Where are you from?
I am from Pomona, California. Pomona is the 7
th
largest city in L.A County, Home to one of the biggest fairs in North America, L.A Country Fair.
Where and what did you study and how did that affect your decision to do public service?
I got my bachelor’s in history, and it did not affect my decision to do public service, I have always loved serving the community. My favorite memory relating to service has been when I worked at the Pomona YMCA. We held a yearly event called Healthy Kids Day, and we provided resources to parents and were able to giveaway school supplies to all the children.
Why did you choose AmeriCorps VIP?
I choose the AmeriCorps VIP because I was supposed to serve at Ethiopia through the Peace Corps but I got sick so I was not able to serve in Ethiopia and then I decided I should serve my community somewhere near my home. Once I decided to serve in the AmeriCorps I decided on AmeriCorps VIP because I learned from my first job, in a nonprofit, how important volunteers are for a nonprofit and the community being served.
How has AmeriCorps VIP been different or similar to what you expected?
AmeriCorps VIP has been exactly what I expected. I have been able to serve the community but at the same time grow professionally. My favorite part of being a VIP is working behind the scenes and being able to make an impact on the organization.
What organization are you serving with and why did you choose that site?
I am serving with Hope through Housing Foundation. I choose Hope through Housing Foundation because their mission hits close to home. Hope through Housing Foundation’s mission is to break the cycle of generational poverty by implementing programs and services that meet the needs of the children, families and seniors we serve.
