Taryn Green
2010 MSSA Recipient, Portage Central High School
For the last five years, I've found a particular joy in volunteering. Many people say
volunteering fulfills them, gives them a sense of satisfaction as they give back to the community
and while I certainly feel that as well, I honestly just enjoy the work I'm doing and the people
I'm doing it with. I have done a variety of things, from teaching at the KAMSC Sizzlin' Summer
Science Program, the Air Zoo's summer camps, and the Kalamazoo Valley Museum' s craft days,
to selling refreshments and manning booths at carnivals such as Kalamazoo's Woofstock, the
Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital's Summerfest, and Moorsbridge' s annual Fall Festival. I worked
primarily with children as I find teaching to be exceptional.
The long term volunteer
commitments I participated in I stumbled across. I was merely reminiscing about the fun camps I
attended when I was younger when a teacher informed me that those camps were still in session
today and that I could volunteer at them. The same situation occurred when I was visiting the Air
Zoo and saw a group of children having the time of their lives imitating planes. I asked a worker
about the kids and they said the kids loved their camps. I wanted to partake in creating that love.
While I loved virtually every minute of volunteering with all my organizations, I found
volunteering at Heritage Community of Kalamazoo's nursing home and the Kalamazoo Gospel
Mission to be most enlightening. Both experiences were people based. I met the most colorful,
interesting people at both institutions. At the nursing home, I met some of the sweetest people
ever, who always, always gave me a hard time about my short stature and lack of weight. As I
poured them coffee, they would crack jokes about flying away in the wind and not reaching
above the table. It was such a joy to be around them, with everyone smiling and happy.
At the
Gospel Mission too, all the other workers were a delight to work with. They had fabulous stories
and beautiful laughs; I hardly noticed the time pass and was dismayed every time when my
services were done for the day. Truly my favorite thing about volunteering has been the people.
Above all else, I learned how to be myself. I used to be fairly shy, especially when I didn' t have
a close friend nearby. But through all my volunteering adventures, I shed that fear. Opening up
lead to such good times with all these people, I couldn't even consider staying closed off. In the
process of helping others, I made some great friends. Even those I just met that one day and will
never again, I'm still grateful for them. They made that day a little bit better, cumulatively
making my last couple years the best ofmy life.
In turn, I do believe that I impacted my community as well, though far less than the
community impacted me.
Each volunteer venue had some task for me that I made sure I first
accomplished and then did more. I taught at KAMSC, but I also trained new teachers. I sold
water at Woofstock, but I also directed people and helped with the adoption tent. By and large, I
contributed a little bit, as much as I could, to each event or organization I volunteered with, but
the volunteering mostly just changed me as a person. Because I learned how many amazing
people this world has to offer, I became more relaxed with people. In addition to changing my
social life, this has opened up more job opportunities for me. I now feel comfortable with a
people based job; I even look forward to one. Even if my engineering leads me to a more solitary
career, I will always continue volunteering so that I may continue to meet people, give back, and
just have fun.
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Nicholas Rocha
2010 MSSA Recipient,Hackett Catholic Central High School
The Kalamazoo Nature Center was where majority of my service hours was completed. This position was first acquired after I worked a few weeks into summer camp. The type of service that I donated involved the energy and hard-work that a normal camp counselor would be required to do. My goal was to encourage the youth about the importance of going outside and to explain the world of nature to them; the more children and teens know about nature the more likely they will respect and protect it. I volunteered often weeks at a time, from 8am-5pm, and assisted counselors with their assigned groups of campers.
The community issue that both myself and the other camp counselors at Nature Center worked to fix was the issue of the lost generation. Society today consists of so many technological advances that lend our youth from the beauty and creativity found in nature. Known as the nature-deficit disorder in Richard Lou's famous book, Last Child In The Woods, children of this era do not go outside as compared to the previous generation. Our goal as counselors is to reconnect future generations through knowledge and curiosity of nature.
Camp was always an excitement in my life. Being in a camp system for over 10 years, I was able to escape everything and spend a considerate amount of time in nature. I got motivated in the project when I first worked at the Nature Center as a paid counselor. I loved doing the work so much, that on the weeks that I did not work I began to volunteer. I truly felt that nature is a doorway for creativity, and creativity is what makes an individual successful.
The services that camp counselors at the Nature Center do strongly impact the community. We advocate and teach a variety of people through our programs. One example was when we had the
Annual Maple Festival and we literally showed attendees that sustainable practices are simple; the utensils and plates were compostable and we purchased materials in quantity. An example that is more camp-oriented was when we held a competitive "Junk Report" to keep the waste from campers as minimal as possible. I know that these programs are both directly as well as indirectly affecting numerous people.
One of the most significant things that I have learned from this service experience is that nature is crucial for childhood development. I remember having a camper who had ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and one day out at camp he forgot to take his medication; he was wild.
We decided to go for a nature walk, and after around 10mins, he began to calm down and almost relax.
Nature has so many properties that society truly overlook. So many of my campers have been "enlightened" in some way just by taking something as simple as a walk.
The service experiences that I have done at the Nature Center have definitely impacted my immediate and long-term goals. During the summers that camp was in session, I wanted to make a difference about the trends of staying inside. It’s a great feeling to be outside and being around a diverse population, and encouraging others to go outside fulfilled that goal. Another immediate goal of mine was to understand how people react to different situations and simulations, and camp offered a variety of campers to essentially study. A long-term goal of mine is to devote my life to sustainable practices and to shift the United States into alternative energy. America has been known for innovation and creativity, but that world view has declined recently. I would like that global status restored; the key of that restoration is through nature. All major changes in life start with that first step, and the Kalamazoo Nature Center allowed myself to take that first step by impact others.
I plan to continue my volunteer work in the future by educating the youth about the importance of being outside. Humans are social beings, and I would like to study the full affects of nature on development. Almost all of the greatest innovations of human history, such as the Wright Brothers first design on a aircraft, arose from the study and awe of nature. The volunteer work that I have done does not only change the lives of campers, parents, administration, and society, but it ultimately had changed my life. I am very proud of being a part of such a beautiful and knowledge filled project. All I can say at this point is for you to go outside yourself and learn the true wonders of the world.
'Go Outside!
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Tamsen Glaser
2010 MSSA Recipient,Hackett Catholic Central High School
When someone uses the phrase "community service", the mind immediately jumps to helping with yard work, preparing meals for the homeless, and caring for the elderly. Though I have participated in this form of community service many times through high school and beyond, my mind tends to land on a different sort of service to my community. The afore-mentioned types of community service are exponentially gratifying to both the giver and the receiver, and oftentimes the gift itself. However, in the last couple years of my life, I've discovered my personal form of volunteer work, one that seems to have been designed just for me.
I started community theatre the summer before my freshman year of high school.
At first, I was just doing it for the enjoyment of being on a stage, performing. As I got older and the productions I was participating in got more complex and deeper emotionally, I realized what I was actually doing for the community by putting myself through the rehearsal process and getting up onstage. When one enters a theatre, he or she can forget. They can let go of all the stress and the pressure they have weighing them down and leave it at the entrance door. When one begins watching and experiencing the production, he or she can relax. Laughter, tears, whatever the sentiment, a person can focus on another's story and not simply observe, but/eel for them. And when the story hits its climax and the moment of truth is exposed, one can remember. He or she can remember all of the times they've been in the same position, however compromising or comfortable, and the ability to release their own emotions is effortless. And when the show is over, and everyone is heading out the once-entrance, now-exit doors, one can pick up his or her stresses and pressures again and carry them with a newfound hope that somehow, things are going to be okay. Because they have just experienced the exposure of someone else's story, and they know for a fact that they are not alone in this world, carrying around the weight of their life. They've been reminded that everyone does.
The arts affect people, particularly the performing arts. When I am performing, I have the ability to go out onstage and show people, through characters and storylines, that I am alive. It's a difficult task, to get up in front of hundreds of people and pray to God that you're not going to mess up while pouring your heart out to everyone in the seats before you. But I know that there are moments in certain performances that I saw eight years ago (and I'm only almost 18... that's a long time for me) and still I am moved. If I can do that for one person in this world, then all of the hard work that goes into the rehearsals and preparation will be worthwhile, because it is necessary for people to be taken out of their comfort zone, out of the small box in their mind that contains only their personal lives and the issues they face. It's necessary for people to see and understand that other people with the same little boxes are surrounding them in the audience. People need to be reminded how to feel, how to learn, how to think, how to hope. And there are certain people in this world who have been chosen to remind them.
