Community Outreach & Volunteering

Inspiring the Next Generation of Scholars at St. Vincent Building & Loan Association

I was invited to serve as the guest speaker at the St. Vincent Building and Loan Association Scholarship Awards Ceremony. I had the privilege of addressing a new group of scholarship recipients who had demonstrated outstanding academic promise. As a former recipient of the same scholarship, I shared my personal journey and reflected on what the award had meant to me. I spoke about the sense of pride I felt and the responsibility that came with it.

My speech was meant to encourage the students to believe in their own potential and to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with growth. I introduced a concept from quantum physics and used a complex equation as a metaphor. I explained that although it may seem confusing at first, understanding becomes possible through discipline and curiosity. I wanted them to see their scholarship not only as financial assistance, but also as a clear sign that others believe in their ability to do something remarkable. This experience gave me the chance to give back to my community and I left feeling grateful for the chance to give back to the same community that once invested in me.

Creating Safe Spaces for Student Wellness through a Mental Health Seminar with JCI

I collaborated with Junior Chamber International (JCI) to coordinate a mental health seminar designed specifically for students. Our initiative aimed to foster a supportive environment where participants could develop awareness of mental well-being, identify signs of psychological distress, and learn how to access appropriate support services. This project addressed the critical need for greater mental health awareness and open conversation among young people.

As an organizer, I helped design the program agenda, recruit expert speakers, and manage the event. The process taught me how to coordinate different tasks and work with people from diverse backgrounds toward a shared goal. We brought together mental health professionals including psychologists, counselors, and youth outreach specialists to engage directly with attendees. These interactions successfully connected students with valuable resources while also breaking down barriers to mental health support.

Bridging the Gap between School and Science through Laboratory Outreach and Student Mentorship

As a science outreach volunteer, I collaborate with university colleagues to organize and lead interactive lab sessions for high school students. These sessions feature simplified versions of experiments from our university curriculum, allowing students to engage directly with the scientific process. After conducting experiments, we guide students through writing a lab report, thus helping them understand how scientific research is structured and communicated in higher education.

Beyond the lab, I also mentor high school students by discussing my field of study and the realities of university life. I provide insights on what to expect when transitioning to higher education and share practical strategies for success. One of my key focuses is sharing knowledge on effective study techniques, as I believe these foundational skills are essential for long-term academic achievement. My goal is to help students develop strong habits early, equipping them with tools that will benefit them throughout their educational journey.

This work has been fulfilling because I learned alongside the students and watched their interest in science grow with each session. Seeing them go from unsure to confident in handling experiments made me realize how much early guidance can change how someone views their own abilities. It reminded me that sharing knowledge is not just about teaching facts, but about helping someone see that they are capable of more than they thought.