Jayla Kyle

I had an amazing time serving the North Memphis community at Dr.Telisa Franklin & Friends Present "The 3rd Annual Community Easter Extravaganza". During this service event, we were able to make a positive impact on many children’s lives for Easter this year. From hiding eggs to wrapping up food the joy on the children’s faces was worth every bit of my time. In collaboration with Black Scholars, EMOC, and other University of Memphis Organizations we worked together to help assist with this activity. It made it sooo much fun working with my peers whether that was wrapping up food, doing face paint, or helping sign people in . This event aligned perfectly with my values, I love children, and any form of adding a little more joy to their lives I am eager to participate in. I am all for giving back and participating in events that are bigger than one’s self. If granted the opportunity I would love to work with this organization in the future. The individuals at the event were so welcoming. Th

During this event we were able to impact the greater Memphis community by volunteering at the botanical garden to assist with arts and crafts for national bird watching day. The staff was happy to have the extra set of hands to pass out binoculars, informational sheets, and bread sticks to feed to the birds that the consumers will be sight-seeing. I do plan on volunteering with the botanical garden again but not specifically for this event they have many good volunteer opportunities that allow you to connect with their visitors and they are very engaging. I would also like to continue volunteering because of the variety of opportunities they have. While in attendance I got to learn some small facts about the birds that are typically around during this time and I learned about bird counting day which is a national thing. I worked as a team during this event and it granted me the opportunity to get to know some of my members

On this day we were granted the opportunity to serve the Mitchell Heights community by cleaning up their neighborhood. Although it wasn’t many individuals from the direst community helping the woman overseeing who serves there often was greatly appreciative to have the extra hands to help beautify the community. In general, I feel like a good clean up make the people who reside in that area happier. During this service we worked collaboratively together rather that was someone holding a bag while the other picked up the trash or helping a peer dig a hole for plants. Working within a team just exemplifies the experience of service even more. On a personal level it made me be sure to thank God for the things that I sometimes might take for granted such as my neighborhood and it allowed me to be grateful to serve within this community. This event just allowed us to walk in the purpose of civic engagement board mission.

Working with Americas Recycle Day of Service with International Paper we were able to serve our on-campus community by providing care kits for the tiger pantry. Helping create these helps benefit several individuals. Through this opportunity, I was able to learn about recycling and more information about International Papers. During this service event, we worked as a team to pack up boxes of nonperishable items to place in the tiger pantry. Working in groups made the activity fun. If the opportunity arises to work with them in the spring semester I would, because it is also about making that impact within our community so why not start on our campus. I learned about this service opportunity from the Civic Engagement Board.

The African American Male Wellness Walk was a way for the members at LCON to give back to our community. We were able to help with different screening tests such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose. Aside from the nursing skills implemented, we were able to interact with individuals within our greater Memphis community. From purpose to people it was an amazing event to participate in. Next year I will attend this event again to not only participate but to walk alongside them as they conquer important health issues within our community

Volunteering with Habitat for humanity allowed us to contribute to helping provide individuals with housing .This will provide these individuals with a place to lay there head and a sense of security . Through this service opportunity I was able to develop homebuilding skills and learned how to use some new tools. I do plan to continue volunteering with this organization because their values align with mine and the individuals within this organization are such a joy to be around. It enhances the volunteer opportunity even more. "Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps people in your community and around the world build or improve a place they can call home." They abide by their mission by utilizing all of their volunteers rather you are a pro or this is your first time picking up a tool.