CBS Service Learning students have submitted these statements at the end of their service committments.
The statements are shown with student permission, and provide insight about the value of the program for all parties.
I had a great experience in CBA Service Learning this semester. I think the program is a great way to encourage CBA students to volunteer their time and give back to the community. My experience with running and participating in the newly formed SAT prep program EDGE was great. It was not only rewarding, but fun to help high school students in the Bronx prepare for the SAT and resolve any problems they were having with the sections. It was also a pleasure to work with other CBA volunteers and have such willing students to come and help during the week. I encourage everyone in CBA to take advantage of CBA Service Learning, and if anyone is looking for somewhere to volunteer for the Fall 2010 or Spring 2011 semesters, EDGE is always accepting new volunteers. Next semester is going to involve the college application process, so anyone who wants to get involved please reach out to me. It is a great way to help high school students and share your experiences.
Nicoletti DePaul
The UNHP tax program provided complimentary tax preparation services to 800+ Bronx residents this tax season. With the help of the student volunteers, UNHP surpassed its initial goal of 500 tax returns. As a volunteer, I helped Bronx families receive necessary government refunds for tuition and other living expenses.
As a Jesuit University, Fordham notably educates the student as a 'whole' person. Therefore, I am proud to have lived the Jesuit philosophy of education, leadership, and service, by volunteering with the UNHP program this semester.
Kathryn Pando
I really enjoyed my time here at the RETC program. This is my second go around with the program and it has been awesome. The program is growing even better and I am glad I was able to be apart of it. I think I was able to make an impact on the kids lives by acquiring them great advise. My fellow mentors/tutors that I worked with are great people and I enjoyed collaborating with them on a daily basis. Mentoring these students taught me some life lessons and made me evaluate my outlook on everything I am doing in my life. I will be back again next semester to help the next group of students reach their goals of graduating high school and going on to college.
Thomas Lloyd
In the RETC program I came across alot of young adults and connected with them to talk about there future and to see if I guide them into wanting to do more after high school. Most of my days with the kids were spent helping them with homework or simply taking them yo dinner and having a conversation.
Lloyd Morrison
Fall 09 was my first encounter with CBAService, and it won’t be my last. In the beginning I hoped to work with South Bronx Educational Foundation because of my interest in teaching, however, I was unsure of my availability because I work full time in addition to going to school at night. Because of this it has always been easy to be “too busy” to dedicate myself to volunteering. After just a few short Saturdays with SBEF I quickly realized how personally rewarding volunteering can be, especially with the SBEF girls! By really becoming a part of their program and getting to know the girls it was possible to become a part of something much bigger than myself. The satisfaction I have taken away from working in Rosedale has convinced me I do have time for more than just the daily grind and I am looking forward to seeing what I can contribute next time around.
Stacie Schwartz
It has been great working with RETC students. It is such a meaningful program that Fordham runs. I learned how to communicate with high school students. I found they are all very nice people and want to learn. They just need a lift. Also, the facultys work there are very nice people, they helped me through my volunteering, and made me feel warm. Besides mentoring the students, I also did some administrative office work, which improved my organizational skills. Overall, it was a pleasant service experience. Since RETC is close to school, it was done with ease. I would recommend RETC to other students who want to do volunteer work.
Sulijiang Zhu
Volunteering at the Rosedale Center was not only a learning experience for the students I worked with, but for me. Each weekend gave me the opportunity to work with many different girls in the Bronx and teach them life skills. On the weekdays, I was able to help girls with their schoolwork. It is very important to have people who support you outside school and work. Being an enthusiastic, consistent person for the girls is very rewarding. I'm glad I could make a difference on their lives.
Alexandra Chan
By volunteering for Fair Trade, I learned that small deeds can make a big difference for people in poverished countires. While I was researching, helping out with sales and presentations, and going to places to hear about Fair Trade, I learned much more than I could have from books. I learned that a $27 loan to 42 women in Bangladesh helped many cross the poverty line and I also learned that women in Kenya wait outside slaughterhouses to get cow bones to make jewelry as a source of income. We take things for granted and we easily forget about the things that are going on outside our comfort zone but working with Fair Trade, I realized that there are people who need help and doing even small things can affect their lives.
Na Young Lee
During my semester voluntering with the ROTC program, I met high school kids from all over New York with different ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds in education. Some where excellent in fields like math and global work, and some others needed help. I tried to help and guide everyone who needed help with their work, also when going to eat with them I talked to them about their future goals and tried to motivate them into still believing they can do what they want in life. I played video games with the kids and also talked about their personal lives. Mainly I had fun with them and enjoyed my semester of helping them.
Lloyd Morrison
I was very fortunate to have participated in CBA Service Learning. It was a very rewarding and fulfilling experience because I was able to work with student who were trying to achieve a better future for themselves. For my first part, I was an assistant coach for a middle school near my house. I practiced my communication and management skills with the children. For the second part, I worked at the RETC and mentored students who were trying to get credits for high school. Not only have I taught them, they have taught me how to to communicate and interact better. I have enjoyed the volunteer experiences so much that I will continue doing so in the future.
