Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Class 20 Team Leader Spotlight: Mike Fernandez

By: Krista Eichhorst

Mike Fernandez, from Towaco, N. J., is the team leader for Hickory 5 in AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps’ Class 20. He arrived in Vinton on July 22, 2013, to start his 11-month service term leading a team of people between the ages of 18 and 24. Hickory 5 is made up of nine people from across the country and they will serve together on emergency management and long-term recovery projects with FEMA.

Mike learned about the FEMA Corps program from his sister who had served in NCCC and also served as a team leader with FEMA Corps. “I chose to do a year of service because I wanted to help people and make their lives better,” he says. “I have already completed a year of service with NCCC based out of the Atlantic Region and have seen the change and good of serving and have now caught the ‘service bug.’”

Mike graduated from Colts Neck High School in 2010. “I had tried a year of college,” he says, “but was unsure as to what I wanted to do. So instead of digging a deeper hole of debt, I decided to use my time and serve with NCCC to figure out exactly what I want to do while achieving my goal of helping people and improving their lives.” After completing his term of service with FEMA Corps, he plans on serving in his community while taking a few college courses.

Serving with NCCC was a transformative experience for Mike. “It took me all over the east coast with the purpose of improving people's lives and was a life experience that will never be forgotten,” he says, “and I am lucky enough to serve again, but this time with FEMA Corps.”

Some fun facts about Mike:

Q: What is your favorite TV show? Currently Dr. Who

Q: What song best describes you? “Let’s See How Far We’ve Come” by Matchbox 20

Q: What will be your first words of advice for your team members? Take it in with an open mind

Q: What is one place in the world that you really, really wish you could visit? Ireland

Q: If you could come back as an animal which animal would it be and why? An owl so I could fly and be wise

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? Watch shows online or bake

Q: Could you give us one reason to join AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps? All the good that can be done is reason enough