Kennedy Chism

Today, I volunteered at the Memphis Zoo’s Zoo Boo event, where I spent time teaching young children about animals of the night. At the flashlight game station, I helped children explore animals they could find in their own backyards. My role gave me the opportunity to combine something I enjoy, working with children, with a chance to serve families in the Memphis community. I appreciated being able to contribute to their experience by making the game an opportunity to learn something about the world around them.

One of the most meaningful parts of this experience was connecting the information to places the children already know. Teaching them about backyard animals made the topic relevant to their everyday lives. Rather than thinking of wildlife as something they can only see at the zoo, children could begin to recognize that there are animals worth noticing and learning about close to home. This helped me reflect on the importance of making learning accessible. A familiar setting, such as a backyard, can become a starting point for questions, exploration, and a greater appreciation for nature.

As a future elementary teacher, I also valued the opportunity to share information through play. The flashlight game gave the learning a purpose within an activity the children could participate in. It reminded me to think about how I introduce information and how I can make a topic understandable and interesting for young learners. Knowing information is only one part of teaching. I also have to consider how to explain it in a way that connects with children and gives them room to be curious. This is something I want to continue developing in my own classroom through hands-on activities and connections to students’ experiences.

This experience reinforced why I enjoy working with children and why community service is important to me. At Zoo Boo, I was able to use my interest in teaching to contribute to a community event and help children explore a topic they can continue thinking about after leaving the zoo. Moving forward, I want to create more opportunities for children to discover learning in familiar places. My time at the flashlight station reminded me that a meaningful teaching moment can begin with a simple game and a connection to a child’s own world.

Volunteering at the Memphis Zoo during Zoo Boo was an amazing experience that reminded me how much I enjoy connecting with people and serving my community. While handing out candy, I had the opportunity to interact with children and families and help make their evening special. My favorite part was connecting with the guests and sharing in their excitement. Although giving out candy was a simple task, the interactions made it meaningful because I was contributing to an experience that families could enjoy together.

As a future elementary teacher, this experience reinforced how much I value building relationships with children and their families. It reminded me that even brief interactions are opportunities to help someone feel welcomed and noticed. The warmth, patience, and enthusiasm I bring to community service are qualities I want to carry into my classroom. I want my future students and their families to feel comfortable with me and know that I care about them beyond academics.

This experience also gave me a chance to reflect on the kind of leader I want to be. I lead through compassion, dependability, and a willingness to help wherever I am needed. Being part of Zoo Boo allowed me to put those values into practice while contributing to something larger than myself. I left feeling grateful for the opportunity to serve and reminded that showing up with a positive attitude and genuine care can make a difference in someone’s day.

Serving as an activity station and classroom helper at the Like You Children’s Film Festival at the Pink Palace was a meaningful experience. I enjoyed connecting with children and families and helping create a welcoming space where they could participate and have fun together. What I valued most was the opportunity to give people my attention and help them feel seen. Making sure children and families feel valued is something I care deeply about, and this experience gave me another way to put that care into action.

As a future elementary teacher, I want to create a classroom where every child feels comfortable participating and every family knows they matter. This experience reminded me that building that sense of belonging begins with how I interact with people. Taking time to listen, offering encouragement, and being available to help can shape how someone feels in a space. Those are practices I want to continue strengthening through both teaching and community service.

The festival also connected to the compassionate leader I strive to be. I enjoy supporting others and helping make their experience a positive one. Serving in this role reinforced that my contribution matters, even through small interactions and everyday responsibilities. I left feeling grateful to have been part of an event centered on children and families and motivated to continue serving my community with that same care and intention.

Skills and Personal Development – How has this experience influenced your future career or educational goals?
Alongside being a teacher, I also enjoy event planning and supporting community activities, and volunteering as an usher and greeter for the Ladysmith Black Mambazo concert reinforced that interest. Helping manage guest services, guide attendees, and ensure a smooth event gave me practical experience in organizing and coordinating public events. Experiences like this allow me to combine my skills in communication, leadership, and organization, which I hope to continue applying both in education and in event planning roles in the future.

