Briana McDade - IMPACT Alabama

Why did you join AmeriCorps?

"I joined AmeriCorps because I knew it would benefit me professionally, and allow me to have a hands on approach with the world I live in to help nurture it as a future leader."

What is your favorite part of national service?

"My favorite part of national service is the involvement with the community. I have gotten the opportunity to speak with many parents who are grateful to the FocusFirst team for helping them realize their child's eye-care needs. They stress to their fellow daycare parents how beneficial the screenings are and that Impact doesn't just stop at alerting them to a problem. They appreciate that FocusFirst reaches out, refers the child for follow up care, and returns to the center year after year. In addition there is SpeakFirst, where two days out of the week I am teaching middle school students not only the skill of debate but inspiring them to be better adults. My favorite part of national service is the IMPACT I make in not just one community, but every community I am sent to."

What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not serving? "Sleep."

What is your favorite snack?

"Chips & Cheese."

What is your favorite soda?

"Cream Soda."

What are your plans after AmeriCorps?

"Graduate school for my M.F.A. and Ph.D. in English/Creative Writing."