I have every intention of continuing work in both community and professional theatre in my future, through college and long afterward. To me, performance is a gift that I can give to the rest of the world around me; one that lasts for many years after the production is over. I enjoy being a part of a large company of over one hundred people, all doing different jobs, working together to create something that one person could never do on their own. It's a passion of mine, to say the least, and I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to take my passions and energy for such things and give it to the community as a gift, a service. There are so many things I would have overlooked had I
not gotten involved in community theatre. I've deepened and widened my range of emotions and sensitivities to others, and I hope I've helped to do the same for them. So, when someone uses the phrase "community service", my mind immediately jumps to this: there is a service opportunity out there that does more than just exist for the moment someone is completing it. It isn't raking leaves or feeding the homeless, and of course these are all beautiful and necessary things, but it goes straight to the heart. My type of service exposes fear, soothes the frustrated, and instills hope in the downtrodden. My type of service is a service of pure, untainted love.
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Jessica Kirklin
2010 MSSA Recipient,Hackett Catholic Central High School
Service has always been a large part of my life, even before I could make the
decision to volunteer. I've always enjoyed helping people and I believe my mother
instilled that in me. As a small child, she would take me with her when she visited elderly
people in our parish. I was always very shy and when I was older I felt uncomfortable
going, but she said that I made a huge impact in those peoples' lives. I find that fact to be
very inspiring and I believe that that is what motivates me to continue my service work.
While attending Hackett, I have performed a myriad of different services for
countless different agencies; I have dealt with varying community issues as well. I
addressed the communal issue of hunger through growing and harvesting fresh produce
from my own garden and donating it to Loaves and Fishes. I tackled homelessness by
assisting with Habitat for Humanity. I conquered hopelessness by donating my spring
breaks in order to help the people of New Orleans re-build their lives. I have discovered
leadership skills from being an active 4-H member and used those skills to promote better
living for "my club, my community, my country, and my world."
I believe my services have had a rather large impact on my community. I feel as
though I have helped a lot of people and I have been a good example in order to
encourage others to help out each other. I know that I especially have had an impact on
the people of New Orleans. This past spring was my third expedition down there and I
have seen a great change in the area where we worked. The residents always tell us how
blessed they feel when they see us down there helping them; it means a great deal to see
young people traveling such great distances and sacrificing their time in order to help out
complete strangers.
I believe the most significant thing that I have learned from my services has been
that everyone needs help. No matter who the person may be, they will always require
assistance with something and there will always be people to meet their needs. And that
is what makes volunteering so great because it is wide open; there is no limit to the type
of services you can perform. It doesn't matter whether the services are great or small
because in the end it still makes a huge difference and can even change a person's life.
Over the years, my services have helped me to discover different strengths and
talents and that realization has helped me to consider different career opportunities that I
may want to explore in the future. As a long -term goal I know that I would want to have
a hands-on kind of job that includes good amounts of human contact. Through
volunteering at the Chef Therapeutic Riding center, I was reminded how much I enjoy
being in stables and working with horses, this may encourage a future job that includes
these characteristics. As for immediate goals, my services did motivate me to apply for
this award, and I am looking forward to its outcome. That is the only immediate goal that
I have as of now.
I would really love to continue volunteering in the future, I think I would like to
set out on more mission trips, like New Orleans, ad be able to travel to new places. For
now, I will probably just continue to volunteer at more local agencies and even explore
ones that I haven't tried yet. I do know that I will always continue to help others in need.
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Ashley Hamilton
2010 MSSA Recipient,Hackett Catholic Central High School
Service to others is a vital part of my life as a Catholic. I have a duty to assist those who are less fortunate than myself. I find it very important to share my faith with others by displaying the generosity and selflessness that every catholic is called to show.
Volunteering has always been a very active part of my life. I have always held it as something that I should do simply because it is the right thing to do. However, I was never able to fully realize what it meant to go above and beyond with community service until high school. My high school has required all students to complete a minimum of 20 hours of service a year, in order to fulfill our catholic obligation to serve others.
I have assisted my 2nd grade teacher and neighbor in her classroom and at her home for five years. At her home, I helped her with various activities such as yard work, cleaning, organizing, and preparing for guests. Being an elementary school teacher, her schedule is always full and she doesn't always have a lot of time left for herself. I found it rewarding to be able to provide her with some assistance around the house to keep her from being overwhelmed. In her classroom, I helped her set up the classroom for each year as well as pack things up for summer cleaning at the school.
I frequently stopped by her classroom after school or when my high school had a half day or day off to assist her with daily classroom duties such as putting up bulletin boards, washing chalkboards, and grading papers. One of the things that I enjoyed the most was helping students read, whether it is encouraging them to pick up a book, or helping them read through a test or quiz. I have always been an avid reader, and I find great joy in encouraging children to read. I think it is very important that children become excited about reading as early as possible. Programs I used with students like Accelerated Reader help children to accomplish this goal.
Other service activities that I took part in include the Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes food pantry. I assisted this organization by cleaning, stocking and organizing shelves, packaging food, and giving food to the hungry. My experience with this organization was very enjoyable. It is very heartwarming to know that you are providing people with the items that they need to take care of their families.
I also took part in serving various dinners for Catholic priests from my diocese. This experience allowed me to show my appreciation for all of the selfless work that these men do.
My service work has helped me to see that no matter how insignificant the volunteer work that you do may seem, it can have a great impact on the people of your community. Volunteering is so important. It is something that everyone should take part in. it has formed me into a more thoughtful individual and has shown me the value of selflessness. I have received so much joy from this work, and plan to continue it for the rest of my life.
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Andrew Elluru
2010 MSSA Recipient,Hackett Catholic Central High School
In the summer of 2008, I began one the of the most life changing experiences I have ever had the pleasure of partaking in. A good friend of mine - after months of pestering - had convinced me to volunteer at Croyden Avenue Elementary school, which caters to developmentally impaired students. I walked through the two front doors naive, but left with a more directed and decisive sense of character.
I have always had a passion for volunteering; I attend volunteer camps, partake in my school's alternative spring break program, and aid in various school functions. However, these service projects were merely means to an end. Although I was happy while doing them, the community projects had more meaning to me as a source of service hours. My work at Croyden began the same way. I had merely signed up for what I assumed would be an easy job to add to my total number of recordable hours. My perspective was completely changed the first day.
Working at Croyden turned out to be more of a challenge than I originally thought.
There was always something that needed to be done, always a mess to clean up, always a crying baby to hold and calm down. It seemed like an awful amount of work to be doing for free. It was at that point that I had my epiphany; I was doing something that every ounce of me was telling to hate, but I loved it more than I can possible explain. I realized that community service truly brought out the best in me. It became a passion, and in almost a selfish way, it became an end to my own happiness.
Because of the circumstances under which I volunteered, my immediate contributions to the community were not immediately noticed. Although Croyden staff would constantly than
me for continuing to show up to volunteer, I felt that I was merely running through the same motions and garnering no results. This all changed on the last day. After three months of attempting to teach a particularly stubborn child, Davie, how to pick up and drink from his own cup, I had all but given up. The process became more exasperating as the start of high school classes approached, signaling the end of my stint at Croyden. With five minutes to go on my last day, Davie and I shared a long stare before he looked at his cup, picked it up, and took a few sips. It was single handedly the most gratifying moment of my life. Even though I had only helped one individual, I was able to recognize that the implications went beyond that; taking a sip of juice by himself had the possibility to be a catalyzing point for Davie. To even think that I helped in any possible way is more than humbling.
Community Service has taught me that true happiness comes a lot easier than many people think. Through the simple task of helping other people, we are allowed to simultaneously share our talents while making the lives of someone else better. There is no better feeling. In order to fill this deep seated need to volunteer, my future plans have shifted, not changed. I have always dreamed of becoming a doctor, but any ideas of volunteering in a free clinic have now become goals, and the idea of opening my own free clinic is now dancing around in my head.
