Et cetera : AmeriCorps Class 18 member spotlight: Caitlin Baker

Caitlin Baker

This is part of the series of profiles of AmeriCorps members serving their country from the Vinton Campus this year.

Name: Caitlin Baker

Hometown: Mattituck, N.Y.

Caitlin is serving a term with AmeriCorps NCCC at the Vinton Campus as a member of Oak 5. Her decision to serve in the NCCC is a direct result of seeing her mother and acquaintances working in the non-profit sector. Caitlin’s mother works for the Habitat for Humanity Chapter in Suffolk County, N.Y. Caitlin believes that their ambition and outlook is inspiring and stimulates her own desire to serve.

Caitlin graduated from Mattituck-Cutchogue Jr. Sr. High School in 2007 and SUNY Oneonta in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in English and a Bachelor in Studio Art. Two years ago Caitlin was able to travel to Italy and Greece with a Photography Class in college. She didn’t know a single person except for her professor. Caitlin learned how to observe difficult situations creatively as well as realizing that happiness isn’t limited to time spent with close friends and family.

Caitlin and her team are currently serving in Holly, Mich. with YMCA Metro Detroit’s Camp Ohiyesa until May 11. The team is involved in numerous activities including building picnic tables, roofing and assisting with camp activities such as a ropes course, climbing wall and zip line.

Some fun facts about Caitlin:

· What is your favorite movie? Into the Wild

· What is your favorite book? The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

· What is your favorite candy? Hershey’s Chocolate Bar with Almonds

· What is your favorite food? Any kind of seafood or steak

· What is one place in the world you really wish you could visit? Morocco

· What do you like to do in your free time? Draw or read