Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Class 19 Corps Member Spotlight: Danielle McDonald

Danielle McDonald, from Two Harbors, Minn., is a member of Maple 2 in NCCC’s Class 19. She arrived in Vinton on February 5, 2013, to start her 10-month service term on a team of people between the ages of 18 and 24. Maple 2 is made up of nine people from across the country, and they are serving together in a number of service projects across the North Central Region throughout their term.

“I chose a year of NCCC service because through it, I will be able to help others and various communities, and learn many valuable skills which will aid me in the future,” Danielle said when asked why she joined the program. “I wanted to take a gap year between high school and college, but with that gap year I wanted to be doing something important and worthwhile with that time.”

Danielle, known to most as Dani, brings several skills with her to NCCC, which help her be successful throughout her term with the program. She is eager to work hard, help others and learn. She is also a writer.

Prior to joining NCCC, Dani was working part time and writing. She graduated from Harbor City International School in June 2012. After finishing the program, Dani plans on attending a university and furthering her education, though she is not sure yet where she wants to go.

Dani has a unique experience from her past that left a big impact on her. “In the summer of 2007, I was a part of the People to People Student Ambassador Program and spent three weeks in Europe,” she said. “I met so many fantastic people that were so kind and giving, and the whole experience really changed me and instilled a need to give back to the world in any ways I am able.”

Maple 2 is currently working from August 10 to September 26 with Habitat for Humanity – Mid Ohio in Columbus, Ohio. The team is assisting in various roles related to construction production. These areas include new construction, ReBuilds, House Lead Assistant and construction support. While assisting on their new construction sites, Maple 2 is assisting in some of the following phases: floor truss installation, wall framing, garage construction, insulations, roofing, window/door installation and drywall.

Some fun facts about Dani:

Q: What is your favorite movie? Avatar

Q: What is your favorite book? The Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac

Q: What is your favorite candy? Lemon drops

Q: What is your favorite food? Grilled cheese or potatoes

Q: What is your favorite animal? Tie between wolves, bears, and cats

Q: What is your favorite super hero? Hellboy

Q: What is one place in the world you really wish you could visit? EVERYWHERE. (But especially the British parts)

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? Write, read, play guitar, paint, doodle, write nonsensical poems and stories and whatnot