I was working as a project manager for a non-profit, but I got laid off last June when the state government cut our funding. I wanted to keep serving my community, so when the census job came along the way, I applied. It pays well and I feel like I'm making a real contribution to my community.
I started out in February as an enumerator, making sure addresses were up to date. Now I will visit houses that haven't returned census forms as part of the non-response follow-up operations. New Orleans has been trying to make a comeback since Hurricane Katrina, and the data that we're collecting will help get proper funding and representation in the government. We can get $1,300 for every form completed--it's like free money.
After the census, I hope I can continue working with government as a community activist. I don't put myself in a box when it comes to jobs--I've been an elementary school teacher, a worker at the Red Cross Center, and an extra in Treme on HBO. I'll do anything as long as there is a focus on service.
NEXT: Hector Maldonado