In essence, the volunteering I have done during my high school career has changed my perspective. I no longer see helping others as a burden on myself. Instead, volunteering removes that burden from my shoulders. It is a truly remarkable, intense, and gratifying experience on all levels. Through my work in community service, especially through Croyden, I have gained a sense of community, a sense of well being, and desire to do good for my fellow man.
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Curtis Austin
2009 MSSA Recipient, Portage Northern High School and KAMSC Graduate
My high school experience would not have been the same without my community service. Lessons I learned from volunteering cannot be taught in a classroom. I have gained real-world experience and worked with people in a professional environment similar to what I will face in my years ahead.
I have learned about my community and the people in it. I participated in a range of community service activities in high school, including helping at Graduation and Girls on the Run, assisting an elementary school classroom, being an assistant coach for a middle school swim team, and volunteering at a summer science program for young students. One of the more impacting experiences was collecting over 250 Beanie Babies to ship to children in third world countries. I also worked as a greeter and patient escort at Borgess Medical Center, which was a great learning experience. I have given most of my time, however as the manager of the Women's Water Polo team at Portage Northern High School which allowed me to not only teach others the sport but to encourage others to experience the benefits of team work and physical fitness.
One important community issue to me is the swimming ability of kids in Michigan. In the Kalamazoo area, we are surrounded by lakes and pools, which are visited very frequently by children, with or without proper supervision. Just a couple years ago, we had a tragic drowning at an elementary school party. I worked to improve young swimmers' confidence and abilities by being a volunteer assistant coach for the Portage West Middle School Swim team. Many of the students who came out for the team were not competent swimmers, so I helped them to learn the skills necessary to be safe and enjoy the water. In addition to teaching kids to swim, I helped keep their minds engaged over the summer at KAMSC's Sizzlin' Summer Science Program. This program included not only helping with classes at KAMSC, but traveling to different summer school sessions around Kalamazoo. We performed several science experiments and then worked in small groups to give them a more "hands-on" experience with science. This sparked their interest, and hopefully showed them how interesting science can be and inspired them to work harder in their classes.
One volunteer activity for which I was very motivated was managing the Women’s Water Polo Team at my high school. I have played water polo for six years, and although I was reluctant at first, I have grown to love the game. It is a sport unlike any other, but it is hard to learn and not very popular. I was motivated to get more high schoolers involved, and keep them on the team once they started playing. Managing the team allowed me to do this, and I have enjoyed watching new players grow in their abilities and love water polo as much as I do.
Through the many different volunteer activities I've participated in, I was able to meet a diverse group of people of different ages, ethnicities, economic backgrounds, religions, and talents. I come away from these experiences realizing I have much more in common with them than I thought I would.
One important lesson I have learned (and verified in my Psychology class) is that there are more differences between people within a group than between people of different groups. I have used this knowledge to find similarities and common ground between me and the people I meet volunteering.
My volunteer experiences have reinforced my goals and dreams. One of the things I'd like to do is play water polo next year at college. Managing a water polo team will definitely give me an edge and help me to become a better player.
Furthermore, working at the hospital has reminded me of why I want to become a doctor. It has allowed me to reach out to those in need, which I enjoyed and hope to continue in a rewarding career.
I hope to find more opportunities to continue providing community service in my future.
I would love to travel to a third world country and volunteer in a hospital there. I have taken Spanish for six years and this is a valuable skill I would use and improve while making a difference.
In conclusion, I am very grateful for the volunteer opportunities I experienced in High School.
And I would like to thank the Volunteer Center of Greater Kalamazoo for making many of these opportunities available.
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Simon Boehme, Kalamazoo Central
2009 MSSA Recipient, Kalamazoo Central High School
The public services I have provided have made a positive difference in my community. It is my hope that every action I make will accomplish this goal. I intend to give back to my community everywhere I go throughout my entire life.
My volunteer experiences cover a wide range of organizations, each experience involved helping people.
One specific goal I accomplished was to start the process of bringing a school together. Kalamazoo Central High School has 1,600 students and "Mix It Up!" was designed to bring people together to learn and experience different cultures and meet new people. At Central High School there were many problems, ranging from violence, race issues, and no school pride and I thought dancing would help solve a few of these issues. With the program "Mix It Up!" I helped to start and run, it created a safe environment in which negative actions didn't occur and students had a great time. It is one small step in the right direction for Kalamazoo Central.
Another community issue I tackled as a volunteer was providing communications in a time of need for Kalamazoo County. As an amateur radio licensed operator I was able to take part in emergencies and emergency preparedness activities. Whenever there was a dangerous weather storm in the area that needed my assistance, I monitored the weather, provided damage assessment and reported anything that could harm other people. I consider this a civic duty I have to help out my neighbors and the community as a whole. I also used amateur radio as means for helping with public service events such as the March of Dimes Walk, JDRF Walk, MS Walk, and CROP Walk.
I was motivated to help my peers solve conflicts through peer mediation, be part of VolunTEENS for three years and be part of a positive behavior video for my school was not due to the desire to just stay busy and use on a college application.
It is something that I feel very passionately about, helping other people. I don't really have one specific goal I want to accomplish with my public service, it is a broad goal. This goal is to help people, the community and the world I live in a better place. I have been blessed with many things and I consider volunteering an obligation I have to this world.
My parents taught me too always give back. I want to do this throughout my life and carry this volunteering everywhere I go.
I feel my impact on the community is still waiting to be seen for some projects and already taken place for other projects.
With my work to help form a KC Student
Government, and helping with the policy regarding high school reform for all of Kalamazoo Public Schools will all take time to see what great things come out of them. The potential for the student government is endless and will hopefully make multiple improvements to the community. Yet organizing my churches CROP Walk fundraising is something that has provided immediate help.
The most significant thing I have learned from volunteering is that no matter what you do, what your age is, and what your talents and skills may be, you can always find a way to help someone. And helping other people is one of the greatest feelings in the world. I remember at the end of a "Mix It Up!" event, a freshman walked up to me and said, "Thank you so much for what you did. I think people finally appreciate my culture now." I didn't know what to say, up until that point I was just working to help people and not fully realizing what I had done. It was an amazing feeling that day and after that I truly realized what I was doing and I didn't want to stop.
Yet it is not just for the feeling of personal self accomplishment, it is also to make someone's life a little bit better. It is to help those who are less fortunate than others and who are disadvantaged.
It is too help with a project you believe in and care deeply about.
Experience I have gained through my volunteering is invaluable.
For my long-term goals, I have become a better leader through my experience by listening to people, time management, and perseverance. I have also strengthened my skills of organizing projects through that experience; I have found ways to create new projects to help people. For my short-term goals, I've learned to write a grant and how to get people involved in projects. I have also developed a new sense of what is around me in terms of who needs help.
All of these experiences will carry me forward throughout my entire life as I strive to create a better world and a commitment of public service can accomplish that.
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Kyle Kuzmick
2009 MSSA Recipient, Portage Central High School
I have for a long time been very involved with volunteering and helping others. I have volunteered with various scout endeavors, and through this basic start I came to simply volunteer for fun and pleasure. I appeared to have developed a natural appetite for volunteering and I could not get enough of it. This has led me to volunteer with several additional organizations: our local library, museum, zoo, and hospital as well as the migrant ministry program of my church. Since entering high school I have accumulated over 1000 volunteer hours.
I have developed empathy for those in need.
Because of this and other scout accomplishments, I was selected to join the honor society of scouts, the Order of the Arrow. I am extremely active with boy scouts and have earned the highest rank of Eagle Scout, as well as seven Palms beyond that. Each Eagle Palm requires 5 additional merit badges and 3 months of active leadership. I am now giving back to my troop by acting as an assistant scoutmaster, helping the youngest scouts work through the early ranks of scouting. I have also volunteered at the BSA Council level, through a program called National Youth Leadership Training.
Throughout the winter all of the staff would practice our presentations and make props, and in the summer, serving as an instructor for the program, I would teach leadership skills to other scouts.I have learned the importance of teamwork, respecting the diversity of others and encouraging them to share their ideas.
