Honoring our 2018
Interns, AmeriCorps Vista Volunteers, & Summer Associates

Mary O'Connor ~ Communications Associate ~ Villanova and Ireland
​“As an exchange student at Villanova University, I got the opportunity to do a service trip during my Fall break with Community Learning Network in Santa Fe. After a week of sleeping outdoors in a tipi in Dulce, I completely fell in love with New Mexico, it’s landscape, and the myriad of cultures and histories that weave threads across the everyday walks of life."
"Originally from a small sheep farm in the hill of the southwest of Ireland, I decided to return to learn more about the wonders of Santa Fe in the summer as a Communications Associate. My primary responsibilities are digital marketing, managing social media, documenting events, and blogging about the work of Community Learning Network and the New Mexico TechWorks project. I have learned so much from experiences and times in an entirely different world from that which I was raised in. My mind has expanded to the limits of the horizon as I have spent time learning from indigenous leaders, members of the Hispanic community, and from the people of Santa Fe itself. The charm of the Land of Enchantment is its ability to touch the mind and open the soul to the world.”

​JC Ramirez - AmeriCorps Vista Summer Associate ~ Santa Fe Community College
​My name is JC Ramirez, I am a DREAMER from Aguascalientes, Mexico. I have been making an effort to be a part of my community ever since before I graduated from Capital High School in the top 10% of my class." 
"During high school I was able to be introduced to the active members of my community from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Members through my life mentor Roy Martinez. Thanks to his efforts in making sure students have the extra help they need in developing their own skills in their own passions, I was interested in helping other students do the same. After high school, I was able to be an AVID tutor for students who were planning on being their family’s first generation to attend college just as I had done going to UNM. To this day, with all my students, I will always do my best to ignite the sense of striving for their goals no matter what they perceive their obstacles might be. With the help of the VISTA program, I will continue to reach more students and meet new people who will want to do the same. ​"

Alexis Rodriguez - AmeriCorps Vista Summer Associate - Capital High School
"My name is Alexis Rodriguez, I am an ambitious 18 year old college freshman with the mindset of pursuing a technical career. I graduated from Capital High School in May 2018, and decided to get deeper into the technology field. I have always had an interest within technology, whether it is the exterior or interior perspective of it, I tend to enjoy it all. I have some experience in graphic design, photography, website designing (front & back end). Throughout high school, I was enrolled in the design pathway, as well in a film class, and I have found a passion in technology. I believe that I can be very creative when I get an opportunity for something."
My Senior Year at Capital, I was the boy’s varsity team captain and it was a great responsibility that I needed to manage. My liability as a leader has been demonstrated as I engage in other people's perspectives and ideas. I ensure that I allow decision-making within my group and so that the most efficient solution is delivered. Therefore, I was never so responsive to the role because I feel that my type of leadership is that of a team effort build up. It was my duty to make sure we communicated as a team, not to communicate for the team. I never ran the team by myself, I accounted many of my teammates to help me through the season. I love to be productive in many aspects, and working with computers is a big one. As I look back into the past, I recognize that I have accomplished  many things because of technology. Therefore, I decided to engage into my community through the AmeriCorps Vista Program. I was motivated to try Opportunity Santa Fe because of the people around me. I was inspired by my parents, my teachers, my colleagues and my girlfriend. Therefore, I dived into this program to explore the many career opportunities that Santa Fe has to offer. As a Vista intern I have truly seen and learned a large array of things. All of which have motivated me to become more involved with the community and the various professionals within it. One day I know I will be thanking Americorps for selecting me as an intern and hope to obtain a career."

Liz Guthrie ​- AmeriCorps Vista Summer Associate
"I am a senior studying computer science, but I also studied psychology for a couple of years before switching my majors. My greatest interest lies in becoming a software engineer after graduation, but I also care about giving back to the community."
"Because I didn't yet know what I would be doing, AmeriCorps VISTA was a great opportunity for me to be able to both give back and develop my own skills and network. It's important to me to promote competency with technology in the community because I believe that it will be key to improving standards of living, driving learning and discovery, and securing a brighter future. Techhire and TechWorks has allowed me to meet a lot of people working in a wide variety of jobs in technology and learn what they do. It's been a gift for me to experience the unique culture and community in Santa Fe, and I've particularly enjoyed being able to experience a community that is so rich in artists. I feel truly blessed being able to work for Jennifer Nevarez and Eric Streeper and meet so many people working in the tech industry."

Geneva Hancock - Intern - Stonehill College (Boston, Massachusetts)
​"As a mentor for Stonehill College’s Justice Scholars Program, I was given the opportunity to fly out to Santa Fe, New Mexico for one week after my graduation to serve with the Community Learning Network. While there, I was immediately immersed in the rich culture of Santa Fe and its surrounding communities. I volunteered at a local farm, met with community leaders to listen to their stories, visited museums and some of the oldest churches in the country, had the freedom to explore the city, and even helped out at a local horse shelter. Although I set out on this journey by myself, everyone I met during my travels brought me in as a part of their family. The positive energy that embodies Santa Fe radiates from all who reside there, and anyone who is lucky enough to visit will feel it too. This opportunity has allowed me to explore and advance in my own spirituality, as well as learn about the complex history of one of the oldest cities in America by entirely immersing myself in its culture. I am so grateful for the Stonehill College Justice Scholars Program, for giving me endless support throughout the entirety of my journey, and the Community Learning Network, especially Jennifer Case Nevarez, for making my experience in the Land of Enchantment absolutely unforgettable. I will be back soon."

Rebecca Darling - Intern - Saint Edwards College (Austin, Texas)
"My time with Community Learning Network in Santa Fe shaped my college education and path in life. I got the chance in intern with CLN after my freshman year of college. I saw firsthand how important it is to respect the Earth as well as each other. I switched my major to Sociology and began to learn about social issues, systems and constructs. I really started to see things clearly for the first time and felt called to give back and create positive change. 
During my internship with  CLN I got to learn more about Native American spiritual practices and sustainable farming techniques. We brought a group of high school students to Taos and worked alongside the people at the Taos Pueblo.  It was amazing seeing the students grow and learn. I am excited to be returning this summer to intern with CLN. It is wonderful to see how this group has grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of their communities. I can’t wait to help with the New Mexico TechWorks project and tech initiatives and see how increasing internet access and Computer Science education will help to decrease the digital divide in our country. "

Matt Moschella - Intern - Fordham University (Bronx, New York)
"I've had the pleasure of working with and learning from Jennifer Nevarez on two separate occasions through Community Learning Network. As a student of philosophy, psychology, and religion, I came to New Mexico searching for ways to live – particularly one that felt right for me. During my two stays I farmed, painted, taught code, and helped design websites. Working as a part of Community Learning Network and New Mexico TechWorks and modeling after Jennifer, its CEO, I was able to offer my abilities to the people I met. I trusted them to hone my skills and guide me to new places, new friends, and new understandings of the world. I was lead to engage in the strengthening of community with openness to possibility and the willingness to serve and learn. By becoming a part of the lives of others I found my place in New Mexico and with gratitude to those who guided me along the way I discovered the joy of working for with and in community. I am now looking to pursue a degree in clinical psychology and enthusiastic to live the lessons I’ve learnt from my time in the Land of Enchantment"