Past Spotlighted VISTA Members

Name: Billy Colemire
(photo: Billy is on the right)

VISTA agency / position: Volunteer and Local Outreach Coordinator, International Book Project

VISTA since: May 17, 2010

Hometown: Mount Olivet, KY

What brought you to VISTA?
After graduating with a B.A. in Communication studies/double-minor in Social Inequalities and Political Science, I knew that I wanted the next year of my life to really matter. To some degree, I hoped to be a catalyst for change. After being offered a Teach For America position in South Dakota, I had to reevaluate my options. Being the youngest of seven from a family that resembles the Tanners from Full House, in terms of closeness, made it really hard to accept a position so far away. In addition, South Dakota was ranked last on my list of possible assignments.

After some thought, I decided to stay around Lexington and get at least a years worth of valuable experience before moving away. At a career fair on my campus in early March, I came across an AmeriCorps booth. To my surprise, an old friend from a neighboring town was the representative. Immediately after discussing the impact of VISTA, I knew that I wanted to do it. The fact that the VISTA representative’s boyfriend lived in the same apartment complex as my boyfriend was a sign from the universe that this was right for me!

What’s your favorite part of your project?
The target. Just last year, IBP send 207,000 books to 63 countries. Part of my position entails creating a domestic donation program focusing on the Appalachian region of the United States. To be a part of an organization that has such a tight grasp on the international community, but strives to have a similar grasp on the local community, is the most humbling experience.

What has surprised you most about VISTA?
The diversity of the members. VISTA members in the Carnegie Network, as well as all across the country, are so different. They represent every age, race, ethnic, religious, and economic class.

Favorite Book?
To Kill a Mockingbird, hands down.

Favorite thing about Kentucky?
It’s proximity to various cities and activities. If one wants to enjoy nature and a more laid back town, Lexington is the place to be. If one wants to enjoy something a little larger, Cincinnati and Louisville are only a couple hours away. If one yearns for a buzzing metropolis, Chicago, Saint Louis, and Atlanta are within driving distance for a weekend getaway.

Favorite cheap thing to do in Lexington?
Carmike Dollar Theatre! It offers an affordable way to maintain a relationship, while on a budget. Every Tuesday is “Super Stimulus Tuesday.” In addition to the super cheap ticket, all drinks and popcorn are very affordable.

Any post-VISTA plans yet?
I’m currently in the process of studying for October’s LSAT. Ideally, I would like to move forward to law school next year. However, experience has consistently taught me that plans are tentative. In addition to law school, I have also considered applying for the VISTA Leader position at the Carnegie Center.

Name: Natalie Cunningham
VISTA agency / position: Lexington Rescue Mission/ Volunteer Coordinator
VISTA since: August 2009
Hometown: Versailles, KY

What brought you to VISTA?
I graduated college in December of 2008 with a BA in Public Relations, coupled with minors in Youth and Non-Profit Leadership and Theatre.
Summer 2009 I had an internship in Louisville with an advertising company. I enjoyed the people I was working with, but I knew that spending my life in the for-profit sector was not for me. I found this VISTA opening on Craigslist.com and it felt like everything fit. I would start the job directly after my internship was over, the organization was doing great work in Lexington, and I was able to live at home while on a VISTA salary. After applying for the position at the Lexington Rescue Mission I found personality wise I fit very well into the corporate community they had created. It is a place where new ideas are always welcome and I felt free to infuse creative thought into my work.
What’s your favorite part of your project?
My favorite part of my project is the ability to create new and innovative practices within the mission. As a VISTA it is my job to create ways to build the capacity of my organization. The Lexington Rescue Mission is completely open to new ideas, and problem solving. I feel that I am able to be a part of an ever evolving organization where my skills are being developed and my work is appreciated.

Favorite Book?
I was thinking about this earlier and I could not possibly pick one favorite book. If I had to choose I would say I could read The Great Gatsby, Pride and Prejudice, and anything by Donald Miller over and over again.

Favorite thing about Kentucky?
I was born and raised here, so I have grown up appreciating everything about Kentucky. I enjoy Lexington, but I love being out on a friends farm enjoying the beauty of it all.

Any post-VISTA plans yet?
I have several ideas which include another term as a VISTA in New York, VISTA Leader here, and an internship in DC. I have no clue where I’ll be after VISTA, but this year as a VISTA has given me a little bit more direction.