Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps Class 19 Member Spotlight: Matthew Kelly

By: Krista Eichhorst

Name: Matthew Kelly

Hometown: Spartanburg, S.C.

Matthew is serving as a member of the NCCC FEMA Corps team Spruce 1 at the Vinton Campus. He chose to participate in NCCC FEMA Corps because his life’s motto is “leave the world looking better than the way you found it” and he felt that doing a year of service was the best way to help others.

Matthew graduated from Spartanburg High School in 2007 and has completed one year at Spartanburg Community College where he is working on an associates of arts degree. After his service term ends he hopes to hike the Appalachian Trail before returning to school to complete his degree.

Matthew keeps busy with a variety of different pursuits. He plays eight different instruments including bagpipes, piano, and banjo. He is also an avid hiker and has taken over 40 different backpacking trips.

Fun Facts about Matthew:

Q: What is your favorite movie? “The Darjeeling Limited” and “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”

Q: What is your favorite book? Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut

Q: What is your favorite candy? Gummy Bears

Q: What is your favorite food? Any Asian or Thai food

Q: One place in the world you really, really wish you could visit? Machu Picchu

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? Rock climb, play music, watch movies, and take hiking or camping trips