Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Class 19 Corps Member Spotlight: Christian Martinez

Christian Martinez, from Escondido, Calif., is a member of Maple 5 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 5 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 wanted to help others,” Christian said, when asked why he joined NCCC. “Before signing up, I had recently become baptized and realized the emphasis the Bible has for using your abilities to serve others.”

Prior to NCCC, Christian was involved with his church, working, and attending school. He completed two years at Palomar Community College. He graduated from High Tech High School - North County in June of 2011. After finishing the program, Christian hopes to finish his associate’s degree at Palomar.

Maple 5 is currently working from August 9 to September 27 with Camp Courageous in Monticello, Iowa. The team is serving as camp counselors for adults with disabilities. Their tasks include schedule planning for the group, leading activities, and assisting with primary care.

Some fun facts about Christian:

Q: What is your favorite movie? Star Wars, Planet Earth, Pokemon – The Movie, Napolean Dynamite, King of Kong

Q: What is your favorite book? Bible, Catcher in the Rye

Q: What is your favorite candy? Snickers, Kit Kat, Nerds

Q: What is your favorite food? Mac and cheese, chocolate pop tarts, puffy cheetos

Q: What is your favorite animal? Spotted hyena, common cuckoo, crow

Q: Who is your favorite super hero? Best Boy, Axe Cop

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

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? Eating junk food, watching documentaries, learning about Pokémon, playing video games, hiking, rock climbing, roller blading, drawing, painting, spray painting