Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Class 19 Corps Member Spotlight: Julia Freedman

By: Rebecca Bigler

Julia Freedman, from Providence, R.I., is a member of Maple 5 in NCCC’s Class 19. She arrived in Vinton on February 5, 2013, to start her 10-month service term on a team of people between the ages of 18 and 24. Maple 5 is made up of 10 people from across the country, and they are serving together in a number of service projects across the North Central Region throughout their term.

“I have recently graduated from college and, having already completed a year of service with AmeriCorps, I feel like I am not living up to my potential,” Julia said. “I want to do something where I know I can make a positive impact in the lives of others. I know it will be hard work and it will be a challenge, but in the end it will be worth it.”

Julia brings several skills with her to NCCC, which help her be successful throughout her term with the program. She has a wide variety of experience gained through everything from tutoring students in grades K-5 to providing security at both high and low volume events. She is computer proficient, and has conversational Spanish skills.

Prior to joining NCCC, Julia was working at a retirement cooperative and Gillette Stadium. She graduated from Rhode Island College in December of 2012 with a degree in anthropology. She also graduated from Classical High School in 2006. After finishing NCCC, Julia hopes to continue to work with a non-profit organization or another job that makes positive impacts in people's lives. She is interested in Teach for America or teaching English abroad.

“I love to travel,” Julia says. “I've visited Tahiti, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic as well as California, all of New England, New York, Virginia and Florida. I love doing, or attempting to do, anything that involves water such as swimming, surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and snowboarding. I also love making ceramics.”

Maple 5’s current project runs from May 2 to June 25 with Ozaukee Washington Land Trust in West Bend, Wis. The team is assisting the land trust and Schlitz Audubon Nature Center with land management including invasive plant removal and control, habitat restoration, planting native plants, prescribed burning, and trail building and maintenance. In addition, they are repairing the preserve’s facilities, planting trees, conducting biological surveys and assisting with education courses offered at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center.

Some fun facts about Julia:

Q: What is your favorite movie? There’s Something about Mary, Aladdin

Q: What is your favorite book? Haven’t read much lately, but Gossamer,Cutting for Stone is a good book

Q: What is your favorite candy? Reeses

Q: What is your favorite food? Peanuts and chick peas, and anything you can make from them

Q: What is your favorite animal? Dolphins

Q: Who is your favorite super hero? Batman

Q: What is one place in the world you really wish you could visit? Thailand, Cambodia, Cuba, Guatemala or Colombia…I would like to visit at least 2 more countries in my life

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? Sleep, play games, watch sports, watch TV, draw/paint, listen to music, walk…anything thrilling and exciting