Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Class 19 Corps Member Spotlight: James Wilborn

By: Rebecca Bigler

James Wilborn, from Mountain Pine, Arkansas, is a member of Maple 4 in NCCC’s Class 19. He arrived in Vinton on February 5, 2013, to start his 10-month service term on a team of people between the ages of 18 and 24. Maple 4 is made up of nine people from across the country, and they will serve together in a number of service projects across the North Central Region.

James heard about NCCC through a former member, and saw the program as an opportunity to do two things at once. He could give back to the community, while at the same time help pay for his college education.

James brings several skills with him to NCCC, which will help throughout his term to carry out his role as a Corps Member. He has excellent reading skills, and a strong work ethic. The latter trait will be especially useful to get things do on the varied projects Maple 4 will undertake throughout his term.

Prior to NCCC, James was attending his first year at Henderson State University, with an undecided major. He graduated from Jessieville High School in May of 2012. After finishing the program, he hopes to return to school to finish his degree.

Maple 4’s current project is in Willow River, Minnesota. The team is assisting with camp programming, meal service, and facility upgrades at One Heartland, which is a camp for people who are facing social isolation due to HIV/AIDs, homelessness, Type 2 Diabetes, and identifying GLBTQ. Facility upgrades includes the construction of a goat barn, and construction and installation of raised garden beds in front of cabins.

Some fun facts about James:

Q: What is your favorite movie? Across the Universe

Q: What is your favorite book? The Mark of Athena

Q: What is your favorite candy? 3 Musketeers

Q: What is your favorite food? Pizza

Q: What is your favorite animal? Cat

Q: Who is your favorite super hero? Superman

Q: What is one place in the world you really wish you could visit? Paris

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? Read