I am a graduate student at Illinois State University studying sociology within the Applied Community Economic Development Program through the Stevenson Center. Prior to enrolling in the Master's program, I served as an AmeriCorps member in City Year Kansas City providing added support in a classroom setting as a primary focus. I now continue to serve as an AmeriCorps member at a non-profit called Hope Meadows located in Rantoul, IL which provides below-market rent housing in exchange that residents provide 6 hours of volunteering within the 22 acre community per week.