Reagan Williams

This service opportunity with Youth Villages was very fulfilling and a perfect way to kick of ODK's National Day of Service. We spoke and connected with youth with behavior issues while also promoting a healthy lifestyle by walking around the lake. They were very excited to have friendly faces to walk with them around the lake. I developed empathy skills by being able to cater to a few of their extra needs. I learned a lot about what Youth Villages has to offer like the group home the school that's on the Bartlett campus. Mrs. Anna Otto is the volunteer coordinator for Youth Villages and she provided us with this wonderful opportunity to interact and get acquainted to the campus. I do plan for ODK to create a long lasting partnership with Youth villages for National Day of Service and service opportunities to come.

Members of Student Advocating Stronger Sisterhood worked with the Neighborhood Christian center to put on an Easter egg hunt for low- income individuals in the Frayser area. We conducted an Easter egg hunt passed out bag lunches in order to provide the children with a fun and safe opportunity to participate in Easter activities. I learned to be compassionate and patient while dealing with children. I learned that this community usually struggles with food insecurity which is why the center was placed there to provide meals needed. I truly enjoyed serving this community because it allowed us to serve as role models for other young ladies who may not have been able to see much hope. SASS does plan to continue service partnerships with different NBCC locations.

It is always a pleasure to return to Memphis Rox and clean up the area because the people in the area expect it and appreciate it. They also provide all the necessary materials for safe and effective cleaning of the neighborhood. This act of service builds morale for those in the neighborhood. This service aligned with my belief that service is essential when you're in the position to provide it. Doing service with this team allowed us to grow closer by being of service to other people. Yes, I plan to continue to participate in this service opportunity.

This clean up allowed me and other students to make the Raleigh community cleaner and appealing to its citizens. This environmental service initiative was a clean up in the Raleigh area of Memphis. Picking up the trash will allow plants and trees to grow in the correct manor now that they are removed. I developed my communication skills along with delegation technique. I was able to properly split the area in sections in order to provide adequate coverage for everyone. I learned that despite what we may hear about the Raleigh area, there are some nice roads and people that care within. Working with a team provided some opportunities to form connections and discuss similarities between other students and I.

During this community service opportunity, I packaged Christmas gifts that went out to the children within Youth Villages. These youth are faced with behavioral and home-bound obstacles, while the Youth Villages Holiday Workshop provides families with Christmas gifts to alleviate the monetary stress. The atmosphere was very welcoming and educational. Ms. Anna Otto, Director of Volunteerism was very thorough in explaining the flow of how things needed to be done. I am definitely considering returning and helping as the holiday approaches and they become busier. I developed my empathy skills and communication skills through this experience.

This experience was great because it allowed me to become better acquainted with the Memphis community. We (me and other members of Students Advocating Stronger Sisterhood) distributed posters that promoted the annual Race for Reconciliation to businesses on Highland St and Poplar Plaza. I was happy to participate in this experience because the R4R promotes unity within the city of Memphis. Getting the word out to people about this event will allow for more participation in a wholesome event. I would not mind volunteering with this organization again because their overall mission is promising and positive. I definitely applaud their efforts

On Halloween, SASS executive members participated in putting together a booth for a Trunk or Treat. We gave out candy and set up a game for the children/trick-or-treaters to get. The crowd consisted of a lower income community, and I was glad to be able to give joy to the children with this opportunity. I learned that the community usually comes to the center for a safe fun and resources. This experience allowed me to appreciate the privilege that I have and want to give back to this community more. I highly anticipate volunteering with the Neighborhood Christian Center again

This act of volunteerism help the new students with the stress and physical strain of moving into their perspective dorms. The freshmen and families were glad to have greeters and someone to pick up falling items that they were trying to stuff into carts. I developed my communication and personable skills by empathizing with the families during this transitional period. Working with other warm welcomers also provided me with many networking and teamwork opportunities. I plan to always participate in Warm Welcome as I did during the previous school year.

Rebekah Fahey  3 years ago Hi Reagan, please update your reflection according to the guiding questions on page 18 of the EL Handbook.

We went to Woodstock Middle School and stocked their closet with many essentials to help guide them to a successful year. We organized many school supplies, folded the school uniforms we collected, and added many hygiene products to the cabinets and drawers. It felt like a full circle moment.

It is always fun to go to Memphis Rox because their staff is so friendly and inviting! It also allows us the help beautify the city we call home while we're in school. I can honestly say it makes a big difference we we clean up because the residents of the area look forward to the event and anticipate the monthly cleanup.