Meet Molly Sheehan, AmeriCorps VISTA

Meet Molly Sheehan, a recent NC State University graduate who’s currently serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA for the Institute for Emerging Issues (IEI). Molly is a hardworking and passionate individual with experience in research, leadership, and service.

Molly was born in Greensboro, NC and has lived in the surrounding area all her life. She is the second oldest of six children and has always been active and engaged. Growing up Molly ran track, played soccer, danced, rowed, hiked, and kayaked.

She started at NC State without a major, and when asked why Molly said “it took me a long time to decide on what I wanted to get my degree in.” Molly graduated this past December with a BA in Anthropology, and knew shortly after graduating that she wanted to do a year of service.

So what is a year of service? A service year is a paid, full-time position for Americans looking to improve people’s lives and make a lasting impact in communities across the country. Examples of existing service year programs include AmeriCorps, Teach For America, Peace Corps, and many others.

Molly heard about the AmeriCorps VISTA Program through her mom, who finished her year of service as a VISTA in October 2018.

[callout bodyfontface=”glypha” headingicon=”noicon” textalign=”textcenter” type=”basic”]”I have been interested in doing a service year for a long time, even before starting college. I am passionate about helping others and thought that this would be a great way of giving back to the community.”[/callout]

Interesting fact, Molly spent most of last summer in Guatemala participating in an ethnographic field school, there she lived with a family in San Jorge La Laguna and conducted research on current practices and challenges of Catholicism in San Jorge and two adjacent towns. She has always sought opportunities that allow here to utilize her skills and talents to help others.

Molly is super excited to be working with IEI in a number of capacities, especially with our Text, Talk, Future initiative, which is what initially drew her to apply for a VISTA position. “Education and education policy is something I am passionate about, so seeing that IEI values high school students success is great match.” said Molly. “During my time at IEI I hope to learn and grow both personally and professionally. I hope to be more connected to the communities throughout North Carolina.”

Like Molly, IEI encourages you to learn more about a service year, and how you can make an impact through service.