Allyson Allkins

This volunteer opportunity was a direct impact on students up to 8th Grade, providing support to them throughout their spelling bee competition. We were able to talk with students and provide support to them after they were unable to spell the words, resulting in losing the competition. The students and staff were very grateful for our time helping throughout the event. I worked with the staff of the event as well as two of my fellow college students. The person overseeing this event was Katherine Cook, a supervising teacher at the local campus school. She helped us set up, provided support for us throughout the event, and helped us to take down. If the opportunity were to arise, I would love to volunteer for this event again!

During this event, I was able to directly serve people of the Memphis community by handing out boxes of food that they will use to feed themselves and their families. We served many low-income families that needed assistance with groceries, and they were very grateful for everything they received. We worked as a team for this event by assigning each group different tasks. One group did paperwork, one handed out boxes of food, one handed out produce, and one handed out bread and valentines cards. Throughout this process, I was able to improve my skills of teamwork and communication. Since many cars pulled up at the same time, we had to communicate and all work as a team to serve everyone in a timely manner. I have served with this organization many times, and I plan to continue serving with them. I love seeing the direct impact that we made in just a few short hours.

My direct service benefited the community by keeping the park clean. We volunteered at Glenview Park and helped to clean up the area. By picking up trash, we were able to provide a safe, shared space for people of the community to gather and participate in activities. The team was very happy about us being there and were grateful for our time. One skill I feel like I improved was team work and communication. There were many people at this event that I did not know, and it was great to work as a team to clean the park effectively with communication throughout. For this service, we worked as a team and took over different sections of the park. We split up between the parking lots, basketball courts, play grounds, and the outer perimeter. By working as a team, we all were able to make this project quick and effective. I do plan to continue volunteering with this organization if the opportunity is open in the future because it was easy to see the impacts we were making and feel connected with the Memphis community.

Today, I helped at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. I worked as a team with other members of the church and various organizations. We worked together to cook beans and rice, smoked sausage, prepare peaches, and cut cakes to effectively serve over 60 people. My service today directly impacted Memphians who are experiencing food insecurity. Many of the people we served today are struggling in many different ways, and by cooking and serving lunch, we were able to make that struggle just a little easier. They were very thankful to have a warm meal on a cold, rainy day. Today helped me learn a lot more about the struggles many people in Memphis face every single day. Many times we think we know about the struggles people face, but seeing it up close put a whole new perspective on our community. Today truly impacted me personally through this. I think that it has inspired me todo more and seek out more opportunities to directly help others.

Working together as a team with my sorority sisters, we packed nonperishable goods into boxes that will be given out to the community. These boxes of food will directly impact members of our community who are experiencing food insecurity. The boxes we packed will go to families, group homes, shelters, and many other places. While we did not get to see our impacts personally, many members of the Mid-South Food Bank expressed how grateful people are for the boxes that they receive. This event helped me to develop communication and teamwork skills throughout our service. We had three teams of people. Each team either checked boxes for quality, checked expiration dates, separated foods into boxes, or folded boxes. Without communication and teamwork, this job could not have been done effectively. This event contributed to our philanthropic focus of fighting hunger. Alpha Gamma Delta is dedicated to fighting hunger through the Mid-South Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, and Feeding America. By going out and packaging these goods, we are making a direct contribution to our mission to fight hunger. Over my years at the University of Memphis, I have served at this organization many times, and I plan to continue this work.

Rebekah Fahey  3 years ago Hi Ally, please update your reflection according to the guiding questions on page 18 of the EL Handbook.

At the V&E Greenline, I worked with fellow students of the University of Memphis as a team to help clean up the historic trail. Each of us worked together to cut limbs, rake leaves, and pick up trash. Our service directly impacts the residents of Memphis. The V&E Greenline is a place that has been kept up by 100% volunteer effort. Historically, the Greenline was a railroad that was abandoned leaving behind years of rich Memphis history. However, the residents of Memphis have turned it into a place for everyone to enjoy. By helping keep the Greenline kept up, we are continuing this legacy for all Memphians to enjoy. Overseeing this opportunity was Joshua First, President and Volunteer Coordinator. It was amazing seeing his passion for the city of Memphis and the Greenline. He educated us on the history of the Greenline and helped us every step of the way. During my time at the University of Memphis, I have volunteered here many times, and I plan to continue serving at this organization.

Rebekah Fahey  3 years ago Hi Ally, please update your reflection according to the guiding questions on page 18 of the EL Handbook.

I had an amazing time helping the Freshman students move into their dorms for Weeks of Welcome. My service today had a direct impact on the students moving on to our campus. They expressed many times how we "saved the day" for them, and it was great to see the impact! During this opportunity, I was able to build communication skills by helping to educate them on move in, college, and all of the above. It was so great being able to ease students' and families' fears as they begin such a huge journey. During this event, I worked as a team with other Weeks of Welcome leaders. Many students had a lot to move in, and it was essential for us all to work as a team to effectively move students in and make it a enjoyable experience. Overall, I feel that this opportunity helped achieve Weeks of Welcome's overall goal of helping students feel at home on our campus. From the moment they stepped on to campus, they were met with tiger spirit and pride, and I believe that this helped them instantly feel at home!

I had an amazing time helping the Freshman students move into their dorms for Weeks of Welcome. My service today had a direct impact on the students moving on to our campus. They expressed many times how we "saved the day" for them, and it was great to see the impact! During this opportunity, I was able to build communication skills by helping to educate them on move in, college, and all of the above. It was so great being able to ease students' and families' fears as they begin such a huge journey. During this event, I worked as a team with other Weeks of Welcome leaders. Many students had a lot to move in, and it was essential for us all to work as a team to effectively move students in and make it a enjoyable experience. Overall, I feel that this opportunity helped achieve Weeks of Welcome's overall goal of helping students feel at home on our campus. From the moment they stepped on to campus, they were met with tiger spirit and pride, and I believe that this helped them instantly feel at home!

I loved this experience! We were able to help set up for the community's easter event and get to know members of the church.

We were able to hand out food boxes to people in need of assistance. Getting to connect with them and personally see the impacts that were made was an amazing experience!