Melissa Ridder, Hickory 5 Team Leader
If you have seen less of the FEMA Corps members around Vinton in the last few days, it's because the teams have traveled to Alabama to begin their FEMA training. They recently completed their NCCC training and will be deployed to disaster areas throughout the country upon completion of their FEMA-specific training. Today's spotlight is on Hickory 5 Team Leader Melissa Ridder.
By: Krista Eichhorst
Name: Melissa Ridder
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana
Melissa is serving as the Hickory 5 NCCC FEMA Corps Team Leader at the Vinton Campus. She chose to participate in AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps because she wanted to serve others directly and felt that the time she could devote to volunteering wasn’t enough.
Melissa graduated from Lawrence Central High School in 2000 and Purdue University in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in art education and fine arts. Prior to serving in NCCC FEMA Corps, she was a full-time art teacher for K-12 students at a charter school in Indianapolis.
Melissa learned about NCCC from a college friend who participated in the program. She plans to use her experience with NCCC FEMA Corps to better incorporate service into her life. Melissa is considering a return to teaching after her service term ends and hopes to ignite and foster a passion for service in her students.
Fun Facts about Melissa:
Q: What is your favorite movie? Manequin
Q: What will be your first words of advice for your team members? Be flexible and remind yourself why you are here
Q: One place in the world you really, really wish you could visit? I would like to visit anywhere new
Q: What is your favorite candy bar? Three Musketeers or Kit Kat
Q: Are there any saying your parents repeated over and over that you can still remember clearly? “You can do anything you put your mind to”
Q: What do you like to do in your free time? I enjoy outdoor activities, physical exercise, and team sports
Q: Could you give us one reason to join AmeriCorps NCCC? The program provides a variety of different ways you can give back to others
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