Member Bio: Paul Elliott

Background: I was born in a small town of 300,000 people known as Santa Rosa, California. When I was but two years of age my parents uprooted me and my nine brothers and sisters and replanted us in Waitsburg WA. I spent my days in school until I turned 18 when after being burnt and nearly dying in a car wreck i joined americorp.

Why I chose to serve: I chose to serve originally because I was fresh out of high school and needed a job. I had learned about the program from both my mother and sister who were both AmeriVets. Then after a few weeks at CCY I fell in love with the program. I liked helping people and really enjoyed the company of my fellow americorps servers.

A typical day at my site: My site right now is helpline, and I spend the mornings and afternoons assisting clients with a vast assortment of problems, from food bank cards and shelter to rent payments and perscritpion help. Then at 3:45 I jet over to bmac and fill the roll of whatever-Zara-and-Kristen-have for-me guy. That is a very fun part of the day that is always a surprise.

Plans after graduation: I intend to reapply for Americorp and serve a second year. After that I intend to go to college first CC and then with any luck...Eastern or maybe Central.

Hobbies: I play guitar, I am an avid Frisbee golfer, I am a very big video gamer, and babysitting, which isn't a hobby when you have 22 nieces and nephews it becomes more of a chore.