Y’all, we are so excited to introduce you to this month’s AmeriCorps Member Spotlight, Demetrius Vaughn!
Demetrius is an Atlanta native and serves as an Academic Tutor at Drew Charter Elementary School. Demetrius has stepped in and established himself as a trustworthy and knowledgeable resource to students and the team at Drew EA. He thrives under pressure and constantly goes the extra mile for his students every chance he gets. After serving as an Academic Tutor, Demetrius is also planning on pursuing even more service to our country in the Peace Corps. During his time with Hands On Atlanta, Demetrius has shown the initiative to get the job done plus more. He truly embodies our motto of “Do Something Good”. Thank you for your dedication and commitment towards making a difference in the communities we serve.
So, Demetrius, tell us: why did you join AmeriCorps?
The reason I joined AmeriCorps has so many different reasons. One of the main reasons was my need to help in the city that I grew up in. I believe as a native of Atlanta it is my duty to give back to the community that raised me. As a kid I was someone who did not have the opportunity to have someone be there for me every step of the way, Instead, I had to figure out things on my own. I do not want any kid to feel like they are not important, we all need love and care, so I wanted to make sure that I make every kid I come across feel special. My goal is to ensure that I continue to light the flame of every kid that I come across because we all have a flame sometimes it just needs some extra care. So, I am here to ensure that the light and flame they have been reinforced.
“We are all fighting for a better Atlanta and that is what I love most about the city.”
What do you like most about working with your students?
One thing I love most is connecting with the students and seeing how our relationship grows over time. They go from not knowing who I am to feeling comfortable with me and becoming inseparable. I love them really because each of them is special to me in their own way. They really keep me on my feet and remind me to never let go of my inner child, and that is important to me. Working with my students reminds me that I am just a resource in this little time, that is here to help them along the way. Hopefully, they remember me, but If they do not it's okay too, because I want to positive impact on their journey. Working with young kids can be challenging but I love the work that I do.
What do you hope to gain from this experience?
I hope to honestly say that I have made a positive impact on the youth, in a way that they will remember. I also want to gain experience being a teacher and showing myself that no matter what I can do anything that I put my mind to. This experience was challenging to me, but I would not change it for nothing. I am glad to serve and glad to be a resource to all the kids I work with.
“This experience was challenging to me, but I would not change it for nothing. I am glad to serve and glad to be a resource to all the kids I work with.
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Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully out of the country working with my non-profit to teach kids how to become photographers, videographers, and multimedia artists. My hope is to be going around from city to city, and around the world empowering youth to express themselves through their creativity. Empowering youth to express themselves in a constructive way is vitally important to me.
When you’re not mentoring/tutoring, what do you like to do for fun?
Normally when I’m not doing those, I’m outside with my camera taking photos around the city. I’m a street photographer so I do my best to capture street art, people, and anything catches my eye. I also like to consider myself a foodie, so I’m actively trying to find new restaurants to eat at. Also, I love to go vinyl shopping and thrifting those are two of my favorite things to do honestly.
What do you love about Atlanta?
I truly love the vibrance of the city and the people of the city. Atlanta is such a beautiful place with so much culture and long history, I truly enjoy how some of us try to preserve that history. We love our city because of the people it has made us into today, from College Park all the way down to the West End. Each part of the city has its own culture and vibe, that is what make the city so beautiful. As much I love the city, I can point out the problems that exist here as well. Thats why I love the city it is not perfect , but at least we can address our grievances. This is the city where civil rights and activism is championed from the community farms to those fighting back against oppression. We are all fighting for a better Atlanta and that is what I love most about the city.
Are you interested in learning more about a year of service through the Hands On Atlanta AmeriCorps program? Click here to see all the program benefits, what you’ll do and to start your application for the 2023-24 term.
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