Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Class 19 Team Leader Spotlight: Calvin Landrum

By: Rebecca Bigler

Calvin Landrum, from Waco, Texas, is the Team Leader for Oak 7 in NCCC’s Class 19. He arrived in Vinton on January 8, 2013, to start his 11-month service term leading a team of people between the ages of 18 and 24. Oak 7 is made up of 10 people from across the country, and they will serve together in a number of service projects across the North Central Region.

“When considering alternatives after graduation, I realized that I would need to gain some skills and experience before really jumping into my chosen career field,” Calvin said. NCCC was, to Calvin, the perfect place to do grow and do something different. “Serving this year has so many benefits, both personally and professionally, that it would be a bad idea for me to not jump on the opportunity and give it all that I have.”

Calving has several skills that he brings with him to the Team Leader position. “I bring with me the ability to relate and connect with just about anyone,” Calvin said. “With a varied background comes common ground, so speaking to people comes very easily.”

Prior to joining NCCC, Calvin was trying to figure out what he wanted to do with his life, and how he was going to make a difference. Calvin had graduated from Sul Ross State University in December of 2012 with a degree in business administration. He also graduated from Oglesby High School in 2008.

Oak 7’s first project runs from March 11 to April 25 with Sherman Lake YMCA in Augusta, Michigan. The team is serving as cabin leaders for school groups (typically 5th and 6th graders) in which they are assisting in their Integrated Education program. Members are providing a positive atmosphere while serving as overnight cabin counselors to the school children – as such, completing community commitments, providing a safe and healthy cabin atmosphere in which the campers will thrive, and guiding children to and from different camp activities. Members are helping reinforce qualities such as Honesty, Respect, Caring, and Responsibility.

Some fun facts about Calvin:

Q: What was your first job? Dishwasher at The Coffee Shop Cafe

Q: What is your favorite movie? Coal Miner’s Daughter

Q: What will be your first words of advice for your team members? “Enjoy the feeling of being tired.”

Q: What is one place in the world that you really, really wish you could visit? Mexico City

Q: What is your favorite candy? 100 Grand

Q: If you could come back as an animal which animal would it be and why? Lion, because they are fierce!

Q: Are there any sayings your parents repeated over and over that you can still remember clearly? “It all comes out in the wash.”

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? Drive to nowhere.

Q: Could you give us one reason to join AmeriCorps NCCC? Traveling