1. What skills did you develop or improve through this service experience?
This experience helped me develop stronger communication skills and improve my ability to present myself in a friendly and approachable manner when interacting with others.
2. What did you learn about the community or environment you served?
While distributing feminine hygiene products, I noticed that many older women declined to take them so they could be left for someone else who might need them more. In some cases, individuals even offered to donate to the cause because they understood how expensive these products can be for many people. This experience showed me how generous and thoughtful members of the Memphis community are, and it highlighted the strong sense of care people have for one another.
3. What new connections or relationships did you form during your service?
During my service experience, I formed a connection with another volunteer who is an African American student currently attending White Station High School, the school I graduated from last year. Throughout the event, I was able to share advice about preparing for college and discuss things I wish I had known before starting my own college journey. It was meaningful to offer guidance and support to someone who is about to go through a similar transition.
4. Do you plan to continue volunteering with this organization? Why or why not?
Yes, I plan to continue volunteering with this organization because the experience was very meaningful and calming. It reminded me that volunteering can benefit the volunteer just as much as it benefits the community. It also gave me the opportunity to step outside of my dorm, experience a different environment, and contribute in a positive way by helping others.
5. Did your service align with your personal values and beliefs? If not, how did you handle any conflicts?
Yes, this service aligned with my personal values and beliefs. I believe that feminine hygiene products should be accessible to everyone, especially to those who need them the most. Participating in this service allowed me to help address this need within the community and contribute to supporting individuals who may not otherwise have access to these essential products.
As an artist, I found that assisting with the collage workshop pushed my problem-solving abilities in an impactful way. I had to quickly adapt my communication style to help participants of all skill levels overcome creative blocks or technical issues with their materials. This experience taught me how to provide constructive guidance while still allowing the artist to maintain their own creative vision. Through this service, I learned that the Dixon is a creative sanctuary for the Memphis community. I observed how providing a simple, welcoming space for art can bring together diverse groups of people to express themselves. This experience shifted my perspective, showing me that my role as an artist is to help create these moments of genuine connection. Working as a cohesive team with Artist Mary Jo and another volunteer was the most rewarding part of the day. Our collaboration allowed us to manage the classroom flow effectively while ensuring every guest received personalized encouragement and support. These professional connections have inspired me to seek out more collaborative artistic environments in my future volunteer work. As an artist, making these connections is very important to me. My service directly supported the Dixon’s mission to bring art and people together for enjoyment and education. By helping guests create their own physical pieces of art, our team transformed the gallery from a place of observation into a place of active participation. I plan to continue volunteering here because I value how the organization makes high-level art accessible to everyone. This service opportunity aligned perfectly with my personal belief that everyone possesses a need for self-expression. I found great fulfillment in helping participants discover their own artistic voices through the tactile medium of collage. In the future, I would like to spend even more time learning from the lead artists like Mary Jo to refine my own ability to lead these community conversations.
1. What skills did you develop or improve through this service experience? This experience helped me develop stronger communication skills and improve my ability to present myself in a friendly and approachable manner when interacting with others.
2. What did you learn about the community or environment you served? While distributing feminine hygiene products, I noticed that many older women declined to take them so they could be left for someone else who might need them more. In some cases, individuals even offered to donate to the cause because they understood how expensive these products can be for many people. This experience showed me how generous and thoughtful members of the Memphis community are, and it highlighted the strong sense of care people have for one another.
3. What new connections or relationships did you form during your service? During my service experience, I formed a connection with another volunteer who is an African American student currently attending White Station High School, the school I graduated from last year. Throughout the event, I was able to share advice about preparing for college and discuss things I wish I had known before starting my own college journey. It was meaningful to offer guidance and support to someone who is about to go through a similar transition.
4. Do you plan to continue volunteering with this organization? Why or why not? Yes, I plan to continue volunteering with this organization because the experience was very meaningful and calming. It reminded me that volunteering can benefit the volunteer just as much as it benefits the community. It also gave me the opportunity to step outside of my dorm, experience a different environment, and contribute in a positive way by helping others.
5. Did your service align with your personal values and beliefs? If not, how did you handle any conflicts? Yes, this service aligned with my personal values and beliefs. I believe that feminine hygiene products should be accessible to everyone, especially to those who need them the most. Participating in this service allowed me to help address this need within the community and contribute to supporting individuals who may not otherwise have access to these essential products.
This was a great time making some beautiful crafts.
Skills and Personal Development – What skills did you develop or improve through this service experience?
Through volunteering at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens for the Women in the Arts event, I developed stronger organizational and communication skills. Working in the auditorium to assist Tara Stringfellow and her bookseller required me to manage materials, guide visitors, and communicate clearly with both the artist and guests. I also improved my ability to multitask and stay attentive to details, ensuring the event ran smoothly and that attendees had a positive experience.
Understanding and Awareness – What did you learn about the community or environment you served?
This experience gave me a deeper understanding of the creative and cultural contributions women bring to the Memphis community. I observed the appreciation and support from attendees for women artists and authors, which highlighted the importance of providing platforms that celebrate and amplify underrepresented voices. It reinforced the impact that cultural institutions like the Dixon Gallery and Gardens have in fostering community engagement and promoting art education.
Relationships and Teamwork – Did you work individually or as part of a team, and how did that impact your experience?
I worked as part of a team alongside other volunteers and staff members. Collaborating with others allowed me to coordinate responsibilities efficiently, from assisting the artist to helping guests navigate the space. Being part of a team made the experience more enjoyable, provided a sense of support, and demonstrated how effective collaboration enhances the success of an event.
Organizational Impact and Alignment – Did your service align with your personal values and beliefs?
Yes, this service experience aligned strongly with my personal values and beliefs. I value supporting creativity, celebrating diverse voices, and contributing to community engagement, all of which were central to the Women in the Arts event at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Assisting Tara Stringfellow and helping guests navigate the space allowed me to support women artists and authors while being part of an event that uplifts and inspires the community. This alignment made the experience personally meaningful and rewarding.