June 17, 2010 Casey Connell I am currently the Programming Intern at the Special Olympics Louisiana. I work both in the office doing the regular job things, but more so I get time to be involved with athletes. All of our athletes have either a physical or intellectual disability. We serve them through sharing sport and just being there to coach and play and support our athletes in whatever they may want to do. For me, I have been serving in many different capacities since I was a small child, whether it was Habitat for Humanity, The Humane Society, Life Choices (a crisis pregnancy center), The Red Cross of Northeast Louisiana, Race for the Cure, March of Dimes, CASA, American Cancer Society, here on campus through VLSU, Zeta Tau Alpha, Colleges Against Cancer, Campus Life and Students on Target. I have never been one to do something for myself. I truly believe that the best thing you can do is give your time to someone or something else. So in choosing where to do my internship for this summer I took the time to find an organization that truly made a difference in the lives of other people. I did not have to be paid because all I truly wanted was to create some positive change and gain some experience in a career setting. After finding, inquiring and interviewing with the Special Olympics Louisiana, I knew that was the place for me. Sports were my life, so why not take ! |
April 30, 2010 Tiffany Sullivan I tutored a sweet little second grade girl at Delmont Element in mathematics throughout the semester, spending an hour of one-on-one time with her each week. The little girl knows that someone supports and believes in her, and she is confident in her academic endeavors now. |
March 30, 2010 Jonathan Batiste I co-facilitated a workshop for HIV Negative black men, known as the STOP AIDS project. The guys really enjoyed the conversation and I enjoyed being able to facilitate. It's a pretty amazing organization and I worked there about 6 years ago and recently stepped down from their Board of Directors. Established in 1985, the STOP AIDS project works to prevent HIV transmission among all gay and bisexual men in San Francisco through multicultural, community-based organizing. Internationally recognized as a successful model of grassroots prevention and support, STOP AIDS brings diverse gay and bisexual men together to talk about the challenges and issues posed by HIV/AIDS through neighborhood outreach, workshops and community forums. Our work extends beyond education -- we help change behavior, create personal commitment to safer sex, build community support for each individual, and live these compelling beliefs: HIV transmission can be prevented. www.stopaids.org I learned alot and so did the guys. This group is meant to assist with the edification of our community. |
March 9, 2010 Margaret Simon I initiated a Help Haiti t-shirt project. I collaborated with a fine arts teacher to design a t-shirt that would benefit Doctors without Borders. The t-shirts were sold at Iberia Parish public schools. The project to date has raised more than $2000 for Doctors without Borders. Students and families of Iberia parish were made aware of the devastation in Haiti and given the opportunity to "do something to help." |
March 3, 2010 Christine Hardee While working on a house with Habitat for Humanity one Saturday morning, I was talking to the woman working next to me, and getting to know her. Finally, I found out that she would be living in that very house with her family! To actually meet and talk to the soon-to-be resident, and to see how excited she was, made that 7 A.M. wake up call not feel so bad. Nothing completes the experience or makes it more real, than meeting the people you are there for. Volunteering for service events around my community gives me a feeling that I don't get anywhere else. I can't explain it really, but I know I am there to help those in need, instead of doing something else like watching t.v. all day. Our lives are so busy nowadays, that it is hard to find free time for yourself, let alone to help others, so it really feels good knowing that people still do make time to volunteer. I know it's important to me, and that I would rather be helping those in need, than helping myself. I have been volunteering with different organizations for as long as I can remember. Any opportunity that I hear of, I am the first to sign up! That is why I became a member of the service learning council at LSU, as well as other service-based organizations, such as Kappa Delta Epsilon, and the Association for the Education of Young Children. I have done work with many different programs, such as Habitat for Humanity, VIPS, Everybody Reads, the Cinderella Project, BREC Zoo, and many others. I have taken several service-learning courses at LSU, and because my major is Early Childhood Education, my last two years consist only of service learning courses. I have done anything from tutoring children in Math, tutoring children with special needs, I have had a Reading Buddy for the past two years, that I see twice a month- we visit, and read together, Zippity Zoo Daze, Earth Day, and many other fun, different things! Participating in any or all of these events really makes me appreciate the things I have, and makes me feel good about myself at the same time, because I am helping others achieve those things as well. I love to volunteer, and I love getting my friends involved in the community as well! |
February 24, 2010 Lauren St. Pierre We, the LSU Bateman team, campaigned for the U.S. Census 2010 to educate college students about the upcoming census and how it will impact us all here in Baton Rouge. We have planned and implemented several events throughout the month to fulfill our objectives, such as: -Present to several classes at LSU Our campaign has educated the citizens of Baton Rouge about the upcoming 2010 Census. Before this month, many students did not even know the Census was being mailed out or why it was important to fill it out. By the end of the month, many students and Baton Rouge community members have told us, because of our campaign, they are now aware why it is important to fill it out and plan on doing so once it is sent to their home. |
