This past Saturday, I worked with Memphis Animal Services for the first time through their Animal Field Trip program. My partner and I got to take Bailey, who we believe is a lab mix, on a fun get away for a few hours and it was a blast. Bailey was shy but incredibly sweet and loved belly rubs. She loves to chase after birds and enjoys long walks. Bailey was an absolute joy and it brought tears to my eyes to let her go. I look forward to working with MAS in the future, and one day bringing home an animal to call my own.
Gave 3.50 hours on 02/18/2023 with Black Scholars Unlimited, Emerging Leaders Program, University of Memphis, Volunteer Odyssey
This has been by far one of my favorite service projects during my time here at the University of Memphis. It was an amazing experience to sit and learn from the Recycling Business of International Paper, learning what they do and how things we take for granted like paper and cardboard boxes can be recycled to help save our trees and decrease pollution. Additionally, the service project we completed, filling boxes with non-perishable food items, is going to hep our fellow tigers who experience food insecurity.
Gave 3.00 hours on 11/11/2022 with Black Scholars Unlimited, Emerging Leaders Program, University of Memphis
For this community service experience, I visited Society of St. Vincent de Paul where they feed the homeless 7 days a week. Our tasks for the day included meal preparation, sorting, and assisting the homeless in the chapel. This week we served over 100+ plates, and we also were able to give them the opportunity to come inside out of the cold and eat their meal and also use the bathroom if they needed to. This experience was rewarding because they were very outwardly expressive of their gratitude and were willing to have conversation. This experience challenged me as well, because while I am not accustomed or trained in approaching individuals with visible signs of mental illness, I feel as though this opportunity gave me experience not out of a textbook which allowed men to sympathize and offer compassion and not a robotic response. I believe using that approach made the experience more pleasant for them and me as well.
Gave 3.50 hours on 10/28/2022 with Emerging Leaders Program, Black Scholars Unlimited, University of Memphis, Volunteer Odyssey
On Friday, I served with several other volunteers at the Food Mission at Society at St. Vincent de Paul, feeding the homeless in Downtown Memphis. It was my first time completing a service project like this, but I am really glad that I did. While it was devastating to see just how many homeless people were in the area, and the need that they had, I was glad I could contribute to some of the smiles across their face. It was a great experience, getting hands on, and helping to prepare the food and make the plates. I'm looking forward to volunteering with them again and seeing the other ways in which I can make a positive impact.
Gave 3.50 hours on 10/21/2022 with Emerging Leaders Program, Black Scholars Unlimited, University of Memphis, Volunteer Odyssey
I enjoyed this experience because I got to work with my fellow Frosh Camp counselors in continuing to restore the original Memphis Community Greenline. We learned much about the history of the V&E Greenline, and I look forward to continue serving there in the future.
Gave 2.00 hours on 02/19/2022 with University of Memphis, Emerging Leaders Program
