Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Class 19 Corps Member Spotlight: Hurley Combs

By: Rebecca Bigler

Hurley Combs, from Harrisburg, N.C., is a member of Oak 2 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. Oak 2 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.

“I enjoy helping others but was unable to do it on a large scale before NCCC,” Hurley said. “Also, I have done a service term in NCCC before.”

Hurley brings several skills with him to NCCC, which help him be successful in his role as a Corps Member. “I'm patient with people and am polite and respectful to people,” Hurley said. “I am also very flexible and can go with the flow even when situations change.”

Prior to NCCC, Hurley had completed two years of part time school, working toward an accounting degree, at Red Rocks Community College – Lakewood campus. After finishing his term with NCCC, he hopes to go back to school to finish his degree.

Oak 2 recently completed a project that ran from May 2 to June 25 with the Toledo Botanical Garden in Toledo, Ohio. The team assisted staff and volunteers with the installation and maintenance of plant material for their containers and seasonal displays throughout their 60 acres. The team also assisted in the preparation of the 48th Annual Crosby Festival of Arts which brings nearly 30,000 visitors to the garden. One day a week, the team helped with Toledo GROWS, an outreach program working with young adults in the Toledo area. 

Some fun facts about Hurley:

Q: What is your favorite movie? Back to the Future

Q: What is your favorite book? Sci-fi/fantasy books

Q: What is your favorite candy? Starburst

Q: What is your favorite food? Chili-cheese dip

Q: What is your favorite animal? Dolphin

Q: Who is your favorite super hero? Spiderman

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? Read and play games