Last November, Communities In Schools of Chatham was awarded a $25,000 Ribbon of Hope Grant by the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation to support expansion of the CIS Chatham Youth FIRST (Finding Integrated Resources & Supports Together) program. With the grant, Angela Degraffenreaidt has recently joined Communities In Schools as a Youth FIRST Student Support Specialist and is working to establish and sustain emotionally protective relationships between adult volunteer mentors and a growing caseload of youth at high risk for academic and health problems.
Degraffenreaidt was born on August 11, 1995, in Orange County, and lives in Goldston. She’s a graduate of Chatham Central High School and earned an associate of arts degree from Central Carolina Community College.
“Working as the Program Assistant for Youth F.I.R.S.T. means I get the amazing opportunity to provide students in need with Mentors and Lunch Buddies,” she said. “Every day I get the chance to make a child’s day and develop a meaningful relationship with them and their families.”
What was your first paying job, and what did it teach you?
I was a Youth Counselor for the Chatham YMCA and it taught me to be intentional with every task that I do.
What part of your job would most surprise people?
The fact that I actually get to visit the schools where CIS’ services are being rendered.
What advice would you give someone considering doing the same line of work as you?
Some days will be more challenging than others, but these kids need you.
What would your co-workers miss most about you if you left?
I think they would miss my vibrant personality! I’m always finding some way to make them laugh or smile.
Who is your personal hero?
My dad. He has truly been through a lot the past two years but he keeps going!
Your ultimate “happy place”?
In my solitude with my music, snacks and art supplies.
Favorite weekend getaway:
To a bookstore with friends where we can eat and enjoy each other’s company
Favorite character from a Disney movie:
Princess Tiana (from “The Princess and the Frog”), without a doubt!
When will robots take over the world?
I hope not because I already have enough issues talking on the phone with voice recordings.
Favorite prank you’ve pulled on a friend:
Telling them that they have something on their face just to watch them pat their whole face down and look funny while doing it.
Ever danced in the rain?
Some in my younger years! But have you ever tried singing in the rain?
What habit would you most like to break?
Nail-biting
What celebrity would you most like to hang out with for a day?
Jill Scott, I am a big fan!
What is one toy you wanted as a child but never received?
The Barbie Malibu Dreamhouse...and I’m still waiting.
What’s the best use of a snow day?
With Netflix on, a cozy blanket handy and hot cocoa in a mug.
What’s the most amazing thing about you that most people wouldn’t have guessed?
That I paint and write poetry!
What is the most significant of your life’s goals that you haven’t yet accomplished?
Being able to experience and paint the Aurora Borealis.
Who was the best teacher (in school or at work) you ever had, and why?
Mr. Neal, my 5th grade teacher. Because he saw the potential that all of his students possessed, therefore he would not accept any less from us.
Words or phrases you overuse:
“Like!” “Umm..” “Huh?”
What was the last thing you did that really made your boss proud of you?
Accepting the position to join Chatham County’s CIS Team!
The book you’re currently reading:
“The Hate You Give” by Angie Thomas
Your favorite movie of all time:
“A Goofy Movie”
If money weren’t an object, but you still had to work, what would your job be?
I would be an artist.
One day, when you have time, what would you like to learn how to do?
I would like to learn archery. I had a few attempts last Summer at Camp but I’m a LONG way from being Merida!
What’s been your wildest adventure?
Traveling to New Orleans my junior year of high school with the Science Olympiads.
Your ideal vacation would be:
Somewhere tropical with a smoothie bar!
What’s your favorite snack food?
Nachos! I LOVE CHEESE!
One food you’ll never be caught eating:
Sardines — no thank you!
A fear you haven’t yet overcome is:
Coulrophobia (an extreme or irrational fear of clowns).
Something not many people know you collect is?
Cute trinkets and things of that nature.
What’s the most thoughtful thing anyone has ever done for you?
One of my YMCA After-Schoolers wrote me a letter and had her two brothers sign it and gave it to me on my last day. I read it whenever I’m feeling doubtful.
If you could eliminate any invention, what would it be?
Alarm clocks, because every morning should NOT start off with panic.
If you started a business of your own, what would it be?
An art studio where trauma victims could come and participate in art therapy for an affordable price.
If someone made a movie about your life, the actor to portray you is:
Danielle Brooks
Favorite place to eat:
It’s a tie between Ruby Tuesday and Hibachi & Company.
The one material possession you can’t live without is:
CHAPSTICK! It is my obsession!
The credo or motto you like to try to live by:
“He hath made everything beautiful in His time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
The best advice you ever got was:
To cherish the memories I made with others, for they could be gone in a moment.
What was your dream job when you were a child?
I wanted to be a Ballerina. Tu-tu, bun and all!
What’s the worst injury you’ve ever had?
Breaking my wrist
Favorite kind of cookie?
Sugar Cookies are the best!
Favorite season?
IN SUMMERRRR! (As Olaf would put it!)
What superhero power would you most like to have?
Telekinesis, I feel it would be very useful.
What was your favorite TV show when you were growing up?
All of the shows from the 90s were great but “Rugrats” is a classic!
Favorite band or musical artist?
Right now I’m really feeling Khalid as one of my favorite musical artists.
Favorite dessert?
Key Lime Pie!
What’s your favorite condiment?
When in doubt, add Barbecue Sauce.
If you could never hear the music of one musical artist ever again, which would it be?
The Baby Shark song. Sadly it is engraved in my mind...
If you could instantly learn one language, which would it be?
Spanish
What advice would you give your younger self?
Girl, you are a beautiful soul. Don’t let them get you down. In the future you will grow to be exactly who God destined you to be!
Would you rather explore outer space or the ocean floor?
The ocean, so I could look at all the colorful fish.
What historic era would you like to visit?
The 1920s for sure! I heard Gatsby threw great parties!
What’s the most important thing your job has taught you?
To ask questions; it is perfectly fine that you may not know the answer.