Although I have not actually started the Community Service Project, I am extremely excited to start it. I want to get involved, do something meaningful with my life. A meaningful life to me is one I can reflect on and in ten, twenty years tell myself, “That was worth it. I got something out of it. I am a better person because of that – not just a happier person, but a better person.”
I did not use many school resources to necessarily help with the project, but I did use some. I used the skills I learned about the Library, such as the different databases, and websites to find organizations. The usefulness of the databases helped me in other classes like my English class, and my Business Recitation class. They were EXTREMELY helpful at finding great information. Communicating with Dariya, our peer mentor, was also extremely helpful. She always provided great feedback to my group’s questions or draft submissions.
Because of this project, I have thought more about Volunteering. I have thought about how hard it is to find a great organization. As I was asked today when we presented, I do wonder why volunteering becomes such an issue in NYC. There are so many parameters on volunteering that should not be there. If I am willing to give you FREE help, why not take it? I feel like this is a lot of the reason why many New Yorkers are not motivated to volunteer, because it is inconvenient. Many people cannot volunteer every day for 3 hours; they have other obligations. I think there need to be more organizations like New York Cares, which make it easier to volunteer.
In three years, I see myself getting ready for my last semester at Baruch. I see myself having done my Study Abroad in either Spain or the Netherlands, having a couple of internships behind me, and getting ready to graduate with distinguished Honors, perhaps even an Honors Thesis.
-Pamela Ozga