Volunteering is how I have helped my community. I was helping entertain the young migrants after a hard day of both education and working in the fields with their parents. This would both alleviate the strain of their lives while giving their parents a rare period of free time. At the library I would help to get elementary students signed into and progressed in the summer reading program to help start literacy in the youngest and to keep an interest in reading for the older participants. At the museum I would teach crafts related to that day's theme; young children, usually of impoverished families were the recipients of this service. At the hospital I would serve as a host, greeting patients then escorting or transporting them to the specific unit of the hospital which they needed.
Binder Park Zoo depends on many volunteer hours to remain fiscally viable. My duties were varied: assist a zookeeper with cleaning a cage or pen; introduce the public to "biofacts" about specific animals; staff the zoo overnights for younger children and present and talk about animals that are not on display such as the sand boa or the African bullfrog; and assist with Zoo Boo, their primary fund raiser.
Another aspect of my volunteering is to help the environment. My Eagle Scout project involved repairing and installing over 50 birdhouses in local parks for the Eastern Bluebird. This beautiful bird was once numerous in our area, but its numbers have dwindled significantly due to lack of habitat.
With the Order of the Arrow I have gone to Boundary Waters and George Washington Thomas Jefferson National Forest and built and improved trails. While the tasks are grueling, they make our national parks accessible to more visitors for years to come. I have also gone to the Florida Keys and would scuba dive to clean litter off of the reefs and participated in fish counts for the park service there.
Volunteering is something that creates a joy unlike any other. It is unique and fulfilling.
The most significant thing that I have learned while volunteering is that you get back so much more than you put into it. Whether it be something new you learn while volunteering, or the smile on the face of a migrant child, the volunteer is the one who should be grateful for the opportunity they have been given.
Through volunteering I have decided that I want to continue helping others. Therefore, I plan to attend college and major in biochemistry, with a pre-med concentration, then complete my dream of becoming a physician. I can do many things with my medical degree. Once I am able to obtain a medical license I will be able to participate regularly inside of a free clinic. This would help the community literally one person at a time.
Through hands on service I could help make these people in need healthier.
As a doctor I could join the effort to bring forth health care to everyone. I could promote this effort within the AMA. This is one of the greatest things that could be done to not only help my community but every community in our nation. This is a far off goal but one I am more than willing to help see it through to fruition.
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Thomas Ankenbauer
2009 MSSA Recipient,Hackett Catholic Central High School
Service to others is an important part of my life. As a Catholic, I am called to assist others, especially the poor, the sick, and the suffering. Jesus' admonition to be a servant to all is part of the foundations of our faith, and I take them seriously. The Catholic Church has long held a strong sense of social justice, whether through charitable aid to the poor or defending the working class.
Similarly, my Catholic high school has required all students to complete at least 20 service hours a year, in keeping with the Church's mission. However, because of my own motivation and commitment to living the Catholic faith, I have gone above and beyond the normal requirement.
At my school, I have participated in many faith-oriented activities such as altar serving in the Chapel for daily mass and playing the guitar for All-School Masses. By aiding the priests and playing music, I am able to promote the school's goal of creating a faith-filled atmosphere. I also have tutored students in the morning before school in order to help them achieve their goals. My work in promoting the school at events for prospective students and at freshman orientation has helped improve our small community and its overall well-being.
I have also dedicated a great deal of time to altar serving and extra-ordinary Eucharistic Ministry at my local parish. This service, while not directly impacting the community, helps foster a better environment for religion, especially by providing a good example of religious involvement for youth. In our day in age, when ethics are brushed aside and morality is considered out-of-dated, we need religion as a guide for our actions. As our society struggles with crime and hate, we need moral people, guided by religion, to provide a positive example of citizenship. In my community, I have contributed my time and energy into groups such as Loaves and Fishes, a food bank for the greater Kalamazoo area, and Habitat for Humanity, a well-known organization dedicated to providing lost-cost housing to motivated, low-income families.
My Habitat for Humanity experience was very gratifying as it helped me understand the difficulties many people face in meeting their basic needs of shelter. My work with Loaves and Fishes and the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission was very eye opening. Growing up in a middle-class Portage neighborhood, I do not often see the hardships that many people face everyday in obtaining goods as simple as food and clothing.
My experiences in volunteer work have shown me the good I can create by simply assisting others. These first-hand encounters with those less fortunate than I have helped me to understand their condition better and to more fully appreciate them as children of God. I have also come to realize that helping others by spending time aiding them is much greater that just writing a check. It requires a level of human empathy that is lost in the detached and impersonal gesture of merely donating money.
My service work has helped shape my decision to join the military. I have come to see military service as the greatest form of service to others. It transcends normal community service because it benefits everyone in the community and beyond, not just the disadvantaged. It also protects the most important facets of human existence: life and liberty. While shelter and clothing are vital to normal life, they are useless without the freedom and life to use them. Military service also demands a greater sacrifice than community service. Instead of sacrificing several hours a week, the members of the military must sacrifice their careers, comfort, and even their life. In my eyes, am committing to the highest form of volunteer work there is: service in the military.
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Elisa Easley
2009 MSSA Recipient,Hackett Catholic Central High School
Throughout my high school career at Hackett Catholic Central, I've volunteered more than I could ever imagine: from small events to larger group functions. Some of the larger services I have participated in include volunteering to help clean-up after the Hurricane Katrina natural disaster in New Orleans, Louisiana, for two years, each for a week's time. I have also completed over fifty hours this past summer for Sherman Lake's YMCA Outdoor Center Counselor In Training program where I was responsible for camper supervision, creating two all camp theme days for up to 300 people each, and participating in an all night "Relay for Life" event to raise money for cancer research.
Although larger service functions can create bigger and greater outcomes, small activities are just as great and can be closer to the heart. Even just teaching a local scout troop an art project or helping them with an event can really show, not only adults, but children who look up to you, that you care and they may even follow in your footsteps.
By giving some of my spare time to people of all ages, I have been able to stress that not just one group or organization needs help, but all need to be addressed upon. All of the groups have important issues. You can be involved in many, but my particular favorites were working with children at Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center and the Girl Scouts of camp Merriewood.
Children are our future, so by showing them that not all of the world is a bad place and can be good, we may have the next generation of volunteers.
My motivation has mainly come from my family to get involved in most of the projects I have done, but once you start to volunteer and enjoy the happiness you can bring to people, it gets addicting! You feel like you've changed people's lives. By continuing, you start to gain a self-motivation to keep going, even when you may be tired or upset, because in the end, you feel better and all your good work will pay off.
I hope that I've inspired everyone I've met with my service. My impact on larger activities that I have participated in has been the most emotional outcomes, especially with the Katrina clean-up. Helping the people of New Orleans get a jump start on their homes has really touched me deeply. Giving time to older people has been fun to watch them change their perception of the youth.
Teaching and giving to various children groups shows that you care about them each individually. All people need this kind of hope and I know some people that have volunteered like I have because of my impact on them. This starts a chain reaction and allows the love to be shared to everyone.
The most significant thing that I have learned from all of my service project experiences is that all people really want is your undivided attention and care, no matter the time limit. They want to feel that someone actually cares for them, even if it's a child who just scraped their knee or a family without a home; they need comfort and empathy to get them through day to day knowing that everything will eventually turn out alright. Watching their eyes shine and their faces light-up with joy because of you, gives an unexplainable feeling of joy that can only be experienced when you give your time to others.
All of these experiences have changed my life and I plan to continue my work through college. I may even be able to find others just as passionate as I am to work with! I am extremely excited to continue volunteering and hope to give a brighter future.
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Rebecca Farrer
2009 MSSA Recipient, Hackett Catholic Central High School and KAMSC Graduate
The service I perform for my community does not come in just one or two forms. My family has always told me to help those in need. I try my best to live by this rule. When I see an opportunity to serve others, I need no more motivation. Some activities have their perks, such as those that work with children.
During the Lenten season, I help my parish by serving vegetarian dinners on Friday nights. The proceeds of the dinners go to the parish. My jobs include anything from working the cashbox to busing tables. Lenten Dinners at St. Monica are a way of bringing together parishioners. Every year I take pleasure in meeting new people and learning new things from the regulars. I unfortunately will be unable to continue working the dinners in the upcoming years.
On my sophomore spring break, many of my classmates and I traveled to Louisiana to aid the victims of the hurricanes.