February 1, 2010 Devon Wade "Penye nia, pana njia"—I heard this saying again and again during my study abroad stay in Tanzania, Africa. As my studies in Swahili progressed, I learned the proverb meant where there is a goal, there is a path. While staying in the village of Bagamoyo, the significance of this particular proverb became more evident here than anywhere I traveled in Tanzania. I could feel it thriving in the hearts of the people, especially the children who attended the David Livingston School where I had the opportunity to teach English. As I walked to the school that morning, I could not help but notice the dilapidated state of their clay homes and school buildings: what if these were America's schools and towns, how would the students react to learning in this environment? Would they be motivated to better themselves through education even though their school does not reflect society's concern? As the children arrived, they crowded around me anxious to hear what this American had to say. I used Swahili to communicate with them and drew pictures on the chalk board so they could relate them to the English words. While in the classroom, they were so attentive and eager to answer my questions that it took me by surprise. By the end of the day, we had accomplished so much because of their passion for learning. These 3-6 year-old children had almost nothing, yet they took great pride in their education. The most satisfying part of this experience was not that they learned from me, but that I learned from them. It was a lesson of strength; they had a goal of getting their education and no matter what obstacles impeded their journey they stuck to that path. Penye nia, pana njia. In America I believe that we tend to become materialistic and let that define our ideas and perspectives on life. While volunteering in Bagamoyo, I could see that lacking material wealth did not deter them from their idea of what was important in life. Education was of central importance, and no matter how dilapidated their schools were or lack of school materials they were enthusiastic about their education. This experience was unique to me because I could relate to it on a smaller scale being from the inner-city of Houston. We had little material wealth and grew up poor, but my parents stressed the importance of education. I learned a lesson that could be applied universally: Through education much can be overcome. And this stood true for the children in Bagamoyo and for me here in America. |
January 21, 2010 Julie Smith In fall 2009, I volunteered at Slaughter Elementary School to sponsor the National Beta Club and 4-H. At that time, 4-H was organized, but without a sponsor and there was no Beta chapter on our campus. Since then, our 4-H club is now one of the largest and most active elementary school clubs in the district. We encourage individual service as well as group service activities. The SES Junior Beta chapter requires service hours from all of its member, as well as participation in group service activities. 4-H is currently participating in a drive to gather supplies to be donated to the Haiti earthquake victims. |
January 19, 2010 Karl Molden For the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service in 2009, I met with other students at LSU and we traveled by bus to either Polk Elementary, Buchanan Elementary, or to the Baton Route Battered Women's Shelter. I visited the Battered Women's Shelter where I supervised and participated in the painting of a recreational room. In addition, we were provided lunch at the site and afterwards, continued to work at the shelter. Participating in the MLK Day of Service was a very fulfilling experience, especially as a team leader at the site. This was my first year volunteering my time to celebrate the values Dr. King stood for, and I knew it would not be my last. Knowing that I've made a difference in the lives of the families living at the shelter was very rewarding and gratifying. As a result of last years experiences, I decided to volunteer once again in 2010. |
January 15, 2010 Paige Chenier Last year I participated in the Martin Luter King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration, which takes place during the month of January dedicated to the celebration and legacy of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. One of the programs organized by the MLK Committee is a Day of Service, which always takes place on Martin Luther King Day. Last year, all of the participants were assigned to one of three locations and I was assigned to help a women's shelter. Some of us painted bathrooms, some assembled toys for the children, and some cleaned up the playground. But we all played with the children after we were finished. I was assigned to help clean up the playground to make it more aesthetically appealing to the residents of the shelter and their children. I, and others assigned to the playground, picked up and threw away trash, raked leaves, and organized the toys that were outside. What's different now is my perspective on life and how I treat others. The Day of Service was actually my first experience visiting a shelter and interacting with the residents. Of course, I knew shelters existed but I had never visited one or thought about how the residents lived and how they must feel. The experience taught me I should never take anything for granted because it can all be gone in a second. It made me appreciate my family, friends, and home more because of these women. My heart went out to them. |
January 5, 2010 Vashti Jenkins After giving birth to my son in high school, I never thought I'd have the opportunity to go to LSU. Although I decided to work after high school graduation, my mother suggested I pursue college. While the thought of failure intimidated me, I enrolled in community college. After my first semester there, I realized I had underestimated myself and decided to transfer to LSU. During my second semester, I needed a sociology elective and the only one available had a service-learning component. I went to the Sociology Department and asked about the class. The clerk said she would put me in the class but I should know I would have to engage in some community service because it was a class requirement. Little did I know that class would be the start of something that would soon change my life. The service-learning component of the course was with a program called Volunteers in Public Schools. Each student was issued a "reading buddy" who didn't meet the standard reading levels. Our objective was to enhance the students' reading levels. The majority of the students at the elementary school came from broken homes. I became attached to my reading friend during our required visits. It was very exciting to know my student was improving and the methods we came up with in class had impact on his reading level. I continued to see my reading buddy twice a week until I arrived one day and found out that he moved. Tears were streaming down my face. It was then I realized how fulfilling my service experience was. I became further interested in service-learning and scheduled a second service-learning course for the following fall. The class entailed poetry and the service-learning component, which was at a thrift store, Connections for Life. The program is a transitional housing organization that scouts women coming out