Understanding and Awareness – Did this experience change your perspective on your role within the community or environment?
Yes, this experience deepened my understanding of the role volunteers play in creating meaningful cultural experiences for the community. By helping guests feel welcome and ensuring the event ran smoothly, I realized that volunteers are essential to connecting the public with art and music. It showed me that even behind-the-scenes contributions can have a significant impact on the overall success of an event and the enjoyment of the community.

Relationships and Teamwork – What new connections or relationships did you form during your service?

During my service, I had the opportunity to meet and connect with several new people, which made the experience even more meaningful. One of the most memorable connections I formed was with a fellow volunteer from Budapest, Hungary. It was especially interesting to learn about their background and share our different perspectives, but what stood out even more was how many similarities we discovered. Despite coming from different parts of the world, we found common interests and shared experiences, which made it even easier to connect and work well together. This made the environment more collaborative and enjoyable, and it showed me how service can bring people together from all over the world.

Organizational Impact and Alignment – Do you plan to continue volunteering with this organization? Why or why not?
Yes, I plan to continue volunteering with the Germantown Performing Arts Center because the organization provides valuable cultural experiences to the community, and my contributions as a volunteer directly support their mission. Each event allows me to engage with the arts, help others enjoy the performances, and strengthen my own skills in event support and guest relations.

Reflection and Improvement – What unexpected challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

During my volunteer experience as an usher and ticket taker, one unexpected challenge I faced was adjusting to a completely new ticketing system after the old one was no longer available. This created some confusion at first, as we had to quickly learn how to use the new process while still keeping the line moving and ensuring guests had a smooth entry experience. We overcame this challenge by working together as a team, communicating clearly, and relying on the multiple backup plans that the host, Mandy, had thoughtfully prepared. By staying flexible and supporting one another, we were able to adapt quickly and successfully manage the situation without disrupting the event.

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.

Skills and Personal Development – How did this experience challenge your problem-solving abilities?
While volunteering as a greeter and usher at the concert featuring Kandace Springs, I was challenged to think quickly and solve problems in real time. Guests often had questions about seating, timing, or directions, and I had to respond clearly and efficiently while keeping everything moving smoothly. There were moments when multiple guests needed assistance at once, which required me to prioritize tasks and stay calm under pressure. This experience strengthened my ability to make quick decisions, stay organized, and handle unexpected situations in a fast-paced environment.

Understanding and Awareness – What did you learn about the community or environment you served?
Through this event at the Germantown Performing Arts Center, I learned how much the community values live music and cultural experiences. The audience was very engaged and excited to attend the performance, which showed me how important spaces like this are for bringing people together. It also gave me a better appreciation for how much coordination and effort goes into creating a positive and welcoming environment for guests at live events.

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, which had a big impact on my experience. We all had different roles, such as greeting, ushering, and directing guests, but we had to communicate and support each other to make sure everything ran smoothly. Being part of a team made the experience more enjoyable and less stressful, and it showed me how important teamwork is in creating a successful event.

Organizational Impact and Alignment – How did the organization support or guide you during your service?
The organization provided clear instructions, assigned roles, and scheduled meeting times before the event started, which helped me feel prepared and confident in my responsibilities. Staff members were available throughout the event to answer questions and provide guidance if needed. This support made it easier for me to do my job effectively and contribute to a smooth and organized experience for guests.

Reflection and Improvement – What would you change about your approach to this service opportunity in the future?
In the future, I would work on being even more proactive when assisting guests by anticipating their needs before they have to ask for help. For example, I could take more initiative in guiding guests as they enter or noticing when someone looks unsure of where to go. I would also continue building my confidence when interacting with large groups of people so I can provide an even better experience. Overall, this reflection will help me improve my communication and awareness in future volunteer opportunities.

