I volunteer because helping others is my life's purpose.
Throughout my life, I have done plenty of volunteer work. I feel a great amount of sympathy for others and feel it is my responsibility to help them in any way that I can. I love to travel and meet new people and I found an immense amount of opportunities in college.
Alternative BreaksIn February of 2014, I went on my first Alternative Break to Selma, Alabama, where we worked with an organization called the Freedom Foundation. They run an after school program -- called the Random Acts of Theatre Company -- to promote diversity, acceptance, and inclusion through dance and the arts.
Selma kids really need this, as most of the town is still segregated and deeply impoverished. This is their break, this is their time to express, and this is their time to realize that we must March On. I was so inspired by these kids and their strength, that I was the student leader for the trip in February 2015. Seeing the Selma kids grow, learn, and even graduate high school, shows that the Freedom Foundation is truly impacting the youth. |
Alpha Phi Omega - Omicron TauAlpha Phi Omega is a co-ed national service fraternity which chapters all over the country. This fraternity is strictly service-based, as we get together and plan service events to benefit the world, the nation, and the community. Specifically at Alma College, we make time for trips to the dog shelter, soup kitchens, senior living homes, and much more.
We also work with other organizations on campus for larger events, like Relay for Life and the Boy and Girl Scout Lock-ins. Being a member of this fraternity allowed me to gain opportunities for service, make new friends, and even gain a leadership role, as I quickly found myself as the chair of recruitment for new members. |
Education ClubWith all my other service opportunities, there was only one thing truly missing, and that was volunteering my time in the schools and with kids. Therefore, I joined Education Club, which is an Alma College club formed solely for that purpose. Together, we work to plan activities within the schools and after school, as well as work with other organizations to participate in kid-friendly events in the community.
We did everything from hosting reading clubs for Kindergarteners to participating in Kids Night Out for the middle schoolers. We tried our best to get involved with the Alma PTO as well, by providing child care during meetings and volunteering for their events. This organization really helped me get involved in the schools and meet new people, including teachers, kids, and other volunteers. I served as the Secretary for the 2014-2015 school year as well. |
Kappa Delta Pi - Alpha Delta OmicronAfter being inducted into Kappa Delta Pi, the Education Honorary, I used all of my previously learned communication and leadership skills to service our chapter, community, and world.
While conducting service events, like Holiday shopping for economically disadvantaged children in the area, we also worked to build a network of professional teachers. I was elected New Member Chair for the 2015-2016 school year and initiated twelve new members into our chapter. |