Today we will meet Roz, one of LCMM’s three new AmeriCorps Members beginning a year of service with LCMM.
Hello, my name is Roz Wilcox, I am from rural Washington state, surrounded by mountains and ocean. The community I grew up in was equal parts farmers and sailors. When I was in high school, I began volunteering at a place called The Community Boat Project, where kids could get high school credit by learning to build boats and everything else. I began working professionally on boats when I was sixteen.
I work with youth because of my own experiences growing up in poverty. Getting involved with the Community Boat Project changed my life. The skills I learned there became my key to success. The people that I met changed my life, and I always knew I wanted to be one of those people.
This year at the Maritime Museum, we’re going to be building a 34′ pilot gig with students from the Diversified Occupations program. I can’t wait to see the students go from shy to knowledgeable and excited, all in four or five months. I also get to support the on-the-water rowing programs- where high school kids in Addison County form sports teams and get on the water as part of racing teams from Vermont all the way to Maine and Massachusetts.
My position at the host site is fast-paced and full of variety, but I can serve assured knowing that whatever I do is making a difference for Vermont’s youth.