5Questions for ...

Taylor Gallagher

Who are you?

I’m Taylor Gallagher, 21, of Boston. I’m starting at Holyoke Community College in Holyoke, Mass., majoring in sustainable agriculture. After that, I plan to go to Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wash.

What brings you to Saratoga?

My mom and I are here visiting my sister in Wilton for Christmas. I’ve come to the Uncommon Grounds coffeehouse to read my new book, “Roots to Power: AManual for Grassroots Organizing” by Lee Staples. It was my favorite Christmas present — I love books. It’s hard for me to concentrate in quiet places, so I like the noise and commotion here.

What did you do between high school graduation and now?

For two years I worked in a market out on Cape Cod. Then I joined AmeriCorps’ National Civilian Community Corps. It’s a full-time volunteer program for 18- to 24-year-olds to offer community service to nonprofits. I began by residing at the Denver campus, and then I worked throughout the southwest with four different teams of 12 each. I volunteered with nonprofits in Arizona, Oklahoma and Texas, working at Habitat for Humanity and the Humane Society. I did chainsaw work after a tornado hit Arkansas. And in Arizona, I worked on farms attached to the Tucson Food Bank, where some of the produce was sent. That experience got me interested in sustainable agriculture.

What about sustainable agriculture interests you?

An education in agriculture is important for everyone so people can have healthy food and a better life. Developing that food creates communities along the way. Low-income families can be better sustained with fresh produce. Urban agriculture particularly attracts me.

Did your AmeriCorps service reinforce your goals?

Yes, it was a great experience. I recommend it. I’d encourage anyone of that age to volunteer. Besides doing work I enjoyed, I liked meeting diverse people from all kinds of backgrounds.

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