AmeriCorps Featured Members - Chrystal Hernes

We are pleased to feature Chrystal Hernes, who joined us this summer for an impactful AmeriCorps term with the Shirley Heinze Land Trust. Here is what Chrystal had to say about her service:

“I was excited to join AmeriCorps this summer as it gave me an opportunity to serve in my community, but also do something related to my majors! This summer I was able to assist Shirley Heinze Land Trust in their water quality testing program. I helped with the volunteer and in house testing program, along with making updates to the website. In doing this, I was also able to do something related to both of my majors, Chemistry and Environmental Science. Next, I will use what I have learned in this internship to look for other ways to serve my community. This may be another AmeriCorps role or a different internship or job. Thank you for the opportunity to learn from Shirley Heinze Land Trust this summer!”

Why did you join AmeriCorps?/How did you hear about the AmeriCorps opportunity?

I learned about the AmeriCorps opportunity from the Shirley Heinze Land Trust page. I wanted to do something impactful in my community, and AmeriCorps made that possible for me. My mom was also an AmeriCorps member in college many years ago.

What was one impactful project, memory, or experience from your term of service?

One impactful project was helping implement the LaMotte Smart Colorimeter into the In-House Water Quality Program at Shirley Heinze Land Trust. In doing this, I was able to assist the organization in expanding the Water Quality Program, and took things off the plate of my mentor. This enabled him to do other projects he also had to work on.

What is next for you professionally?

I just started my sophomore year at Carthage College, where I major in Chemistry and Environmental Science. I will continue to look for internships and opportunities to expand my knowledge and serve my community.

Thank you, Chrystal, for your service!