Et cetera : Who’s Who of AmeriCorps NCCC Class 17 -Drew Simmons

Drew Simmons can still make "hospital corners."

Today’s spotlight is Drew Simmons who hails from Arroyo Grande, CA.  Working in the field as the Team Leader of Cedar 3, Drew has his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of California Davis.  Last year, Drew worked at a Nuclear Power Plant for the Radiation Protection Department before deciding to join the American Red Cross through the AmeriCorps VISTA program. Drew joined NCCC because his service with the Red Cross was more of an administrative and capacity building position. He wanted to do something more hands on and disaster response related.  He has always had a need to explore and have adventures and wants to visit new places.  He has not spent much time in the North Central area of the USA so this is a very exciting opportunity for him. 

Q: What were you doing before NCCC?

A: I served a year as an AmeriCorps VISTA with the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana

Q: What was your first job?

A: My first job was working for my parents in our hotel. I would work behind the front desk and clean rooms. To this day, I can still say I can make a bed in under a minute and have perfect hospital corners.

Q: Who is your favorite actor?

A: Adam Sandler will always be one of my all time favorites even if his latest movies haven't been the greatest.

Q: What will be your first words of advice for your team members?

A: Be respectful while in this program. You need to understand that this is a team and if everyone is respectful, this year will go so much better. Members need to know that this doesn't only apply toward their team leader and teammates; it applies to the program as a whole. Respect and honor are themes that need to be stressed in order to succeed in my team.

Q: One place in the world you really wish you could visit? Why?

A: I'm a traveler so this is a tough decision. I'd have to say China because my mother’s family is there and the tradition that exists is impressive. If I had a chance to visit imperial China before it become too commercial, I'd be a happy individual.

Q: Favorite candy bar?

A: I don't really like chocolate, but if I had to choose a candy bar I'd choose Twix. Really I'd pick sour patch kids or starburst as the only candy I like.

Q: Are there any sayings your parents repeated over and over that you can still remember clearly?

A: An education is important, go to college because without college you can't succeed in life. I took that to heart and graduated from University of California at Davis in four years with two bachelor degrees.

Q: Favorite author?

A: Kurt Vonnegut

Q: Give me just one reason to join AmeriCorps NCCC:

A: The opportunity for personal development and growth. For me that comes in the form of tangible leadership experience before I go back to get my MBA.