While down South, we gutted the houses and cleaned out rooms of debris. We helped the home owners by saving them money for repairs. Through this experience, I have realized how fortunate I am that I have a roof over my head and a bed to sleep on. I was unable to go on the trip again this year and last but I will never forget what I learned from my experience.
Last summer, I spent my Tuesday nights on a migrant camp. I entertained the children with sports and crafts. These children look forward to the small group of people that visit them.
Every week I couldn't wait to go and see their faces light up. By meeting with these people and seeing their temporary shelter, I learned a great deal of the effort that many will put forward in order to provide for their family. I saw how strong their faith was, even through many hardships, and realized that my faith seems to be nothing compared to them. From this experience, I now have a stronger will towards moving forward in my religious life.
I hope to participate in these trips in future summers.
The past two years I have aided the Blue Star Mothers make care packages for soldiers across sea. These care packages contain simple things such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, socks, food, and candy. Both years that I participated, the mothers put on a program in which they read letters from soldiers who receive the packages. In this program, they also introduced the Gold
Star Mothers, who have lost a husband or child in the armed forces. The love that all the mothers hold for their family is so great it brought me to tears both times. I hope to find another group of Blue Star Mothers near my college campus next year so that I may continue sending my support for the troops and their families.
In the spring and fall, I referee soccer for kids' games that focus on teamwork and good sportsmanship. I really enjoy playing soccer, so I enjoy even more the sight of young people having fun playing the sport. I will be unable to referee after this last season.
I helped coach a basketball camp at Hackett for elementary and middle school children.
During the camp I taught the kids simple ball handling skills and proper shooting methods.
Seeing the effort the kids put into the camp made me want to try harder in everything I do. I hope that in the future years I might be able to help with the camps again.
During my freshman and sophomore years, I alter served at St. Monica Church. I had done this in previous years, however, at the time there had been a shortage of altar servers, so I served every Sunday night. On the few nights that I did not serve, I sang in the choir.
After I stopped alter serving I began singing in the adult choir in the morning. We sing every Sunday and practice every Thursday. Though I will not sing in the St. Monica Church choir once I leave for college, I plan to join the choir at the Church there.
I have learned a lot from my service to the community, but I enjoyed it even more.
As some opportunities for service end, others begin. Next year I plan to join a fraternity that my brother is in now. This fraternity is formed completely around community service. It is my hope that through this group my service will continue through college.
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Nicholas Hess
2009 MSSA Recipient,Hackett Catholic Central High School
I have had the privilege of volunteering many hours of service through the Boy Scouts of America and Troop 211 of St. Monica Parish of Kalamazoo. I served as volunteer staff for the Boy Scouts of America's National Youth Leadership Training course for the past four years. I had been a student in the week long course in 2004 and I fell so in love with the program that I signed up to be on the volunteer staff the next year. Staff members spend one weekend a month for six months, and the week before the course begins preparing for the course. During the week of the course, three dozen scouts camp outdoors and learn leadership skills, teamwork and outdoor preparedness.
The scouts who attend the course are chosen by the adult leaders of their troops because the scout displays leadership in his troop.
In my fourth year on staff, I was asked to be the Senior Patrol Leader, or SPL.
The SPL is in charge of the entire course, and has the most responsibility of anyone on staff. By this time, I had become an Eagle Scout and I had been Crew Chief for my high adventure experience in New Mexico. Becoming an Eagle Scout requires earning at least 21 merit badges, holding positions of leadership in the troop and leading others in completion of a service project. As Crew Chief for the troop on our trek to Philmont, I led 5 other Scouts, with the assistance of two adults, on a ten-day backpacking journey through the mountains. With these experiences behind me, I decided I was ready for the challenge of guiding the NYLT course. I had more fun with this course than I had ever had previously. When the course was over everyone told me that I ran the best course they had seen in years.
The course worked so well because I used the skills I had picked up and I led through example. I acted the way I wanted my staff to act, and helped them with all the work we had to get done.
Through involvement with Boy Scout Troop 211 of St. Monica Parish, I completed my Eagle Scout service project by designing and installing landscaping for 195 ft long garden in front of St. Monica School. The project included installation of an underground sprinkler system, supervision of 51 volunteers who provided more than 300 hours of work. Additionally, I raised more than $2000 in funding and donated materials for the project. I have also provided many hours of labor for Eagle Scout service projects for other scouts, including clearing hiking trails at the Chipman Preserve and AI Sabo Preserve, building a deck, and landscaping a Mary Garden and Walking Rosary at St. Monica Parish.
I have completed conservation and improvement projects at Rota Kiwan Scout
Reservation in Kalamazoo that included tree planting, erosion control, clean up of water fronts, erecting & painting signs, and designing and helping to build and install a totem pole.
Many of the projects that I have worked on and completed have had an obvious visual impact on the community. When a structure is built or a garden installed, one can view before and after pictures with noticeable results, but the biggest impact of volunteer service is often not as easy to observe.
When someone else learns leadership skills and the importance of service to others, the volunteer's work has created a ripple effect of continuing service.
I began participating in volunteer activities as a way to hang out with my friends in Scouting. I originally joined Scouting for myself and wanted only to do high adventure things. I got that chance, and enjoyed doing those activities; however I was strengthened most as a leader, and realize now that serving and guiding the people around me is really the biggest adventure of my life.
Recognizing this fact has directly influenced both my current activities as well as my longer term career choices. I'm most happy when I'm working with a group of inspired teammates.
Volunteer efforts have been an important part of all of my life. While being a student at St. Monica Elementary, at Hackett High School, as well as through all of my Scouting experience, service to others has been a portion of what I do. I'm certain that as a student at Loyola University in Chicago I will continue to volunteer.
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Joseph Kavanaugh
2009 MSSA Recipient,Hackett Catholic Central High School
Over the course of my high school career I have learned the great value of volunteerism in my community. As an essential part to the existence of many profit and non-profit organizations, I have learned that giving my time and resources to causes can benefit multiple levels of society and has opened my eyes to a world that desperately needs volunteer efforts. In the four years I have been a student I have discovered that there are hundreds of opportunities to volunteer in our community and abroad, opportunities that can be performed to fit individual interests.
Considering my gifts in the sciences and leadership, I have been able to uncover volunteer organizations and events that have profited my strengths, including Borgess Medical Center, Everest Academy Camp Kilimanjaro, St. Monica's Church, and Bill Murphy's campaign for election of Kalamazoo District Court Judge.
In 2006 I received formal leadership training as a camp counselor through the Legionaries of Christ, working for two weeks at a summer camp. I was responsible for the supervision of fifteen boys aged seven to twelve, organizing games and presenting spiritual and leadership talks. Being accountable 24 hours a day for these children's camp life, challenged my patience and personality. Through this valuable life experience I learned important lessons in leadership, more specifically I learned how to conduct group activities, speak up in support of positive behavior, teach respect, and tolerate group opinions.
These important virtues provided benefit to me when I became involved in Student Government. I learned my time as a mentor and role model, positively impacted the boys in the organization I was involved with
In June of2007, after a thorough training program, I became a volunteer at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, MI. I requested working in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a pilot volunteer program had just been initiated. As an Intensive Care Unit Volunteer I provide support to families and friends of patients admitted into the ICU, including visitor access to patient rooms, requesting spiritual guidance, obtaining food and drink, and fulfilling visitor requests to speak with a doctor or nurse. Volunteering in the ICU at Borgess has given me the opportunity to pursue and explore career interest in the health field while providing much needed support to families and individuals in my community. I have received many uplifting comments from people who commend volunteer service, verifying that my efforts were not in vein. It has taught me the importance of giving my time selflessly to those who deserve a helping hand in a time of need.
My volunteer efforts have also included giving time at St. Monica's Church, Hackett
Catholic Central, and a political campaign. Since entering high school in 2005, I have been actively involved in church activities including: serving in religious services, transporting food and clothing from the church to a local homeless shelter, working at the church library, school carnivals and aiding several Eagle Scout projects. At Hackett I have helped with organizing freshmen orientations, and have sold raffle tickets at sporting events. Beginning in May of 2008 I was asked to help with the campaign efforts for the election of Bill Murphy, a candidate running for Kalamazoo District Court Judge. I served several hours walking door-to-door, and promoting his campaign. This experience opened my eyes to appreciate the great gift of democracy and freedom of speech in this country.
