Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Class 20 Corps Member Spotlight: Juan Rodriguez

By: Sarah Williams

Juan Rodriguez, from Puerto Rico is serving on team Cedar 1 in AmeriCorps NCCC Class 20. He arrived in Vinton on February 11 to start his 10-month service term. Cedar 1 is made up of nine people from across the country who will serve together around the Midwest.

Juan says, “I chose to do a year of service because it represents a fresh start in life, new challenges, people to meet and experience to gain as a human being.”

Before joining AmeriCorps NCCC Juan was, trying to get back into college and working as a musician.

Cedar 4’s first round project is at Flat Rock YMCA, in St. Paul, Indiana. Cedar 4 is addressing four key needs of the program including: targeted renovation, program expansion, facility preparation, and program delivery. This project encompasses a range of tasks essential to maintain high quality programs at Flat Rock. Renovating structures and beautifying the grounds improve the look and feel of the camp. Designing and implementing creative new program areas will involve NCCC members in shaping the types of experiences future guests have at Flat Rock.

Some fun facts about Juan:

Q: What is your favorite TV show and why? Breaking Bad because it shows the transformation of a person.

Q: What song best describes you? “Superstition” Stevie Wonder

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up? Dentist

Q: If you could have a superpower what would it be and why? Invisibility, so I could pull pranks on people.

Q: What is the most challenging and/or exciting thing you have done? Joining this program.

Q: What is your least favorite food? Any type of food that doesn’t have meat in it.

Q: What is your favorite book? “Maximum Overdrive; The story of AC/DC”