June 2011 Corpsmember of the Month

Emily Kaldhusdal

Supervisor: Courtney Stackhouse, Corps-to-Career Associate

Crew: Corps-to-Career

Length of time at CCNB: 7 months

Reason corpsmember was selected: Emily is a stellar, independent worker not afraid to take on new challenges. For the VISTA program Emily is developing two new components to aid corpsmember transition: vision statements and a Work Readiness Certificate. Both will be highly beneficial for the corpsmembers, one to focus their energies why they are still with us and the other to aid them as they move on from CCNB. Emily has taken ownership of arranging speakers for community meetings in both Cotati and San Rafael, and always chooses relevant topics. She has also taken on the task of tutoring a few corpsmembers and helping with organization of supplies in San Rafael. She is always accessible and friendly, and an asset to the Corps to Career and Education departments.

Skills training received at CCNB: Defensive driving

Favorite project: Working with Suzanne in organizing the education office/classroom and materials in San Rafael.

Favorite educational component: Tutoring corpsmembers in reading and writing

Favorite aspect of working at CCNB: CCNB is an organization that tackles two issues close to Emily's heart: preserving the environment and helping people help themselves and make the world a better place. There are many organizations that focus on one or the other, but being able to work here with so many passionate people and address both issues head-on is amazing.

What did Corpsmember do before joining CCNB? She pursued her undergraduate studies in international relations at University of the Pacific and worked at a hotel.

Why they joined CCNB: So many reasons! This VISTA position at CCNB was a great opportunity to be a part of the great history of service in the U.S. It was a chance to do a year of good for the earth and for a deserving community. And it was a chance to learn about jerself, and about working at a non-profit.

Future plans: She’d like to find work in the non-profit sector in the Bay Area.

How CCNB has changed their life: CCNB has reinforced and expanded her values of caring for the earth and its people together in ways unique to CCNB’s mission and culture.

Life lessons learned: The most practical thing she's learned as an AmeriCorps member is budgeting! Emily has also learned how to better and more realistically challenge herself. .

Advice for young people: Life is long, and life is short. One of the most crucial skills you can ever develop is balancing between living in the moment and planning for the future.

Most important thing learned: Take the time to explore who you are, and remind yourself of what you find. The greatest resume, best job, and closest friends won’t do you any good otherwise.