know existed.
After serving in AmeriCorps, I joined the Peace Corps, where I had the opportunity to serve in the Republic of Vanuatu. I served as an Education Volunteer on the island of Malekula where I worked with local elementary schools. We partnered with a local village and secured a grant to build a library at a primary school. We fundraised and collected donations from local businesses, and village volunteers contributed their time and talents as well. It was a real collaborative effort and taught me a lot about project management and the power of community.
When I returned from the Peace Corps, the Coverdell Peace Corps Fellows program made it possible for me to afford and attend graduate school, where I studied public administration. I was also able to leverage Returned Peace Corps Volunteers’ non-competitive eligibility to get my first permanent federal job with the Corporation for National and Community Service, now known as AmeriCorps. All of these experiences and opportunities have led me to my current role as a Native American Program Specialist within the Office of Native American Programs in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
National service is a tremendous opportunity not only to serve the greater good but also to explore potential career paths. My experience in both AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps helped me to discover and pursue a career in public service. For people looking for a challenge and wanting to serve others, they should check out AmeriCorps.gov or PeaceCorps.gov to learn more.
