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A hundred future leaders were selected from thousands of applicants to participate in STORM CORPS. Find out what motivated them to participate.
Sierra, 20
Hometown: Winchester, Tennessee
School: Florida State University (Graduated)
MTV: Why are you participating in STORM CORPS and what do you hope to get out of it?
Sierra: I love to help people in need…last year I decided to host a family devastated by Katrina in my home. I plan to share the entire [STORM CORPS] experience with my community, and I hope to gain some new friends along the way.
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Adam, 24
Hometown: Auburn, New York
School: SUNY Cortland
MTV: What inspired you to apply for STORM CORPS?
Adam: My mother is a member of the Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team. Her unit was deployed to New York City on September 12, 2001 following the terrorist attacks and on August 31, 2005, two days after Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast. Their job was to sort through the remains of the victims. She was in New York City for 31 days, and in Biloxi and Gulf Port Mississippi for three weeks, working 12 hours a day, seven days a week for each deployment. I became envious of my mother because she had a chance to help in ways most people could not. When I saw the advertisement on MTV for this program I thought "This is my chance."
Knowing that I might be able to impact someone's life in a positive way is worth more to me than anything.
MTV: What do you hope to get out of STORM CORPS?
Adam: After hearing my mother's stories about the courage and resilience of those living in the Gulf Coast, it has made me realize that if they can not only survive this natural disaster but actually be optimistic about their future. It gives me hope that I can get through any struggles that I may have to face. What I hoped to gain was perspective.
Everyone lives in their own little bubble. Mine just happens to be a small rural college town in central New York that is very detached from the destruction that occurred on the Gulf Coast. One goal of mine is to connect my small agricultural town to a cause. Hopefully, hearing about my experience in Mississippi will open the minds of those here who have lived rather sheltered lives.
Maybe by sharing my experience about going to Mississippi with someone locally, I could be planting a seed in that person that will eventually grow into a desire to help in whatever way they can.
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Carlos, 21
Hometown: Visalia, California
School: San Diego State University
MTV: Why are you participating in STORM CORPS?
Carlos: Because of the sobering aftermath of this natural disaster, I believe the fight for social equity to be evermore poignant and necessary.
While interning at the National Legislative Office of the American Civil Liberties Union in Washington D.C., I had the honor of watching the eloquent Coretta Scott-King, along with Secretary Condoleeza Rice, speak in recognition of African American History Month; Both acknowledged that we must continue our fight for equality and never become desensitized or take for granted the work of our ancestors. Their words gained particular significance after Hurricane Katrina. I feel compelled to offer my time and service to those who lost so much but were compensated so little.
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Emily, 18
Hometown: Jackson, Mississippi
School: University of Mississippi
MTV: Why are you participating in STORM CORPS?
Emily: I grew up around Biloxi. I had a whole week [of Spring Break] when I could do anything in the world. It just wouldn't sit right with me if I didn't come down here."
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Alejandro, 23
Hometown: Utuado, Puerto Rico
School: Universidad de Puerto Rico, Mayagüez
MTV: What inspired you to apply for STORM CORPS?
Alejandro: I am from a small town in Puerto Rico called Utuado. When hurricane Georges came in 1995, my town was one of the worst places to live in. We did not have power for nearly five months or clean water for about six months. My grandfather was a patient of a kidney disease and needed medical treatment every three days. One time he had to be transported in helicopter to the treatment center. In all these experiences, I stood up next to my family because I was one of the few people in my house capable of working. I volunteered at my school to clean the flooding. My house also served as a shelter for a couple of family members that lost practically everything.
When I look back 10 years ago, my mind connects all those experiences of Hurricane Georges with pictures of Katrina from the news. I just wanted to help. I am 23-years-old and have great skills because of my past experiences living where hurricanes are common.
MTV: What do you hope to get out of STORM CORPS?
Alejandro: Most of all, I hope to feel the spirit of how one big nation unites to stretch a hand to those who need it most. When I get back home, I will share my experience with my community leaders and the local Emergency Management Office to help them improve the ways we can coordinate relief efforts and re-establish my town in a more quickly.
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