Nikolas Harvan-Matosich, from Ellicott City, Ma., is a member of Maple 5 in NCCC’s Class 19. He arrived in Vinton on February 5, 2013, to start his 10-month service term on a team of people between the ages of 18 and 24. Maple 5 is made up of nine people from across the country, and they are serving together in a number of service projects across the North Central Region throughout their term.
“Doing a week of service is not enough,” Nikolas said. “I want to see something from start to finish. I want to make a positive difference in at least one person’s life, if not many more.” He added that he also joined NCCC in order to learn and develop skills to help him in the future.
Nikolas brings several skills with him to NCCC, which help him be successful in his role as a Corps Member. He has an ability and eagerness to work in nearly any environment, to work with others or alone, to teach and learn, to listen and to be flexible.
Prior to NCCC, Nikolas was working for Howard County on the tree maintenance crew. He graduated from Florida State University in December 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies. He also graduated from Satellite High School in May of 2007. After finishing the program, he would like to either find a full time job as a firefighter, park ranger or maintenance worker. Other options he has are to join the Marines, or find another service project to get involved with.
Maple 5 is currently on a project that runs from July 16 to July 31 with Earth Tipi in Manderson, S.D. The team is assisting with meeting Earth Tipi’s mission of empowering people on Pine Ridge Reservation by teaching natural building and permaculture techniques. The team is creating a swale, building a wetland, building an interpretive trail, conducting a summer camp, and leading volunteers in the garden.
Some fun facts about Nikolas
Q: What is your favorite movie? Stand By Me
Q: What is your favorite book? Earth Abides
Q: What is your favorite candy? Licorice
Q: What is your favorite food? Vegan pizza
Q: What is your favorite animal? Ocelot
Q: Who is your favorite super hero? Underdog
Q: What is one place in the world you really wish you could visit? Death Valley, CA
Q: What do you like to do in your free time? Movies, exercise, learn by doing or reading
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