Olivia Dunn

Hometown: Jacksonville,FL

Educational Background: B.S. Dietetics from Florida State University

Host Site: YMCA Clay County

What is your role at your host site?

I provide healthy living education on nutrition and physical activity to youth in Clay County at the YMCA’s after-school elementary programs.

Why did you join AmeriCorps/ National Health Corps?

Even though I am from Jacksonville, I did not know about the program until I studied abroad in Italy where I studied malnutrition and hunger throughout the world. This experience opened my eyes, and made me want to make a difference in my community. The National Health Corps is a perfect fit because for a year; I get to serve my community. I am a strong believer the best way to help your community is to give back to it. My way of giving back to the community I grew up in is to commit to a year of service.

What are you hoping to gain from your year of service?

I am hoping to gain a few different things from the year of service. I want to gain a better understanding of health issues that are prevalent in the Jacksonville area. I also am hoping to see the impact that I have had on the student’s I will be teaching from when I administer their pretest to their posttest. Lastly, I want to gain experience and strengthen skills sets that will allow me work in the healthcare field in Jacksonville, FL.

What are your plans after AmeriCorps service?

My plans are going to graduate school for a Master’s of Health Administration degree, while hopefully working in a nonprofit organization in Jacksonville, FL.

Where do you envision yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I see myself being a Program Director at a non profit organization in Jacksonville, FL.