Staff – Gladys Walter – Americorp Montana Compass Compact Vista

My name is Gladys Walter and I am an AmeriCorps* VISTA with Title 1 Helena Public Schools. I am originally from the small Caribbean Island of St. Maarten/St. Martin. I lived there for 16 years before moving to Miramar, FL to complete my high school education. After high school, I attended the University of Florida (GO GATORS) where I earned a B.A in Political Science with a concentration in Domestic Policy. As a college student, I was extremely active. I served as the Cultural Director for the Caribbean Student’s Association, Public Relations Director of the Black Student Assembly, served as an Ambassador for Civility and Ethics, a mentor at East Side High School via Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law  Fraternity as well as countless other things. While interning with a political campaign during my final year of college, I decided that I was no longer interested in attending law school. My internship made me realize I had a passion for community organizing and volunteer recruitment – things I didn’t think I could do with an overpriced law degree. With the sudden change in career path, I decided that I needed a year off before attending graduate chool and this is how I got involved with AmeriCorps. My project calls for developing and implementing programs that foster parent engagement in Title 1 schools.  I consider myself lucky to have worked with so many amazing people in the Helena community who dedicate their lives everyday to the welfare of children. I can honestly say that I have learned more in the last six months than I did in four years of college. After VISTA, I plan on returning to Florida where I will attend graduate school to pursue an M.S in Family, Youth and  Community Sciences with a concentration in Community Development and Civic  Engagement.
When I’m not doing VISTA work, I spend countless hours playing Sudoku, cooking,  watching Netflix or exploring the great State of Montana.