of prison, treatment facilities, and battered women's shelters. The store is an opportunity for some of the ladies to have employment as well as a source of income for the program. My peers and I were required to volunteer at the thrift store working with the women. We discussed how poetry could be an agent for release for victims of abuse. I had a wonderful experience in the store working with these women. They had inspring stories that motivated me. After one year of service-learning, I realized I have a passion for the community and I wanted to be more involved in service. At the end of my service-learning course, I applied for the service-learning advisory council. One of the objectives of the council is to scout for teachers who may be applicable to add a service-learning component to their class. We would also scout for students and tell them of our service experiences and encourage them to get involved. Our council also attends some events within the community; volunteering through service outside of school functions. This semester I am an active member in LSU's chapter of the NAACP. I joined the social-service committee. Within this committee we plan service opportunities on and off campus for the chapter to be involved in. Through my service at LSU, I have realized I have a heart for the community and hope to have my own non-profit one day to reach out to people. In particular, to single mothers like myself who may never see the potential they have. After I receive my undergraduate degree in sociology, I plan to pursue graduate school and get a master's degree in social work to make an impact in my community. Through service at LSU, I know my purpose in life is to reach out to my community. |
December 14, 2009 Saundra McGuire, Ph.D. I presented a workshop for high school girls attending the gO Women for Engineering, Science and Technology Academy (gO WEST) at Lamar University at Beaumont, TX. gO WEST is a summer camp for 50 high- performing, underrepresented high-school females. After presenting the one hour interactive workshop on "Metacognition, Learning Strategies, and Study Skills: The Key to Excelling in Classes (and Everything Else!)," the young ladies asked questions about what it takes to pursue a career in science, and about my personal experiences in my career. |
December 10, 2009 Andrew Keller I volunteered through various service-learning classes at Connections for Life Goodwill store and with VIPS doing the reading buddy program. I also have been to Mexico and Guatemala as part of medical service missions. This has been going on since early 2008 and I plan on continuing with VIPS and returning to Guatemala in the spring. I have always liked the idea of performing work without a direct reward-pathway being visible. Service involves helping someone or a group of people who could be anyone. They could be someone you may choose not to help but have pledged to serve. I like working and I like interacting with new people and situations. Not just the glamorous either, I embrace negative experience as an essential side of the coin. My work in Guatemala involved helping setup the dental component of our village clinic, keeping the instruments as clean as possible and translating where patient-physician communication broke down. For Connections for Life I worked in the thrift store doing whatever was necessary, talking to the women whose daunting task it was to keep the store organized as well as keep their own new lives outside of prison in line enough for Connections4Life's strict standards. As the service-learning component of my poetry class, it gave me an appreciation of what it can mean to have to turn one's life in a new direction. My community on a large scale cannot be said to have changed significantly by my actions alone. However, my self-confidence as well as my faith in humanity have improved my interactions and outlook on people I meet as well as volunteering and service in general. |
December 10, 2009 Matt Schafer I recently volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul Society during Thanksgiving. I worked in the cafeteria at St. Vincent de Paul serving fresh apple pie to members of the community in need of a meal. Volunteering was important to me, because I believe no one should be left with an empty stomach, especially on Thanksgiving. Volunteering provided me an opportunity to engage with the community, which was extremely beneficial since I am new to the area. I had the chance to meet people that are hard at work providing for members of the Baton Rouge community. After volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul, I decided to begin volunteering at a regular basis with another volunteer organization in Baton Rouge. I look forward to continuing serving the Baton Rouge community and those in need. |
December 9, 2009 Danielle Joyeux I have been participating in service-learning courses throughout my college career since I began at LSU in 2006. Through my various volunteer experiences, I have worked with such organizations as Habitat for Humanity, Volunteers in Public Schools, United Way, City Year, Alzheimer's Services, Old South Baton Rouge, and some East Baton Rouge public schools. I enrolled in an honors course the fall semester of my freshman year, unknowing that it was a service-learning course. During the length of the course, I was required to read with a first grade student at Buchanan Elementary and reflect on the experience and have been in love with service ever since. My service opportunities have ranged from facilitating a music seminar to serving as a development intern for nonprofit organizations. I've hammered frames for attics and helped students discover a passion for reading. I've been in positions of leadership as well as equally important positions where I served as manpower or support. Service is a mutual relationship operating to impact both the volunteer and the community. When service is performed, there are greater implications beyond a house getting painted or helping to facilitate a fundraising walk. The four hour weekend service project will serve to create a larger impact that extends beyond those who worked to make it successful and into future endeavors to quell hardship or promote whatever causes we are passionate about. As a result of the service that I as well as others have performed in our communities, we leave changed, not only experiencing an intrinsic value because we've done something positive, but also realizing that because of our service we are closer to our communities. We set in place a cyclical effect where we can commit to service, observe the results, and inspire others to continue and refine not only our own personal skills and but also change the community for the better. |
| Share Your Service Stories |