Volunteering has provided me with many opportunities to grow as a person and more importantly to positively impact my community. The most significant thing I feel I have learned as a volunteer is the magnitude of the selfless giving of my resources to others. I have learned the necessity of charity in the world.
Volunteering in areas that have benefitted growth in the areas of my interests has shaped my perspective on the future; it has motivated me to be the change the world needs, and has exposed me to work in a possible career.
My experiences as a volunteer have shaped me as a person and have aided me in discovering interests and talents that I hope to use in the future. I hope to continue volunteer service in college and beyond, especially the areas of medicine and humanitarian aid.
The world needs leaders who give of themselves to help others to improve the world we live in and I anticipate being this positive change in whatever the future provides.
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Andew Martin
2009 MSSA Recipient,Hackett Catholic Central High School
I have committed over four hundred hours to the community of Kalamazoo, in the areas of service towards the church, and towards the community. Over the past years I have committed to two organizations and an elderly family member. One of the two organizations was the St Augustine Church; I have given a large amount of service, altar serving and helping the needy. I have been serving about two days a month for the past seven years.
The second organization is Milwood little league. Growing up around there, and playing baseball there for 9 years, has shaped my work ethic, and has given me a lot of experience. Every year since I started playing at the little league my family and I have put in a great deal of hours helping out around the fields. From mowing the fields to cleaning up trash, every minute I spent at the little league gave me more and more experience that I could use in life. When I got older I was able to start helping out at the little league softball world series which took place at the little league.
Helping out at the World Series is where I got most of my hours. The last way of getting hours I had was helping out my grandfather. A few years ago when my grandfather had suffered from heart problems the doctor told him that he would no longer be able to do any more extreme work around his house. That's where I stepped in, and over the past few years I have been mowing his lawn every week and cleaning out his gutters once a year.
What motivated me to be a server at St Augustine was the Catholic religion. I felt that I had to be a part of the mass in some way. My love for the sport of baseball was what motivated me to help out and work at the little league. And my love for my family was what motivated to help my grandfather in his time of need. A great thing to learn is the fact that family members must stick together and help one another out at all time.
I don't believe my work left that much of an impact on the community but I know it left some sort of a mark. The most significant thing I’ve learned is the value of family and where you can end up if you work hard. A few of my service experiences have helped me to achieve goals. In fifth grade when I first began to altar serve I had a goal to be one of the servers for the big masses during holy week with the bishop and all the other priests. Four years into serving and that goal had been achieved, now every year I help out with a few of the masses during holy week.
I am planning on doing some sort of volunteer work in the future, although volunteer work does not tie into my future career path.
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Mark West
2009 MSSA Recipient,Hackett Catholic Central High School
Over the years, and especially in these past four years of high school, I have had the opportunity to provide volunteer service to many different organizations and groups around the greater Kalamazoo area, and even beyond. My favorite place to provide service was first and foremost to my church, St. Monica Parish, in Kalamazoo. At St. Monica, I have spent countless hours altar serving, teaching other people how to altar serve, instructing young third-graders in the Catholic Faith through the St. Monica CCD program once a week for the past two years, and providing a new Mary garden as part of my Eagle Scout Project.
On that same note, I have been involved in the Scouting program since the third grade, racking up hours upon hours of service. After I became a Boy Scout, I was elected by the members of my troop to the honor society for Scouts, the Order of the Arrow, which is a service organization. My Eagle Scout project was the culmination of my Scouting service efforts, and with a great deal of help, I spent over three hundred hours planning and carrying out my project, which will have a lasting impact for years to come. I chose to make a garden, centered on the Virgin Mary, as a way to give back to my church, which sponsors the Scout troop.
I also spent a good amount of time volunteering at the Catholic Information Center of Southwest Michigan, where they were pleased enough with my service as to offer me a job. I spent hours at my school, Hackett Catholic Central, helping out with the planning of school events, maintaining the chapel, and assisting at various functions. Through Hackett, I have been able to perform service hours for the previously mentioned groups, as well as some others. Hackett requires a minimum of twenty hours of service a year, and through our efforts, we have been able to help with groups, such as the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, and various other charitable organizations from the area.
These opportunities have helped me realize a true sense of community in the people I serve. I was able to address issues of faith, education, character-building, and community through my service.
My Catholic Faith is what motivated me to get involved with service. Indeed, it is because my Faith teaches that love is expressed through sacrifice - be it one's own time and/or effort - and service to others is an excellent way to sacrifice for others and help them as well. I feel that the best impact my service has had on the community is the example I have been able to set for a person of faith, and hopefully my efforts will lead people along the same path. One person can and will inspire other people to give of themselves when it is done without pride, selfishness, or hesitation to sacrifice the necessary time and effort to make one's neighbor, one's community, one's nation, and the world a better place.
The most valuable lesson that I have learned through service is not only how inherently necessary it is to help other people but how rewarding and fulfilling it is to give of oneself. A person finds out who he or she truly is only when he or she thinks of others before themselves and when he or she exemplifies the charitable love that can make a true difference in people's lives. My immediate goals have been expanded to continually strive to give more of my time and talents in service to a wider group of organizations. My long-term goals have been shaped partly by this service, especially in that I have realized a call to give service to God and neighbor in life-long service as a Catholic priest.
I hope by becoming a priest that I will be able to reach more people and make more of a difference in their lives. If I can be an example, imperfect as I am, perhaps I can inspire people to reach for the loftiest of goals and to be further examples and role models that will help shape the rest of society. It is in this manner that I plan to continue service in the future, first to God and neighbor in the Catholic Church, but also through various organizations that support the Catholic belief in love, service, and sacrifice for the good of others before oneself.
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Omar Abudayyeh
2008 MSSA Recipient, Portage Central High School and KAMSC Graduate
"I am always seeking new opportunities to expand and enrich my experiences, and plan to always devote some of my time to outreach and community service in college and beyond."
I have enjoyed volunteering for the FIRST Lego League team of middle school students who build robots from Lego Mindstorms and program them to perform specific tasks in competitions. I teach these kids the correct way to fit gears and write programs and watch their excitement upon building a sophisticated functioning robot. I enjoy mentoring middle school students and sparking their interest in engineering. After learning about a new local program designed to mentor underprivileged middle school students, I decided that I wanted to play a part. By helping these kids design and construct race cars and robots, many of them found a potential career choice that they might have never considered without this program.
My volunteer work in the clean-utilities room at Borgess Medical Center includes stocking new surgery tools, preparing surgery carts, and restocking unused tools. The most exciting part of my job, is delivering the carts to operation rooms while surgeries are underway. This allows me to observe procedures such as C-sections and open heart surgeries through the door window. I am also privileged to be able to converse with many doctors and nurses who answer my questions about surgical devices and demonstrate their use for me.
Finally, I think of my service activities at Portage Central and KAMSC. I designed and produced KAMSC's graduation commencement videos for the past two years, volunteered for KAMSC's Summer Sizzling program for area elementary and middle school students for the past three summers and provided assistance to many activities during Portage Central's theatrical season.
Volunteering has always been a part of my life. I was fortunate to be in a school that cared about its surrounding community and about instilling the value of citizenship in its students. I grew up fond of helping others. I have always gone home feeling good about myself knowing that I can make a difference in somebody's life.
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Nathan Bauer
2008 MSSA Recipient, Gull Lake High School
"Growing up I was inspired by my parents who taught me that the number one thing in life is a dedication to serve others and live what you believe."
Volunteering is a tool that should be utilized to reach people in a community who need help, and desperately require assistance. To simply give my time to others is a gift in itself. Helping others can come in many different forms. Volunteer work is fun and there is always a need for new workers. Seeing the reaction from people being helped, and growing close to them is enough reward to meet my personal needs, and I will not be quitting my volunteer work anytime soon.
I dedicate a lot of time supporting things I believe in like volunteering at my church's cafe, providing school supplies and toys to children, working at summer church camps and children's ministries, charity auctions, babysitting, car washes, and volunteered at a veterinary clinic.
