AmeriCorps Spotlight - Noah Doyle

Noah, an AmeriCorps member wrapping up his service at Nevada Outdoor School, gives insight into what he has learned throughout his service. Noah was born in California before moving to the Elko area at around four or five years old. He graduated from Spring Creek High School and went on to work various food service jobs before deciding that he needed a different path. He found AmeriCorps through a parent of a friend, whose child had also been an AmeriCorps member, and from there, he found a job that provided him with the opportunity to be a part of something more and to work with the community. Reflecting on his experience, Noah shared, “AmeriCorps is the opportunity to provide service for people. It’s an opportunity to be a part of a community and do more for your community than a retail or fast food service job ever could.”

One of the most significant personal growth areas for Noah has been leadership. Initially hesitant to take charge, AmeriCorps has given him the confidence to make decisions, such as ensuring the safety of campers during a lightning storm. This newfound assertiveness and leadership have been instrumental in shaping his goals post-AmeriCorps, where he envisions himself as an author or potentially a high school English and creative writing teacher.

For Noah, AmeriCorps has been transformative. It's not just about the tasks he undertakes but the impact he makes on young minds through programs like the Young Naturalist Club. One standout memory for Noah was organizing activities that encouraged children to explore temporary art forms, fostering creativity and curiosity outdoors. Noah talked fondly about the hard work he put into finding temporary art forms, and how much fun the kids had with the project. These experiences have not only enriched Noah’s time with AmeriCorps but have also left a lasting impression on the children he has mentored. 

Looking ahead to life after AmeriCorps, Noah is open to the opportunities that may come his way. He acknowledges that the program has been challenging at times, pushing him beyond his comfort zone, but ultimately rewarding. “You do a lot of hard work, but it's a lot of good work,” he affirmed, reflecting on the impact of his service on both himself and his community.

In closing, Noah mused, “I’ve struggled a lot through my life, and actually being able to do something that’s meaningful has been really powerful for me and has made me feel more confident in myself.” His journey with AmeriCorps has not only equipped him with skills and experiences but has also instilled in him a belief in the impact of service, a belief that is sure to follow him in his future goals and plans.