College Corps is a service program established in partnership with California colleges and universities. Fellows serve on campus or with local nonprofits, focusing on critical community needs such as education, climate action, and food insecurity.
This year, Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula (MOWMP) welcomed three College Corps Fellows in September for a year of service. Each Fellow will complete 450 hours, career experience, professional development, and mentorship.
Meet Our Fellows:
Surieanne Oliveti, originally from Tonga, is completing her nursing prerequisites with the goal of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
Deborah Diaz-Ibarra grew up in Salinas and is studying biology, planning to transfer to UC Riverside and become a research doctor in neuroscience or neuropharmacology.
Audrey Sanchez, from Hollister, is studying psychology. Having experienced homelessness herself, Audrey hopes to ask every person experiencing homelessness if they need help.
All three joined to give back to their community while gaining experience for their future careers. Surieanne explained, “I believe I will gain experience working with people from different cultures, backgrounds, and age groups who come together for one purpose: serving the community.” Audrey shared, “I’m going to gain good experience by practicing my communication, being a team player, and learning new working skills.” Deborah added, “Besides the experience, I will get to meet new people, with all sorts of interests and points of view. I think it is going to be great.”
Why Meals on Wheels?
Each Fellow interviewed with several organizations before choosing. Flexibility mattered, since balancing a full course load with 450 hours is no small commitment, and MOWMP could work around class schedules with shifts starting at 6:30 a.m. But it was more than scheduling. “Hunger affects so many people in our community,” Surieanne commented. Audrey said, “I leave happy and full of joy.” Deborah shared, “This place has become the highlight of my day. I like that it gives me a reason to wake up early.”
Learning the Bigger Picture
The Fellows are making a valuable contribution to our daily operations while gaining an inside look at how a nonprofit this size works. All three had the same reaction: “We had no idea” how much goes on behind the scenes. They also shared how welcomed, supported, and appreciated they feel here.
We are grateful that Surieanne, Deborah, and Audrey chose to serve with MOWMP. Their enthusiasm, compassion, and commitment remind us that service benefits everyone involved.