Growing up I was inspired by my parents who taught me that the number one thing in life shouldn't be trying to make gains for oneself, but a life dedicated to serving others and living what you believe. Volunteer work has affected both my short and long term goals and has inspired me to become a nurse, where I can help people every day. There is so much more to life than money, and I am grateful to be able to experience those life changing moments every day that I volunteer.
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Brett Birch
2008 MSSA Recipient, Hackett Catholic Central High School
"When I give of myself, it not only makes me feel good about myself but it honors who I am and where I come from, and maybe, just maybe makes someone's day a little brighter."
Growing up I was privileged to witness my great-grandmother, Mrs. Suzanne Shepherd, use her leadership skills to help others in need. She used her knowledge and strength to coordinate events, such as family gatherings, church socials and charity events. She was a very strong willed individual who seldom gave into anything that she did not agree with. Her mere presence made you feel secure in the knowledge that what needed to be accomplished would certainly find its way to fruition. She was a great mentor and role model to the younger generation with the realization that they are the future. The lessons Gram taught ranged from making sure family Sunday brunch was held most weekends after church, to reading at the local elementary school, to quietly giving money to someone in need, to volunteering on capital campaigns and numerous other leadership roles too great to list. All of these were done with a sense of duty and pride that she readily passed on to the future, her great-grandchildren.
I have tried to volunteer as often as my schedule allows, choosing events that would either improve people's lives or perhaps make it a little easier for someone to spend time with their family. But by far my greatest achievement is the education of elementary children on the importance of volunteering through the annual Youth United Way Penny Campaign. We would organize and collect pennies from local elementary schools, and speak to them on the importance of volunteering and about where and how their pennies would be distributed to local charities to show awareness for those in need. The class that collected the most pennies received a pizza party.
My work with Katrina Relief had the greatest impact on me. Although it gave me a great sense of accomplishment, there continues to be an enormous amount of work to be done. If everyone volunteered one weekend to the betterment of someone else's life, the possibilities would be endless. That is why I am seriously considering a stint in the Peace Corps after medical school. Volunteering is not simply a way to achieve service hours, but it is a way to honor those around you. When I give of myself, it not only make me feel good about myself but it honors who I am and where I come from, and maybe, just maybe makes someone's day a little brighter.
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Madison White
2008 MSSA Recipient, Hackett Catholic Central High School
"I am looking forward to see all that I can accomplish and how much I can grow from all my volunteer work."
It has become one of my greatest passions in my high school career to volunteer. I feel my greatest accomplishment in life thus far has been learning to see my struggles and pain not as a curse or punishment, but as a blessing that has taught me to show true compassion and love to every human being. It is this which has motivated me to volunteer in my community and help in any way I can.
My understanding of the human desire to feel loved has driven me to focus the majority of my volunteer work on working with people. I have not limited my experiences or populations I work with. I have worked with new moms in the mother-baby unit at Bronson, children at carnivals and mentally handicapped adults at a Ministry with Community retreat. I strive to help with the issues relating to the care of people.
By offering just a few hours a week to somebody, I believe you can change the world. The impact may not be obvious or immediate but it takes patience to make a change. I believe through my service I have shown the community the importance of caring for those around you. By my volunteering, I have learned so much more about life and grown in spirit.
It is my intent while attending Hope College to continue my involvement with community service. I hope to find service groups and organizations within the community so I can become as involved as possible. It is very important to me, wherever I may be, to give my service and time within my community. I also would like to expand my service across the world. After completing my nursing degree at Hope I plan to join the Peace Corps. I am looking forward to see all that I can accomplish and how much I can grow from all my volunteer work.
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Meghan Gajare
2007 MSSA Recipient, Portage Central High School and KAMSC Graduate
"Volunteering throughout high school has helped me to open up my mind to new thoughts and helped me gain new experiences."
Since I was a child, I have always considered the thought of becoming a physician. Therefore, I decided to volunteer at Borgess hospital in order to gain more insight in that field and to experience the surroundings of a hospital. I decided to volunteer in the inpatient surgery. I began by restocking the shelves with the surgical supplies that were needed to perform the surgeries. However, I soon began to also prepare the surgical trays for the physicians. By doing this I learned the different sizes of catheters, needles and other equipment needed to perform different types of surgeries. In between restocking shelves and preparing trays I was able to watch different surgeries from outside the window. After a time I switched departments and started volunteering in the Stent Lab. I would help prep patients for surgery, run supplies to the nurses, and take patients to their recovery rooms. By doing this I was able to converse with the patients and their relatives which improved my conversation skills and opened me up to different types of people.
Other service I participated in was included Habitat for Humanity, Rotary, my temple youth group, and National Honor Society. While building and renovating homes with Habitat, I helped by installing insulation, leveling basements, painting walls, building door panels and more. I was able to meet and converse with the people who would benefit from these homes, and to see how building these homes affects the community and helps with the societal problems that are present throughout the community. I tutored at PCEC and learned to use my knowledge to teach children. I told them the importance of learning math skills or basic reading in order to succeed in life. I attended the local chapter of the Youth United Way regularly and also volunteered at the KAMSC Sizzling Summer program. This is a program that teaches children between the ages of 3 to 12 science, math and computers. Volunteering throughout high school has helped me to open up my mind to new thoughts and experiences. I plan on continuing to contribute my time and effort to the community whenever I have a chance in order to help our society and teach other volunteers what I have learned along the way.
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Emilee Gibson-Howe
2007 MSSA Recipient, Hackett Catholic Central High School Graduate
"For all the small things we take for granted each day, we should in return, help others."
Throughout my high school career I was able to accomplish a number of different volunteer activities. These experiences include service within and outside of my community. I came to love and enjoy working with people from all walks of life. I also came to find out what hard work can accomplish! My volunteer service included cleaning in my church parish, and volunteering at a Muscular Dystrophy Association camp. I have traveled to Tijuana, Mexico and participated in the alternative spring break trip to St. Bernard Parish in New Orleans.
Muscular Dystrophy is a debilitating disease that inhibits many people from walking and doing everyday activities. Most people with this disease do not live past the age of 30. I am encouraging my friends to join me in doing this work. To see the joy this camp brings to the children makes it worthwhile to work so hard. My experience at the muscular dystrophy camp in particular has impacted my long-term goals. I have decided to pursue a degree in Special Education as my college major. I have learned so much about people with physical and mental disabilities and want to work in that field.
I have been motivated to volunteer by classmates that were involved with mission trips. Hearing about the available opportunities inspired me to get involved. After each experience I was ready for the next project. Seeing how grateful people were when we assisted them is another huge reason why I continue to do these projects.I believe my impact on the community has been a positive one. My service has had an impact on those I have helped, and influenced others to volunteer as well. I learned a great deal through my experiences about people. For all the small things we take for granted each day, we should in return, help others.I definitely intend to carry on with my volunteer work for as long as I am able. Knowing what we can do has inspired me to get others involved in these efforts that make such a difference in people's lives. I am passionate about my mission work and it is my intention to continue the path of community service throughout my lifetime.
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Allison Kruger
2007 MSSA Recipient, Vicksburg High School Graduate
"On church mission trips, I had the opportunity to reach out to people who feel forgotten and ignored. By listening to their stories, I learned to provide reassurance to them that someone is genuinely interested in their lives."
At the time of my graduation, I was able to complete more than 400 hours of community service since entering high school. A significant portion of my volunteer time has been spent in nursing homes, leading activities like bingo with the seniors, or sometimes just talking. Through these and other volunteer projects, I have learned that I enjoy working closely with others; a requirement in the healthcare field. My volunteer work with various and diverse organizations has also taught me that I communicate well with others on a personal and professional level.
On church mission trips, I had the opportunity to reach out to people who feel forgotten and ignored. By listening to their stories, I am able to provide reassurance that there is someone genuinely interested in their lives. My communication skills, my leadership abilities, and my positive attitude will undoubtedly be useful as a nurse, as I will be able to build strong relationships with patients. Moreover, my compassion for others has led me to the realization that I need to be helping people, and nursing would give me the opportunity to save and improve the lives of patients every day.
