Volunteer work is a crucial factor in any community, as it builds on the work of selfless individuals looking to help others in need. Student volunteering is a great way to grow from new experiences, develop new skills, expand your view of the world, and help make a difference. Colleges and Universities love to see community service on applications. Having volunteer experience means you’re passionate about making a difference and are ready to be involved.
These three Byram Hills students have gone above and beyond in their volunteer work.
Alex Zodda, Byram Hills, Sophomore
1. What does your volunteer work entail?
About once a month, a few girls visited a JCCA (Jewish Child Care Association) cottage of about six to 10 girls. There are three different types of cottages, and I was with the Edenwald cottage, where kids had learning disabilities. Each child would bring a craft activity for the group when we met. These activities were usually holiday-based, creative, and fun. We’d get to know each other and
talked about their passions, hobbies, and even their social dramas.
2. What inspired you to take this on?
My father encouraged me to give the JCCA a try. He worked there as a psychiatrist, and he loved the kids. His dedication really inspired me.
3. What did you get from your volunteer efforts?
One of the standouts of volunteering for the JCCA is you get to understand and meet kids you wouldn’t in other circumstances. It really made me aware of stereotyping in society, and I realized that I’d made assumptions before meeting them. I re-thought how I interacted with people with learning disabilities.
4. How does volunteering make you feel?
Whenever I think of the kids in my cottage, my heart swells. Their resilience was extremely admirable, and they taught me how to appreciate life even though it can be flawed at times. Since then, I do my best to never judge anyone before meeting them. They all mean the world to me, and the overall experience has been a highlight of my teenage years.
5. Do you plan to continue your volunteer work?
Although I couldn’t participate this year, I’m so excited to return next year! I’m looking forward to reuniting with these children, and I couldn’t be happier to have such close ties with the JCCA.
Tyler Bond, Byram Hills, Junior
1. What does your volunteer work entail?
I created and lead Armonk to Africa (A2A) which is a cultural exchange and traditional letter writing program connecting Armonk’s Wampus Elementary School and the Esilalei Primary School in Tanzania, Africa. Once a month I meet with the fifth grade Wampus VIP Jr. Club where I lead the students through activities thoughtfully designed to foster authentic connections with their new friends in Africa and to expand their understanding of the world beyond Armonk.
2. What inspired you to take this on?
My Aunt Monica is a wildlife biologist and activist who has lived and worked in Tanzania for many years studying giraffes and educating people about ways to protect wildlife. Since I was very young, I felt a connection to the work Monica was doing and hoped to one day make a difference too. As I learned about life in Tanzania, I felt a deep compassion for the children there who do not have basic needs met, such as food and water to go to school. At the same time, I was inspired by their big smiles and all that we share in common and thought what a unique and special experience it would be to connect kids in my hometown with kids in Tanzania.
3. What do people get from your volunteer efforts?
The children that are participating in A2A are so excited when they get their new letters. Having a friend halfway across the world is pretty cool! They always reveal something new, they didn’t know before.
It is my goal that the children of A2A will get to know a bigger world than their own. The students I am teaching are gaining a new cultural appreciation and perspective that they didn’t have before.
It is my greatest hope that with the community’s support and beyond, that Armonk to Africa is going to be able to provide every child at the Esilalei School a meal a day at school for a year.
4. How does volunteering make you feel?
Watching the enthusiasm and happiness when students read and write their letters makes me so happy and very proud of the program. I can see their surprise and amazement as they get to know someone their own age who lives in Africa.
5. Do you have plans to continue your volunteer work?
I hope to continue the Armonk to Africa cultural exchange program. I will be launching the Food for Thought fundraising campaign in hopes that by the start of the new school year, the Esilalei school can open its doors ready with food and water for every child.
I will be travelling to Tanzania to meet and spend time with the students at the Esilalei school this summer! I can’t wait!!! If you would like to donate to Food for Thought, visit my website, Armonk2Africa.org
Evan McCauley, Byram Hills, Junior
1. What does your volunteer work entail?
I perform piano at nursing homes and assisted living communities for the residents on a regular basis. The performances are held in common areas where the residents come together for entertainment.
2. What inspired you to take this on?
Music is proven to help improve memory and brain function and to brighten mood. At home, I have seen the difference that it makes when I play for my grandparents.
3. What do people get from your volunteer efforts?
Hopefully, my music helps improve the quality of people’s lives.
4. How does volunteering make you feel?
It makes me feel very happy to bring joy to people through music. I play well known jazz standards which evoke nostalgia for the residents. It is very rewarding when I hear them sing and hum along, and I see them smiling. I know that they recognize and are enjoying the songs.
5. Do you plan to continue your volunteer work?
I plan to continue my volunteer work in order to spread the gift of music in my community.
In summary, volunteering is an indispensable pillar in our society and a great contribution to the community. These three students have shown great dedication to volunteerism, and hope they inspire others to pursue volunteer work in their community and beyond.