Skills and Personal Development – What skills did you develop or improve through this service experience?
Through volunteering at Botanica After Dark, I developed and improved my communication and customer service skills. I spent most of my time helping guests create terrariums, which required me to clearly explain steps, answer questions, and guide them through the process in a friendly and approachable way. I also strengthened my ability to stay organized and adaptable while assisting multiple guests at once and helping with setup and cleanup. This experience pushed me to be more confident in interacting with others and stepping outside of my comfort zone.

Understanding and Awareness – What did you learn about the community or environment you served?
This experience helped me better understand how much people enjoy connecting with nature, even in indoor spaces. I saw how events like this bring the community together in a fun and creative way while also promoting an appreciation for plants and the environment. It showed me that creating hands-on, interactive experiences can help people feel more engaged and interested in learning about nature.

Relationships and Teamwork – What new connections or relationships did you form during your service?
During this event, I formed new friendships with other volunteers, which made the experience even more enjoyable. We worked together to help guests and supported each other throughout the event. This showed me how teamwork can make volunteering more fun and less stressful, and it helped me feel more comfortable putting myself out there and connecting with new people.

Organizational Impact and Alignment – How did your service contribute to the mission or goals of the organization?
My role contributed to the organization’s goal of creating a smooth and enjoyable experience for guests. By helping guide people, assisting with terrarium building, and keeping the space clean and organized, I helped ensure that everything ran efficiently. This allowed guests to fully enjoy the event and engage with the activities, which supports the organization’s mission of creating positive, community-centered experiences. It was truly so beautiful to see the connections and bonds that were created at this event. I saw all kinds of people, that did not even come together, talking and laughing amongst themselves. It was just a wonderful experience all together seeing people be brought together this way and I felt proud to have helped make it happen.

Reflection and Improvement – Did your service align with your personal values and beliefs?
Yes, this service experience aligned well with my personal values and beliefs. I value helping others, nature, creating positive experiences, and being part of a supportive community, all of which were reflected in this event. Assisting guests with building terrariums and making sure they had a good time allowed me to contribute in a meaningful and enjoyable way. I also value stepping outside of my comfort zone and meeting new people, which this experience encouraged me to do. There were no major conflicts for me during this event, and overall it felt rewarding to be involved in something that combined creativity, community engagement, and a positive environment.

1. Skills and Personal Development
Question: What skills did you develop or improve through this service experience?
Answer: Through volunteering as an usher, I developed my communication and interpersonal skills. Greeting attendees, answering questions, and helping people find their seats alllowed me to interact professionally and politely with a variety of people. I also strengthened my organizational skills by ensuring programs were distributed and seating ran smoothly, which are skills that will be valuable in any future career.

2. Understanding and Awareness
Question: What did you learn about the community or environment you served?
Answer: I learned that my community values the arts and enjoys coming together to share cultural experiences. The live jazz event brought together people of different ages and backgrounds, which showed me how important community events are for connecting people and fostering a sense of belonging. It made me appreciate the role of local arts organizations in building a strong, connected community.

3. Relationships and Teamwork
Question: What new connections or relationships did you form during your service?
Answer: I met lots of great people during the event, including other volunteers, staff, and attendees. Interacting with them was enjoyable and allowed me to build new connections while practicing my social and teamwork skills. These relationships highlighted how working together can create a welcoming and positive environment for everyone involved.

4. Organizational Impact and Alignment
Question: How did your service contribute to the mission or goals of the organization?
Answer: My service supported the performing arts center’s mission to provide enjoyable and accessible cultural experiences for the community. By assisting attendees, distributing programs, and helping the event run smoothly, I contributed to a positive experience for everyone, helping the organization fulfill its goal of fostering appreciation for the arts.

5. Reflection and Improvement
Question: Did your service align with your personal values and beliefs? If not, how did you handle any conflicts?
Answer: This experience aligned perfectly with my personal values. I value community involvement and the arts, and volunteering as an usher allowed me to support both. Meeting new people, assisting attendees, and contributing to a live event reinforced my belief in the importance of giving back and being an active member of my community.