My involvement in political and language clubs, athletics, band, and volunteering has taught me a lot about myself and has given me the opportunity to connect with a broad spectrum of people. My responsibilities as co-captain of the Varsity tennis team included facilitating various components of practices, outlining tournament travel details, and organizing parent and player responsibilities during matches. I know that my involvement in the school and my community will not stop at Vicksburg High School. In addition, I have the ability to get others involved in school or community activities. For the past several years I have been participating in an annual event called Walk for the Homeless, which raises money to help fund shelters and housing in Kalamazoo County. I encouraged many of my friends to collect donations and walk with me, and most of them now plan on participating every year.
I am now looking forward to attending the University of Michigan where I will pursue a career in nursing. My volunteer experience has taught me how to relate to many different types of people and I genuinely look forward to immersing myself in the University of Michigan campus community.
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Rupal Patel
2006 MSSA Recipient, Portage Central High School and
KAMSC Graduate
"Volunteering comes naturally to me. I genuinely care about others, and strive to make a positive impact on those around me."
I genuinely care about others, and I strive to have a positive impact upon those around me. My first volunteer experience was at the Curious Kids Daycare Center where I helped supervise toddlers as they played outside, attempted learning activities, and ate. Over the next five years, I volunteered at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum as a "Hands-On Program Assistant" where I helped visiting children complete a specific activity. I spent a large amount of my volunteering time with children because I believe that children are the future. I hope that by showing children that the community cares about them, they will make good choices in their life.
As a volunteer at Borgess Hospital I was an escort/greeter for one year and an operating room aide for two years. I hope to become a doctor in the future and this experience opened my eyes to the hospital environment. Volunteering taught me a lot about social issues in our communities. At Habitat for Humanity, I learned about and helped to address homelessness, and as a Portage Central High School student, I served as an officer of the National Honor Society (NHS) and a member of the Rotary Club. In this role, I organized volunteering events for NHS members so that others could give back to the community. As a member of the Greater Kalamazoo Youth United Way, I helped allocate grant money to deserving area organizations. I became involved in Prevention Works Inc.'s, Youth Advisory Board (YAB) and I volunteered at the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, Bronson's Children's Hospital, and several retirement homes. I presented to teachers and school board members from nearby school districts about the importance of diversity, and gave numerous presentations to area youth and adults on topics ranging from the importance of diversity to the damaging effects of drugs and alcohol.
I believe that my volunteer efforts have been worthwhile and I also believe that my service made a positive impact on the Kalamazoo community. I am now looking forward to college and medical school where I'll pursue my dream of becoming a doctor. Someday, I hope to travel to Africa and India where I will spend time aiding the people there. I definitely plan to continue my volunteer work in college and throughout my life.
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Keith Reisinger, III
2005 MSSA Recipient, Portage Northern High
School Graduate
"Working as a volunteer helped me choose my future career path."
Throughout high school I was actively involved in several different programs where I volunteered my time to serve the community. I was a volunteer in the Borgess Medical Center Emergency Room, where I provided help to patients and visitors who needed directions to other units in the hospital, as well as assisting the nursing staff with a variety of tasks. I often transported patients in wheelchairs to have CT scans and x-rays. I also volunteered at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre as an usher. There I helped patrons to their seats and gave directions to help visitors find their way. I also volunteered to work the phone bank at the Kalamazoo Democratic Party offices during election times. I called registered voters in the Kalamazoo area and encouraged them to vote for their party of choice, and offered a ride share service to those who were unable to get to the polls on their own.
I learned many things from these experiences, but the most important thing was what I learned at the hospital. As I watched several families and comforted them after they had just learned that their loved one had died, I learned about the value of a life. It is hard to understand how sacred life is until you see someone else lose their own. All of my experiences have greatly affected my long term goals. As a result of my experiences in the ER, I hope to become a doctor some day where my work will touch people's lives on a daily basis. I would like to participate in a Peace Corps program after college and work with people from other nations, who have severe healthcare crises. From volunteering at the Civic Theatre, my passion for the arts has grown immensely, and I hope to continue my involvement with the arts throughout my life. Finally, my experience with politics has encouraged me to remain active and to fight for what I believe in. I want to educate people about what's occurring throughout the nation, and encourage them to stand out against injustice. Through all of my experiences, I have learned not only a lot about others, but I have learned a lot about myself, and am extremely thankful for the opportunities that volunteering gave me.
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Neil Gajare
2005 MSSA Recipient, Portage Central High School and
KAMSC Graduate
"High school is one of the first places where a person can begin to show real leadership qualities ... through their own example."
During high school, my high school volunteer activities gave me many opportunities to use my leadership skills to help others. Working as a tutor to help students who were struggling with their schoolwork, I would help them gain skills to succeed outside of our sessions by doing parts of their work or problem sets in their presence. I constantly reminded students of the importance of learning the basics in middle school so that high school would not seem impossible. Through National Honor Society, I had an opportunity to help arrange a community service project for other students to participate in. I arranged several activities at the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission because their programs provide many reduced-price goods for the less fortunate in the community. I have participated in Youth United Way, a philanthropic organization specially designed to empower youth. At YUW I was able to work on projects that included disbursement of funds to programs that enrich the youth of Kalamazoo. I helped review a large number of grants written by people in the community seeking funds to support many causes and was able to work on issues that addressed teen drug abuse, stereotyping, and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders. I also volunteered at a special Christmas party for the poor Hispanic and helped with food/gift drives.
I've always had an interest in health care and volunteered at Borgess Medical Center and the Kalamazoo Regional Psychiatric Hospital. Both institutions, while different in service, offered the opportunity to interact with patients and provide supportive assistance to the staff. At the state hospital I used my typing skills to expedite assignments given to Clinical Affairs and helped prepare reports for the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. This organization's accreditation is vital to the operation of the hospital and my work, albeit slightly, helped assure continued care for their patients.
I regularly volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and found a lot of satisfaction helping to repair or build houses for the less fortunate. I enjoyed interacting with the people purchasing the homes and the experience opened my eyes to the societal problems exemplified by the shortage of affordable housing. I felt much personal gratification helping support a worthy cause built upon the toil of volunteers.
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Alicia Pomeroy
2004 VolunTEEN of the Year Award Recipient
"Working as a volunteer has helped me gain courage and helped me find a career pathway that I will enjoy."
Throughout high school I have been actively involved in several different groups where I volunteered my time to serve the community. While most kids spent their summers trying to get jobs to earn money I spend mine working at Curious Kids in the infant room helping to take care of young children. I have been volunteering since I was in the eighth grade.
I volunteering at Fountain View Retirement Village attending to the elderly by helping them get to and from their rooms when they wanted to play bingo or go outside. I volunteered at the Curious Kids Child Care Center and spent three hours each day taking care of infants. My freshman year I was a member of the pro-life group at my school, but later that same year I realized that I was pro-choice and not pro-life. My sophomore year I joined the Rotary group at my school and raked leaves for the elderly, and bowled for the Big-Brothers Big-Sisters Bowl-a-thon, which raised money to help children. I painted sets for the holiday party where young children ages 2 mo. - 5 years sat on Santa's lap, got their pictures taken and received toys.
Last summer I volunteered at the Bronson Children's Hospital, where I talked with patients, or took them to the play room. I saw children of many ages and I felt great knowing that every Thursday some child would know that people cared about them. I learned that every child needs someone to let them know that they are loved. Someone to cheer them up even when they are so far down that they think their world could end. When they want to cry, they see the caring look upon your face and they smile instead. This experience was the best moment ever in my life. That was the day that I realized that I wanted to be a Pediatric Nurse, so that my face would be the one they see when they wake up. In 2004 I received the Volunteen of the Year award. That experience has shown me that you can do a lot for a little, or just for the satisfaction of being a helper.
I learned many things from these experiences, but the most important thing was what I learned at the hospital. As I watched families come in and sit next to their child not knowing how long it would be before they would get better, I realized that it is hard to understand how sacred life is until you see someone else come in who came so close to losing their own. All of my experiences have greatly affected my long term goals. As a result of my experiences in the Pediatric Unit, I hope to become a pediatrician some day where I know my work will touch the lives of people on a daily basis. I would like to participate in the Doctors without Borders program after college and work with people from other nations, who have given their time to help those who can't help themselves. Through all of my experiences, I have learned a lot about others and about myself, and I'm thankful for the opportunities that volunteering has given me. Volunteering can help you realize that life is not just about you and that there are people that need your help. So to those of you who already volunteer, keep on going you're doing great!
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