Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps Class 19 Member Spotlight: Carolina Giraldo

By: Krista Eichhorst

Name: Carolina Giraldo

Hometown: Chicago, Ill.

Carolina is serving as a member of the NCCC FEMA Corps team Hickory 5 at the Vinton Campus. She chose to participate in AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps because she wanted to take a year off from school to do meaningful work. She says that through this program she is able to help her community while enjoying a break from the studying routine.

Carolina graduated from Charles W. Flanagan High School in 2008 and the University of Central Florida in August 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. After her service term ends she would like to apply to graduate school or return for another year of service.

During college Carolina experienced two life-changing service trips. One she took with her school’s alternative spring break group, which involved volunteering at a nonprofit in North Carolina called Stop Hunger Now. The other trip she took with her school’s Christian group to Guatemala to complete service projects. She says, “Both experiences challenged me to get up and give my time to a worthy cause.”

Fun Facts about Carolina:

Q: What is your favorite movie? The Mummy

Q: What is your favorite book? Pride and Prejudice

Q: What is your favorite candy? Peanut M & M’s

Q: One place in the world you really, really wish you could visit? Great Barrier Reef in Australia

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? Have random adventures