Growing up charity and volunteering were always synonymous with church service and resume builders in my mind. It was not until I met a young women who had overcome many disadvantages only to decide to give back to low income communities instead of pursuing a more typical American dream that I realized not only how many advantages I had, but how easy and fulfilling giving back to a community could be. Memphis is such a unique city with so much pride that volunteering here will be an immediate way to become embedded in the community while helping foster it.

I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to do just that, not at one organization, but at seven different non-profits all in the span of one week. While there are many more great non-profit organizations with volunteer opportunities, I believe that these seven will give me a great spectrum of knowledge on volunteer opportunities in Memphis. I will get the rare chance to be able to see what issue needs the most attention and what group, cause or community I am really am passionate about. I know that this adventure will drastically alter my knowledge and understanding of the city and the community in a positive way.

I am excited to build and refine my skills in many new, exciting situations. While I know the demands of this week will be challenging, I look forward to coming out as not only a more informed individual, but more well rounded person that can bring a lot to the table at any organization. My hope is that the main achievement of this week is a renewed sprit of empathy and erosion of past ignorance for me and anyone that follow experience.