As college students, much of our time is consumed by spending multiple hours in class, doing homework, studying for exams, or working a job. However, it is also important to remember to dedicate some time to helping others and making a difference in your community, which is something that I strive to do regardless of how busy my schedule may be.

Over the summer, I was given the opportunity to volunteer/intern for the Midtown Assistance Center in Atlanta, Georgia. During my time working for this organization, my primary duties involved data entry and operating the food pantry. Because my time was spent doing both hands-on and behind-the-scenes activities, it allowed me to have a better understanding of how assistance organizations operate, as well as how they keep up with the information of the individuals that they serve. However, although I was able to do both data entry and food pantry activities, I feel as if working in the food pantry gave me the most personal relationship with the individuals that I was able to assist.

Although I did not have a great amount of direct contact with many of the clients, simply helping them obtain the food that they needed was a reward in itself. I was responsible for taking the grocery lists that were filled out by the clients and packing grocery bags that consisted of the foods that they asked for. Because many of the people that the organization assists are either homeless or qualifying individuals/families with low income, there is often a great need for grocery assistance whenever their food supply runs low. Being able to help these individuals was an amazing way for me to make a lasting impact on various citizens throughout the community.

As summer came to a close, I was faced with the decision of whether or not I would still be able to volunteer with the Midtown Assistance Center. Since I had more free time over the summer, I was able to take classes while also having time to volunteer. However, since I will be taking a heavier course load in the fall, I was unsure of how much free time I would have; nonetheless, because I enjoy making a difference in my community, no matter how small the action, I made the decision to continue to volunteer with the assistance center.

Want to hear more amazing stories about people who help their community? Check out this article about Lyric Hawkins, recipient of the Future Innovator Scholarship!