Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Class 19 Corps Member Spotlight: Corey Ayers

Corey Ayers, from Apopka, Fla., is a member of Maple 3 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 3 is made up of 11 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 love to do community service,” Corey said. “Although I have not recorded all my service hours, I have received ribbons and medals for my service. To know I have changed the lives of others in my community is enough of a reward. It also gives me experience and training while putting less of a burden on my parents.”

Corey brings several skills with him to NCCC, which help him be successful in his role as a Corps Member. He has public speaking skills and ability to work in a team with others. “I was one of the top leaders in my MCJROTC(Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) program so I have many skill sets. I effectively led community service projects under the supervision of the Marine instructors. I know the qualities of being a leader and at times a follower. I learned valuable organization skills and goal setting.”

Prior to NCCC, Corey was about to attend Universal Technical Institute. He graduated from Apopka High School in June of 2012. After finishing the program, Corey hopes to complete another term with NCCC.

When serving in MCJROTC, Corey had a very unique experience. “I was supervising the parking at Zellwood corn festival when a little kid walked up to me and handed me a quarter saying ‘Thank you for defending our country’ and walked away,” Corey said. “I was in my uniform. I thought it was the coolest thing.”

Maple 3 just completed a project that ran from May 3 to June 24 with Habitat for Humanity of Mahoning County in Struthers, OH. The team was working to provide high quality affordable housing to families and individuals who could not qualify through traditional means. Members were trained in residential construction, green building techniques, and volunteer management while engaging in the project.

Some fun facts about Corey:

Q: What is your favorite movie? Second Hand Lions

Q: What is your favorite book? Awakened series

Q: What is your favorite candy? Carmellos

Q: What is your favorite food? Buffalo chicken

Q: What is your favorite animal? Dog

Q: Who is your favorite super hero? Robocop

Q: What is one place in the world you really wish you could visit? Japan

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? Video games and volunteering