What inspired you to become a #CaliforniansForAll College Corps fellow?

I’m from Long Beach. My great grandmother who raised me was absolutely obsessed with trees. She would always take me and my brother out on weekend excursions to visit parks around SoCal. She gave that energy to me, and I realized how much I love being outdoors, especially being up here where I’m surrounded by nature. I applied to College Corps my freshman year and bowed out because I was unfamiliar with Chico. I wanted to give myself a break and not step directly into everything new all at once, I didn’t even know where most places were in my new town. In my third year on campus, one of the advisors said I should come back to College Corps, and I decided to reapply.

How has your service impacted you and your community?

When we’re clearing out invasive species in Bidwell Park – because it’s a public park – people passing by thank us for our work or stop and ask questions and try to learn more about what were doing. It’s nice that they’re accepting of what we do. Working outdoors, I get more of a hands-on learning experience with different types of native plants that my classes don’t necessarily teach about. College Corps has given me the opportunity to learn things within my own major but even about subjects like financial success. It’s an all-around good program that’s helped me grow as a person.

What is something you’ve done during your service that makes you feel proud?

I was really shy at first, and I have never been out in front of a community talking about what I’m doing. I’m part of project right now that’s bringing awareness about invasive species that community members may have in their back yards.

I spearheaded the presentation about our project progress to our College Corps director and she loved it. I’m getting better at public speaking, and that’s made the most difference to me because it means I may be able to step into a leadership role and bring something to the community that they don’t normally get from people of my color.

What advice would you give to a new fellow or someone who is considering College Corps?

Lean on the support you have in College Corps, that’s where you get most of the hours and the connections you need to be successful in this program. Even if you’re new and feel isolated, understand that other people are going through the same thing at the exact same time.

Sometimes it’s scary but make friends and connect with your advisor and share any issues or challenges you’re facing, “hey, I don’t feel comfortable doing this,” or “I don’t know where to start.” If someone needs transportation, maybe you and your fellows can figure out how to carpool together.

You’re not going to be perfect at your job and you may not like it, but you can depend on the people around you for help. We’re all going through the same thing and it’s worth it to build a community.