From small-town roots to big-city dreams, Charleatha is a world-changer in the making. Currently serving as an AmeriCorps Teaching Assistant in Atlanta, she is dedicated to shaping the future of her community and leaving a lasting mark through her commitment to education and service.
Learn more about her journey below!

Why did you join AmeriCorps?

I joined AmeriCorps to be a part of something bigger than me. AmeriCorps has a vast array of special programs that I can participate in, however, education has my heart. Working with children in the elementary setting has been such a joy, and it's always something different every day.

What do you like most about working with your students?

What I like most about working with my students is that each child has different learning experiences in the classroom. To see their face light up when they sound out a word or get a 100 on their spelling makes me proud of my progress with each student I work with, as well as theirs.

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

What I hope to gain from my Hands on Atlanta experience is that I can do anything I put my mind to. Leaving my comfort zone in my hometown, transitioning somewhere unfamiliar, and helping kids learn to love and enjoy school as I did. Also, having elementary education experience works well if I decide to go back to school.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself in five years as a Mental Health Counselor working with children in the school setting or in foster/adoption agencies

When you’re not mentoring/tutoring, what do you like to do for fun?

Since I'm new to the Atlanta area, I like to explore different places. I like to go to art galleries, food halls, concerts of the artists I like, and the beautiful parks downtown.

What do you love about Atlanta?

What I love about Atlanta is how rich the city is in history. I'm from a small city in central Florida, transitioning from seeing almost no one who looks like me in most places to seeing my people in every setting, it's such a joy. Atlanta has treated me well, and I enjoy the city so much!

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 more!

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