March 2017 CLF Changemaker of the Month
Alex Caratti, one of our 2012 Sunflower Scholarship Recipients is our March Changemaker of the Month. Alex recently graduated from CSUSM with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics with a little help from CLF. He is the happy son of two loving parents and a sister. He currently resides in San Marcos and while not searching for engineering positions in the fields of alternative energy, sustainability and energy storage, Alex spends his free time as a tenor saxophonist for the MiraCosta Oceanside Jazz Orchestra (MOJO) as well as the saxophonist for his own band, ContraFUNKdus-9. They’ve played dozens of gigs all over SD North Countyand he says that playing my horn is one of his favorite things to do!
Let’s hear a bit more from Alex about his CLF experience:
CLF: What do you like best about Chelsea/CLF?
AC: I admire the strength of the values held by CLF. It is impressive to me that these values have become an even more deeply ingrained part of CLF over the last five years. An organization with that kind of integrity for its values is a shining example to all.
CLF: What have you done, what do you do and what would you like to do in the future for CLF?
AC: The main activity I’ve been up to since interacting with CLF was getting my degree! The scholarship they awarded me was a vote of confidence more than anything. I knew I couldn’t let them down and had to focus on my degree.
Now that I’m graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics from CSUSM, I can look forward to how I’ll be able to get involved with CLF. As a past scholarship recipient, I’m in the unique position to share my fortunate CLF experience with young students to hopefully inspire them to apply for scholarships and be a positive impact on this Earth.
CLF: What is your vision of CLF 5 years from now?
AC: Bigger and better! I envision that CLF and the work it does would be recognized as quickly as an organization like the Boys & Girls Club or Rady Children’s Hospital Foundation. We’ll start in San Diego County and grow from here!
CLF: Are you involved in any other organizations? Past/Present?
AC: Since 2013, I’ve been the treasurer for Art Animates Life, a nonprofit corporation founded by artists and others looking for ways to generate revenue for needy So Cal charities. We produces quality live theater events with ticket prices accessible to nearly everyone. One-hundred percent of ticket sales goes to San Diego nonprofits. Make sure to check out our next production!
During my time at CSUSM, I was involved with a variety of organizations such as the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, Associated Students, Inc., CSUSM Sustainability Club (co-founder), Orientation Team, and the Tukwut Jazz Ensemble.
CLF: What else do you want your fellow changemakers to know?
AC: I want to give thanks to CLF for the investment they made in me and allowing me to get involved with them again – I just can’t seem to get enough! If you haven’t been to a CLF event yet, make sure to get over to our next one!
With that kind of outlook and commitment, it is clear that the future of Chelsea’s Light is in good hands!