Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps Class 19 Member Spotlight: Naomi Eshleman

By: Krista Eichhorst

Name: Naomi Eshleman

Hometown: Hollywood, Fla.

Naomi is serving as a member of the NCCC FEMA Corps team Hickory 3 at the Vinton Campus. She chose to participate in AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps because she wanted to take a year off from school to have an adventure and meet like-minded people.

Naomi graduated from Cooper City High School in 2008 and the University of Florida in 2012 where she majored in history and international studies and minored in Spanish. After her service term ends she hopes to attend graduate school for a degree related to immigration or refugee studies.

Growing up in south Florida Naomi was very aware of different cultures and languages. She has studied Spanish since 7th grade and knows firsthand how difficult it is to master a new language. She says, “I know about the embarrassment and the constant effort it takes. The fact that some people are not compassionate towards others learning English pains me.” Her passion for language took her across the globe to Spain and Argentina as part of a human rights internship program in college.

Fun Facts about Naomi:

Q: What is your favorite movie? Clueless

Q: What is your favorite book? Count of Monte Cristo

Q: What is your favorite candy? Snickers

Q: What is your favorite food? My grandma’s lasagna

Q: One place in the world you really, really wish you could visit? Greece

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? Hang out with friends