Et cetera : Who’s Who of AmeriCorps NCCC Class 17 - DJ Bernat

DJ Bernat

Today’s spotlight is DJ Bernat who hails from Danielson, CT.  Leading Maple 5 this year, DJ attended Quinnipiac University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a minor in music. This is DJ’s second year in AmeriCorps NCCC. He served another term at the Vicksburg, MS campus just last year. DJ decided to do another year because he believes very strongly in NCCC as an organization and wants to do everything he can to ensure the program thrives. He wants to do as much as he can to ensure that the Corps Members on his team can have an experience that's as rewarding as his was. After his year with NCCC, DJ plans on going to graduate school to get his Masters in School Psychology.

Q: What were you doing before NCCC?

A: I was working two part time jobs - one as a mentor for young adults referred to the non-profit I was at by the CT Department of Children and Families and another at an after school program for children and young adults with special needs, primarily those with autism. I was also going to school part time preparing to pursue a degree in School Psychology.

Q: What was your first job?

A: Tree shearer at a local Christmas tree farm. Turns out they don't naturally grow in that lovely triangular shape.

Q: Who is your favorite actor?

A: Daniel Day-Lewis

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

A: Be patient and flexible and most importantly just be nice to each other.

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

A: I've always wanted to go to Japan, I love a lot of Japanese culture (films, novelists, etc.) and it seems like it'd be an interesting experience.

Q: Favorite candy bar?

A: Hershey's with almonds!

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

A: None in particular come to mind.

Q: Favorite author?

A: Kurt Vonnegut or Haruki Murakami, depending on the day.

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

A: Because you'll have some of the best experiences of your life with some of the most unique and fantastic individuals you could ever meet.