1. Skills and Personal Development
Question: What skills did you develop or improve through this service experience?
Answer: Through this experience, I developed my communication and instructional skills by guiding the children through a hummingbird craft while keeping them engaged and excited. I also practiced patience and adaptability as I worked with people of different ages and skill levels. This helped strengthen my ability to give clear directions, provide encouragement, and create a fun learning environment.

2. Understanding and Awareness
Question: What did you learn about the community or environment you served?
Answer: I learned that my community values creative, hands-on learning experiences that allow families to connect and explore together. The event showed me how art and nature can bring people together in meaningful ways. It was inspiring to see parents and children learning side by side, and it reminded me how important it is to make education feel joyful and accessible for everyone.

3. Relationships and Teamwork
Question: Did you work individually or as part of a team, and how did that impact your experience?
Answer: I worked as part of a team with the art teacher and other volunteers, and that teamwork made the experience more enjoyable and organized. We supported each other by sharing materials, guiding the kids, and keeping the activity running smoothly. It reminded me of the importance of collaboration in education.

4. Organizational Impact and Alignment
Question: How did your service contribute to the mission or goals of the organization?
Answer: My service supported the Dixon’s mission to connect art, nature, and education in the community. By helping children create their own hummingbird crafts, I contributed to an experience that encouraged creativity, environmental awareness, and family connection. It was rewarding to be part of an event that blended art and learning in such a fun and meaningful way.

5. Reflection and Improvement
Question: Did your service align with your personal values and beliefs? If not, how did you handle any conflicts?
Answer: This service completely aligned with my personal values and beliefs. I’m passionate about inspiring children to learn through creativity and exploration, and this event allowed me to do just that. Helping kids express themselves while learning about nature reflected my belief that education should be both engaging and meaningful. It strengthened my passion for teaching and guidance counseling, reminded me why I chose this career path.

1. Skills and Personal Development
Question: What skills did you develop or improve through this service experience?
Answer: During my time volunteering as a nature investigator, I developed stronger communication and teaching skills, especially when explaining scientific concepts to children in a fun and engaging way. I also improved my ability to guide hands-on learning experiences by encouraging curiosity and exploration. These skills directly connect to my goal of becoming a teacher and helped me practice creating meaningful learning moments outside the classroom.

2. Understanding and Awareness
Question: How did your service influence your understanding of social or environmental issues?
Answer: Volunteering as a nature investigator helped me understand how important it is to teach children about caring for the environment from a young age. I saw how naturally curious they are about the world and how small lessons about plants, animals, and ecosystems can build lifelong respect for nature. It made me realize that environmental education plays a big role in shaping responsible and compassionate future generations something I want to include in my own teaching one day.

3. Relationships and Teamwork
Question: Did you work individually or as part of a team, and how did that impact your experience?
Answer: I worked as part of a team with other volunteers and staff at the garden. Collaborating with them made the experience more enjoyable and productive. We shared ideas on how to make activities more interactive for the kids, and I learned the importance of teamwork in creating a supportive learning environment, something I will carry into my future teaching career.

4. Organizational Impact and Alignment
Question: How did your service contribute to the mission or goals of the organization?
Answer: My service supported the garden’s mission to inspire environmental appreciation and lifelong learning. By helping children explore nature through hands-on experiments and play, I helped the organization achieve its goal of making science and nature accessible and exciting for young learners.

5. Reflection and Improvement
Question: Did your service align with your personal values and beliefs? If not, how did you handle any conflicts?
Answer: This service experience completely aligned with my personal values and beliefs. I am passionate about supporting children’s growth and curiosity, and I believe learning should extend beyond the classroom. Volunteering as a nature investigator allowed me to nurture children’s natural sense of wonder while contributing to my community, values that guide me as I work toward becoming an educator.