Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Class 19 Corps Member Spotlight: Nicholas King

Nicholas King, from Antelope, Calif., is a member of Oak 3 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. Oak 3 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 chose to do a year of service because of my love for this country,” Nicholas said. “I love serving it by doing as much community and national service as possible.”

Nicholas, known to most as Nick, brings several skills with him to NCCC to help him be successful throughout his term with the program. He is physically strong and can effectively communicate to anyone if he has any needs or issues within a team. He has experience with volunteering both inside and outside of AmeriCorps NCCC.

Prior to NCCC, Nick had graduated as a corps member in Class 17 at Perry Point, Md. He also attended American River College for nearly three semesters and graduated from Center High School in 2009. After finishing the program, Nick plans to go back to school, transfer to a state university and finish with a bachelor's degree in film and theater arts.

Nick’s first year as an NCCC corps member afforded him some great experiences. “I was given the opportunity to help in many types of disaster relief,” he said, “including tornado relief, flood shelter operations, and hurricane shelter operations. I worked with the Red Cross for about a three week period total, as well as with FEMA.”

Oak 3 recently finished a project which ran from September 4 to 27 with Sherman Lake YMCA in Augusta, Mich. The teamserved as cabin leaders for school groups (typically fifth and sixth graders) to assist in their Integrated Education program. They learned to lead activities as needed, provide a positive atmosphere while serving as an overnight cabin counselor and guide children to and from different camp activities. They helped reinforce qualities such as Honesty, Respect, Caring, and Responsibility.

Currently, the team is on their way to Marquette, Wis. to work with Habitat for Humanity from October 18 to November 1.

Some fun facts about Nick:

Q: What is your favorite movie? Last of the Mohicans

Q: What is your favorite book? Christine by Stephen King

Q: What is your favorite candy? Peanut butter Snickers

Q: What is your favorite food? Subway’s chicken and bacon ranch sub!

Q: What is your favorite animal? Lion

Q: Who is your favorite super hero? Superman!

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

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