Sitting down with AmeriCorps Maker Fellow Heratia Brelland

Meet Heratia Brelland! Heratia is an AmeriCorps Maker Fellow (AMF) through the Citizen School’s Makers + Mentors Network (M+MN). She currently serves as a Fellow at her Host Site, Durham Technical Community College (DTCC). Originally from Charleston, SC, Heratia describes herself as enthusiastic, encouraging and compassionate. Get to know her more through our sit down conversation:

What does being a MAKER mean to you?

Being a maker means taking your own wealth of knowledge and using it to make something new. It could be something that helps your community, job or family. It can also mean making something that is experimental or personally satisfying.

Why is it important for ALL communities to have a Maker Space?

So many spaces that are designed for learning are heavily instructed and “by-the-book.” When I reflect on my most memorable learning experiences, I learned the most through trial-and-error. Providing the opportunity for others to experience this different way of learning is rewarding.

You are helping to create a Maker Space at DTCC, what’s happening with that project right now?

Currently, I’m working with the faculty and staff members of our Maker Space team on how they can experience maker-centered learning for themselves. We are so lucky to have the ability to train them on various state-of-the-art equipment that will be used in the space and I’m thrilled to lead that charge. It has been a wonderful bonding experience with my team! Our most recent project involves training on our brand new Computer numerical control (CNC) machines. This will allow students and faculty to make specialized crafting projects with ease. Right now, we are training using wood materials but it can process plastics and aluminum, too.

You received a prestigious grant from the National Science Foundation. What ways will it impact the work you’re doing currently?

This grant was quite the honor! As DTCC looks to expand opportunities for members of the community, we really aim to provide opportunities for students to explore career fields that they never knew existed. The Maker Space gives us the perfect setting to expand the Building and Skilled Trades Program at DTCC and the grant allows us to provide the student body with access to workspaces outside of the classroom.

SHARE time! What personal hobbies do you have and how do they fit into your year of service?

In Durham, I found myself surrounded by a community of nature lovers! Through Durham's amazing nature park system, I have connected with my neighbors and made friends who enjoy nature walks and hiking as much as I do! I save my gaming for rainy days inside.

Thanks for all you do in your community, Heratia!

About Makers + Mentors Network

The Makers + Mentors Network (M+MN) is a STEM initiative of Citizen Schools and advances its mission through three primary models: National Community of Practice, Make For All, and AmeriCorps Maker Fellows. Since 2014, the team has worked toward uplifting STEM mentoring and through the addition of Make For All and AmeriCorps Maker Fellows, supporting maker-centered learning.