My name is Athena Hatfield, and I have just started my year of service as an AmeriCorps VISTA at the Duluth Community School Collaborative. I recently graduated from Luther College in Decorah, IA, where I studied sociology and linguistics. I grew up in Minnesota and am really excited to stay within the state while moving to a new community to be here in Duluth! I am passionate about addressing barriers to education, which I believe is a foundation for positive social change. This requires supporting students in all aspects of their well-being, including access to basic needs, a supportive community, and programs designed to respond to their and their families’ stated needs. I will be supporting the Duluth Community School Collaborative through capacity-building, which means that, rather than directly working with students, I will be helping with volunteer needs, fundraising, and communications. I’m very much looking forward to the next year!