AmeriCorps Member Spotlight

Sam Henthorn, Indy Reads WorkLiteracy Coach

Favorite band/musician?

My favorite musician is probably my dad, Doug Henthorn. But, if that seems too much like nepotism, I’d probably say Led Zeppelin.

Favorite memory so far as an Indy Reads AmeriCorps Member?

One day during a group tutoring session, I decided to organize a debate. I thought it would be a great way to make students focus more on talking in English and less on sounding perfect, and in that regard, I feel it succeeded. However, I grossly underestimated the competitiveness of this particular group of students. Instead of keeping opening/closing remarks and rebuttals to a cool 2 minutes, each side ended up speaking for well over 10 minutes for every section, and instead of declaring a winner, I was pressured into calling a draw. While this activity obviously didn’t go as smoothly as I had planned, each side spoke in English the whole time, learned something new, and, most importantly, everyone had fun.

Last book you read?

The last book I read was The World of Odysseus by Moses Finley. 

What is a quote you love or a mantra you live by?

“The standard you walk past is the standard you accept.”

-Lt. Gen. David Morrison

Favorite local restaurant in Indianapolis?

I’d have to say Condado Tacos–I always eat too much when I go there though…

What do you hope to do after life as an AmeriCorps member?

Right now, I’m planning on pursuing a PhD in Classical Studies/Languages and teaching somewhere/doing some serious research abroad (fingers crossed).

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love reading, but since I’m pretty sure everyone who works at Indy Reads feels the same way, I’ll also say that I love trail running. Right now, Eagle Creek is my go-to.

Why did you apply to be an Indy Reads AmeriCorps WorkLiteracy Coach?

Because of the pandemic, I decided to take a gap year before heading off to grad school, and I wanted to work somewhere that would give me more experience in a classroom and give back to my community. When I saw this position open at Indy Reads, I began thinking of how much reading has given me over my lifetime and what kind of an impact reading could have on someone else’s. It seemed to be a perfect fit for my motivations and my skillset, so I applied, and the rest is history!

Something fun you’d like to include?

*Just an insane amount of applause*

Interviewer: Mr. Henthorn–

Me: Please, my friends call me Sam.

Interviewer (visibly honored): Sam, you’ve achieved so much professionally, personally, and I must say, you’re just stunningly handsome to boot.

Me (not embarrassed at all): Please, please, you’re embarrassing me.

Interviewer: Well, the world wants–no, needs to know. Can you do a cartwheel?

Me (flashing a gorgeous smile at the camera): Yes…*pregnant pause*…but just barely.

Crowd: *Completely loses its mind*