I really enjoyed the time spent on my Volunteer Odyssey. I’ve always been the type of person who is eager to learn and volunteer. After my Peace Corps service and receiving my master’s degree, I pledged to make it my life’s goal to become a humanitarian who is well poised, educated, and experienced to create sound solutions to meet the demands of today’s challenges.
I have demonstrated my passion for service during my time as a student through extracurricular activities, and I will continue my passion for service throughout my career. As an undergraduate student I was President of the Urban Studies Club, Vice President of the Gamma Rho Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, AmeriCorps volunteer, and Habitat for Humanity volunteer. As a member of the Urban Studies Club I was able to complete service-oriented projects with groups like the Rotary Club and Sierra Club. Each of these experiences afforded me the opportunity to be of service to those who are less fortunate and serve as inspiration for younger generations. During my time as a graduate student, I actively participated in Synoptikos (graduate student organization in the department of Urban and Regional Planning at Florida State University) and was elected by colleagues to be an officer but, unfortunately, was unable to accept the position due to my invitation to the U.S. Peace Corps. I also participated in several campus clubs and organizations including the Azúcar Dance Company, Black Graduate Student Association, American Planning Association, and the FSU Sustainable Campus and Community Committee.
Fast forward to the present, I have completed a Volunteer Odyssey. A Volunteer Odyssey that allowed me to lend my skills and talent to some of the most impactful nonprofits in Memphis. Not only were relationships formed, I was able to expand my network and establish myself with a nonprofit dedicated to helping others Stand Out and Give Back. From this point forward, I am no longer viewed as a transplant, but as the young professional who was willing to freely give her time and talents for a greater cause: Building a stronger city through the development of its people.
From this experience, I was able to gain valuable work experience that will last a lifetime. Much of what I learned during my Volunteer Odyssey will prove beneficial in my career and personal life. Volunteering in roles such as translator for refugees, feeding the urban poor, practicing rudimentary mathematics with adults with disabilities, have all exposed me to the many facets of urban development. It is my goal to increase my knowledge and volunteer experiences so that my work will help to reduce social inequalities and the overall welfare of mankind. I will take what was learned and build upon it. I will build my network. I will build my relationships. I will build my outreach to those who are less fortunate. Everything I gained and learned during my Volunteer Odyssey will expand and grow. This is not an end, but a new beginning.
Thank you Volunteer Odyssey.
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