NAME: AUSTIN BURDETTE
HOMETOWN: MIDDLETOWN, MARYLAND
It’s time to meet the next fellow at the Baltimore office! Before joining America Works, Austin graduated summa cum laude from the University of Maryland where he studied criminal justice and criminology. Delving into this area of study sparked Austin’s interest in working within criminal justice reform. He has always enjoyed direct service opportunities that have afforded him experience working with others and getting to form those connections.
After graduating from college, Austin took off to live in Cambodia for two years where he taught English to his local community. From this experience, Austin recognized his passion for teaching and getting to build those relationships with his students during his time there. Austin looks forward to continuing to form new relationships with his clients at the Baltimore office and is grateful for the ones that he has developed already!
AUSTIN’S WEIRD TALENT
He can wiggle his ears
A BOOK THAT MADE AN IMPACT:
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down
Austin found out about this book when he was living in Cambodia. This book follows the story of a family who is from the Hmong community, which was also a community that Austin got to work with during his time in Cambodia.
When Austin is not working, he enjoys being outside and doing outdoorsy activities like hiking and kayaking. He also likes to stay active by playing sports and working out during his free time. Austin has also just started learning to play the piano.
AUSTIN’S CURRENT TV SHOW BINGE WATCH
Succession on HBO
During his time at the fellowship so far, Austin has really enjoyed working directly with the reentry and pre-trial clients. He’s especially been impressed by the tenacity that the clients have for obtaining employment. At the same time, he has also been equally frustrated for his clients in understanding all of the barriers they have had to overcome in order to be where they are. However, Austin is glad to be working with them and to help them overcome those barriers. With most of the America Works offices working remotely, for the time being, Austin is excited to eventually meet his co-workers in person at some point.
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