Chatham@Work | Leslie Ocampo, Chatham Literacy Council

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As the student coordinator for the Chatham Literacy Council, Leslie Ocampo works to change lives through education. A Chapel Hill native and now Siler City resident, Ocampo studied in Chatham County Schools and graduated from UNC-Greensboro. Her work at the Literacy Council includes intake and assessments, program coordination, student engagement and community outreach. “I get to work one-on-one,” she says, “with motivated individuals and our volunteers to change lives through education.” She’s the daughter of Maria and Telesforo Ocampo.

What was your first paying job, and what did it teach you?

My first paying job was as a resident advisor for my university. That job taught me flexibility, patience and accountability. It also taught me how to work hard, and to take advantage of opportunities to work hard.

What’s the most difficult job you’ve ever had?

This position is the most difficult job I have had so far. There are many components to keep track of.

What advice would you give someone considering doing the same line of work as you?

It is hard but worthwhile work. You are directly helping others do what they can to improve their lives.

Who is your personal hero?

My parents. They’ve sacrificed so much for my future and have done so, selflessly.

Your standard order at a coffee shop?

Hot chocolate.

Your ultimate “happy place?”

Home

Coke or Pepsi?

Pepsi

Where is your dream location to retire?

Hawaii

Favorite weekend getaway:

Virginia Beach

Life on other planets? Yes or no?

Yes

Stay up late or get up early?

Stay up late.

Does the early bird really get the worm?

They really do.

Ever danced in the rain?

No

What habit would you most like to break?

Procrastination

What makes your home special?

The people in it.

Who was the best teacher (in school or at work) you ever had, and why?

My high school civics teacher. He encouraged so many of us to further our education, work hard, and pull others up with us.

Words or phrases you overuse:

“For sure!”

If money weren’t an object, but you still had to work, what would your job be?

A non-profit position abroad.

One day, when you have time, what would you like to learn how to do?

Cook

What do you plan to do after retirement?

Rest!

What’s been your wildest adventure?

Studying abroad in France for six months.

Your ideal vacation would be:

Bora Bora

What’s your favorite one-day travel destination?

Carowinds

Favorite city in the whole world:

Barcelona

The one material possession you can’t live without is:

Cell phone

If you had lots of money to give away, you’d give most of it to:

Chatham Literacy

Where would someone be most likely to find you on a Saturday night?

Home

What’s the worst injury you’ve ever had?

A couple of broken toes.

What talent do you wish you had?

Singing

What superhero power would you most like to have?

Teleportation

What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up?

Arthur

If you could instantly learn one language, which would it be?

French

Would you rather explore outer space or the ocean floor?

Ocean floor