Volunteer Experiences
Special Olympics Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN
Dates: September 2017 - Present
I first started volunteering with Special Olympics Minnesota when my group for a class project decided to focus on the organization to analyze sport inclusion and accessibility in society. From there, I have helped out at events and worked to help provide the athletes with a unforgettable experiences. Volunteering at a Special Olympics event can involve a variety of different duties, such as scoring, directing athletes, assisting with award ceremonies and selling concessions/merchandise for fundraising benefits.
The Special Olympics mission and Unified Movement speak volume to my values and principles, while also surrounding my interest in sport. As I continue to work with and do research on sport inclusion, I gain a deeper sense of respect for the efforts being done by the organization. Below are a couple of pictures from the 2017 Special Olympics Minnesota State Bowling Tournament that featured over 6,000 athletes competing at 7 different sites around the state. Each one of these sites were bowling alleys that have adapted to be more suitable to participants off all abilities. For example, there are no steps to get onto the lanes: a small detail that proves to be a big deal when you have an athlete in a wheelchair. Special Olympics has opened me up to considerations like this one and how we, as a society, can improve on how we provide sport and physical activity opportunities that are accessible to all members of our communities.
Dates: September 2017 - Present
I first started volunteering with Special Olympics Minnesota when my group for a class project decided to focus on the organization to analyze sport inclusion and accessibility in society. From there, I have helped out at events and worked to help provide the athletes with a unforgettable experiences. Volunteering at a Special Olympics event can involve a variety of different duties, such as scoring, directing athletes, assisting with award ceremonies and selling concessions/merchandise for fundraising benefits.
The Special Olympics mission and Unified Movement speak volume to my values and principles, while also surrounding my interest in sport. As I continue to work with and do research on sport inclusion, I gain a deeper sense of respect for the efforts being done by the organization. Below are a couple of pictures from the 2017 Special Olympics Minnesota State Bowling Tournament that featured over 6,000 athletes competing at 7 different sites around the state. Each one of these sites were bowling alleys that have adapted to be more suitable to participants off all abilities. For example, there are no steps to get onto the lanes: a small detail that proves to be a big deal when you have an athlete in a wheelchair. Special Olympics has opened me up to considerations like this one and how we, as a society, can improve on how we provide sport and physical activity opportunities that are accessible to all members of our communities.
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Marcy open School
Minneapolis, MN
Dates: September 2017 - December 2017
As part of the Leadership Minor at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, I was given the opportunity to partner with a local field site to practice implementing leadership concepts and skills. I was a co-instructor for an after-school program called Helping Hands, which was a program for 1st-3rd grade students for learning and practicing leadership and citizenship. Each week, I would create an agenda, outlining a detailed plan for when the group met that included discussion point, activities and games to engage the students. This experience was challenging, especially due to the age of the students not matching our mission and objectives, but I learned how to adapt and utilize my leadership skills to initiate a positive change in this community.
(I invite you to watch the video below, which was submitted as my Final for the course and reflects on my experience working with Marcy Open School. Additionally, below is an example of the weekly agendas that were utilized for instruction)
Dates: September 2017 - December 2017
As part of the Leadership Minor at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, I was given the opportunity to partner with a local field site to practice implementing leadership concepts and skills. I was a co-instructor for an after-school program called Helping Hands, which was a program for 1st-3rd grade students for learning and practicing leadership and citizenship. Each week, I would create an agenda, outlining a detailed plan for when the group met that included discussion point, activities and games to engage the students. This experience was challenging, especially due to the age of the students not matching our mission and objectives, but I learned how to adapt and utilize my leadership skills to initiate a positive change in this community.
(I invite you to watch the video below, which was submitted as my Final for the course and reflects on my experience working with Marcy Open School. Additionally, below is an example of the weekly agendas that were utilized for instruction)
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Boys & Girls Club - Twin Cities
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Minneapolis, MN
Dates: September 2015 - May 2017 I began my experience as student volunteer for the Boys & Girls Club of Southside Village in Minneapolis, MN. Every week for the duration of a semester, I would commute off campus to the site in order to assist the staff in running the Club. Day-to-Day activities varied, but I generally worked with students in Power Hour (which is a time designated for club members to complete their homework assignments from school) and play with them in either the gym or the game room. The Boys & Girls Club serves to provide a safe and enriching environment for the development of youth, which was extremely beneficial to take part in and I loved to form friendships with the children. |
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Safety Town
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Dates: June 2008 - July 2012
Safety Town is such an excellent program, so much so that I have volunteered with and continued to volunteer for them. Safety Town is a program offered to pre-school/kindergarten students in order to instruct them on:
My favorite part about volunteering with this program was the enthusiasm to learn shown by the kids and each of their distinctive personalities. Volunteering with this program allowed for me to develop as a leader, citizen, and care-taker.
Dates: June 2008 - July 2012
Safety Town is such an excellent program, so much so that I have volunteered with and continued to volunteer for them. Safety Town is a program offered to pre-school/kindergarten students in order to instruct them on:
- the rules of the classroom, bus, and playground
- safety precautions within the class or outside of
- how to properly function in society
My favorite part about volunteering with this program was the enthusiasm to learn shown by the kids and each of their distinctive personalities. Volunteering with this program allowed for me to develop as a leader, citizen, and care-taker.
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Lake Geneva Jaycees |
YMCA Dream Team |
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Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Dates: June 2004 - Present The Lake Geneva Jaycees is a constructive action organization who devotes their time to community service in the public interest of developing our youth as leaders in their community. The purpose of the Lake Geneva Jaycees is to become a force for good in the community; determining community needs and providing solutions by planning and facilitating community service projects. In the act of serving, members receive hands-on experience, which translates to the enhancement of personal growth and the development of valuable leadership skills. My dad was a member and President of the Jaycees for many years, and so I was always around group activities and events. I have volunteered with the Jaycees for a variety of reasons, with the most prominent being the Venetian Festival/Craft Fair. Every summer, I help in assisting vendors pack and unpack their crafts, while also promoting the Jaycees through living as a developing leader that they foster. |
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Dates: June 2008 - July 2016 The Dream Team is a program that allows for handicapped youth to play baseball. Every summer, the kids come out and play with other handicapped individuals through the help of volunteers. I have been such a volunteer ever since 2008 and greatly enjoy seeing the satisfaction and joy on the players' faces. Baseball is such an important part in my life, and the Dream Team allows for me to share my love for the sport through the assistance of these wonderful individuals. |
