July 2010 Corpsmember of the Month

Vincent Tlatilpa

Supervisor: Emily Byrnes, Natural Resources Sonoma Crew Supervisor

Crew: Natural Resources Crew Sonoma 2

Length of time at CCNB: 1 year

Reason corpsmember was selected: Vicente has been chosen for Corpsmember of the Month for many reasons. He takes his role as Safety Officer very seriously. He strives to follow all safety protocals and expects and enforces the same throughout the crew. He sets a steady, efficient work pace and strives for high quality work. He has perfect attendance and is always on time. Vicente is a good example to others by being respectful to others, committed to this program, and working towards his goals.

Skills training received at CCNB: Chipper Certificate, Sawyer I, II and III, hedge trimmer, flower pruner, blower, planting, pruning, and trail maintenance

Leadership roles at CCNB: Safety Officer

Favorite project: His favorite project has to be cutting privots and other invasives. It makes him feel good knowing that we are helping the native plants grow.

Favorite educational component: He enjoyed health a lot and had a lot of fun making a model of a heart and lungs.

Favorite aspect of working at CCNB: Working at CCNB is great. His favorite aspect has to be that the work that we do affects the environment in a positive way.

Future plans: Vicente plans to attend Santa Rosa Junior College and transfer to UC Santa Cruz and obtain a B.S. in Environmental Studies.

What did corpsmember do before joining CCNB?: He was trying to get his high school diploma, but was struggling with school and was about to give up.

Why did corpsmember join CCNB?: He joined CCNB to finish his high school diploma and gain some skills working outdoors.

How has CCNB changed your life?: CCNB has helped Vicente get back on track by helping him get his high school diploma and resparking his interest in the environment.

What life lessons has the Corpsmember learned from the experience?: He learned that hard work does pay off.

Any advice for young people wanting to join CCNB?: Join CCNB! They helped him get back on track and the will help you too.

What's the most important thing you've learned from this experience?: The most important thing Vicente has learned is that giving up is not a option and to always move forward.