Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Class 19 Corps Member Spotlight: Paul Smith

Paul Smith, from Detroit, Mich., is a member of Oak 6 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 6 is made up of seven people from across the country, and they will serve together in a number of service projects across the North Central Region.

“I love doing community service and helping others,” Paul said. “I believe a year of service can help change our country for the better and help people with their day-to-day problems. So many people in the world need help and I just want to try my best to help them become productive positive citizens and strengthen our communities. I also hope the knowledge and understanding I have about helping others and provided service will help someone else to better themselves and one day they will help someone else in need.”

Paul brings a lot of skills with him to NCCC, which help to carry out his role as a Corps Member. He has skills such as leadership, responsibility, and communication and experience. “I have been participating and creating in many different community service projects within the last four years,” he said. “I am very creative and always complete tasks and projects in a timely and productive fashion. I have good people skills and I am helpful and positive!”

Prior to NCCC, Paul was an intern at a law firm. He graduated from the College of Central Florida in December of 2012, with a degree in criminal justice with honors. He also graduated from Faith Community Christian Academy in June 2009. After finishing the program, Paul hopes to go to graduate school, transfer to law school, and continue to serve others in need.

One unique experience for Paul comes from recently serving as the dean of students for the BELL (Building Educated Leaders) program. “Summer 2010 was my first year with the BELL program, and I was requested to teach twenty-five 8th graders in reading, math, science and behavioral skills,” Paul said. “I was responsible for all lessons plans, behavioral projects, art and crafts projects, and college pride week. I feel the need of the public school students and their concerns. Each student encouraged one another and they were all positive. The program has improved a great amount. I learned that helping others in need is very important in our world today!”

Oak 6’s current project runs from May 3 to June 25 with Milwaukee County Parks and Recreation in Milwaukee, Wis. In partnership with Milwaukee County Parks, Recreation & Culture and The Nature Conservancy, Oak 6 is assisting with land management and recreation projects such as invasive species removal, trail maintenance and trail construction.

Some fun facts about Paul:

Q: What is your favorite book? Helen Keller

Q: What is your favorite candy? Don’t eat candy!

Q: What is your favorite food? Turkey

Q: What is your favorite animal? Dog

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

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? Read my law book PDF and play poker