Rebekah Noon

Skills and Personal Development: I aspire to be a future educator, so filling up these backpacks means so much to students and teachers alike. Though I may not be able to give 500 students a backpack with supplies in it every year, this experience has influenced me to begin with one. One student. One backpack. One school.
Understanding and Awareness: I noticed that a toothbrush was given to each backpack. For me, personally, I think that says enough in itself. There are some families who go without essentials with needs that are not being met, and they can be, if the community is willing to come together and give back.
Relationships and Teamwork: We certainly worked as a team. At first, there were few people, but then more and more people came trickling in which was an amazing sight to see. Before we knew it, 500 backpacks had been packed in no time. Some people jumped in to help the distributors open the remaining of their supplies, so they didn't have to. This proved effective sine it allowed the pace to remain steady and moving.
Organizational Impact and Alignment: The mission and purpose for the Center for Service and Learning and Volunteerism is to provide meaningful volunteer experiences through community partnerships and develop students, faculty, and staff into advocates for social change. This opportunity emphasis our responsibility to support students through education, provide assistance by meeting the need, and serving with a smile.
Reflection and Improvement: We ran out of pencils. However, which I do commend Mr. Ryan for, he came up with a solution on the spot and had everyone sort through the backpacks to find the ones without a pencil, so that each will be given a pencil. When there was no line, it was a big blob of people which no one can move in that. However, this did sort itself out in the end.

Skills and Personal Development: While I was helping move people in, I noticed there was not an elevator operator in Smith Hall. At first, I tried to just get in the elevator independently, but the elevator was too quick for the bin to get situated in time before the door closed. Therefore, I became the elevator operator. This proved to be very helpful for the movers because all they had to do was get in and get out. This taught me to take the initiative when no one else will. Of course, many people were controlling the bins to and from rooms, but when there is a need, don't wait for someone else to meet it.
Understanding and Awareness: There are a lot of really cool people at Memphis, and it is events like this that I met some people I probably would have never encountered without participating in this experience.
Relationships and Teamwork: From this experience, I would really urge people to volunteer whenever they can or attend events if they have any free time.
Organizational Impact and Alignment: The traffic directors were very helpful in guiding the movers to cars. They were attentive, clear with their instructions, and willing to lend a hand if necessary.
Reflection and Improvement: I suppose the only challenge was the elevator, but that was solved without any further complications.

Skills and Personal Development: I am often used to being the one who teaches or guides someone else how to do something, but I found myself as the one who is learning. I want to always be in a position to learn from others, however, placing myself in another person's shoes gives me a different perspective. This way, I can teach better because I have knowledge of what he/she is going through. (P.S. I want to be an educator).
Understanding and Awareness: Everyone has a part to play whether the project is large or small. Without one person, the team overall cannot function or perform as good as it would if he/she were present and participating. Volunteer work is heavily reliant upon a person's will to say "yes" so even when an assignment is given and it may not be the lead, that single responsibility is very important to the overall work.
Relationships and Teamwork: The move in process is both individual work and teamwork. As a mover, I might be by myself heading to a room to unload, but there might be two or three bins going to the same room, so there are two or three more people helping with those. There were no specific permanent teams, so I went with different people almost every unload and this really made my experience even better because everyone is different.
Organizational Impact and Alignment: I will definitely be volunteering again for this opportunity next year and the next...until I graduate. I was impressed with the improvements they made this year so the process could run smoother and quicker. I saw some of the same people the second day from the first day which tells me that they are committed and reliable to show up and show out.
Reflection and Improvement: I don't think I would change anything about my approach to this experience.

Skills and Personal Development: This experience improved my communication skills. I felt a lot more confident and comfortable speaking out, asking questions, and assisting others when an opportunity called for it.
Understanding and Awareness: The Memphis community loves to help one another which is a great value to define a group of people. I think one of the greatest strengths about the University of Memphis is its hospitality and electric energy, provided by the students, faculty, and staff on campus. The University of Memphis culture welcomes students into a family that will always be there.
Relationship and Teamwork: I met several freshmen who were helping with move-in which is really incredible for them to get involved so early. One of them will definitely become a leader of some organization in the next four years. Another was so excited that it was contagious, and the enthusiasm reminded me of my freshman year during move in. I connected to a few parents as well who were very supportive of their child(ren). The parents whose child(ren) were returning students had nothing but good things to say about the university based on their child(ren)'s experience.
Organizational Impact and Alignment: Warm Welcome is an appropriate name for this opportunity because that is exactly what the university wants to do- provided a welcoming initial experience for students before the school year begins. This experience also offers an invitation to get connected with your roommate(s), new or familiar friends, and residence assistants.
Reflection and Improvement: I think one thing I noticed is that every person and family is different when it comes to how they want things done, so I had to adapt to their preference(s). This requires understanding, patience, and respect which are things I will always need no matter where I am or who I am with.

Skills and Personal Development:
Before we began our activity, we were informed about the heart, mission, purpose, impact, and operations of Catholic Charities of West Tennessee. The recent political administration and legislation heavily affects the accessibility and funds of this non profit organization, and more importantly, the people who are being served. The more I am positioned to experience the realities of others' lives, the more I am willing to choose activism and contribute back to the community. Life can be very difficult and we need each other to continue on, and I am so grateful to be part of a student body that seeks opportunities for outreach. This service opportunity and many more previously have helped me to develop a passion for the local community and businesses.
Understanding and Awareness:
I must say, I wasn't too aware about the Catholic Charities of West Tennessee. I had seen the mobile food drive opportunity on GivePulse before, but I had never worked with them. My church also does food distribution days, so I was aware of what it takes to prepare and give to those who come to receive. Poverty is very high in Memphis, well, depending on the parts that a person lives in. Even if they don't live in a low income neighborhood, these areas are pretty well known anyway. It must be especially difficult for those who are low income to obtain everyday necessities because the economy is really rough right now. Though we, the people who do not have a direct say in the innermost political circle, cannot single handedly change the laws which are passed, we can come together and give to those who do not have enough.
Relationships and Teamwork:
Honestly, this and another Service on Saturday event I went to, had the best teamwork I've seen so far. We achieved what needed to be done in a timely manner with positive attitudes. I connected with Raven as we stacked canned food on palettes, so that was fun! She encouraged me to apply for site leader next year; I will definitely be looking for the application announcement once it rolls back around. I might also apply for RA since it would keep me closer to the University, so I do not have to commute. Although, I do not mind too much anymore, but it would help a lot to be on campus for events like Service on Saturday.
Organizational Impact and Alignment:
We did prep work for this coming up week, so they are ready to pack boxes and give them to people. The coordinators were so friendly and very welcoming. They were very sincere which is something you do not always see on a day to day basis. I would definitely volunteer for the Catholic Charities of West Tennessee again.
Reflection and Improvement:
I thoroughly enjoyed this event; it was really fun. We didn't do anything super hard or complicated, but we did something that matters and is going to make an impact. Sometimes, you are more impacted by giving than by receiving. Though both are equally valuable.

Skills and Personal Development:
The original mission was to construct cubicles for one of the offices, but plans changed once we got there. No problem at all! We did other tasks to help the organization such as washing carts and trays, sanitize bottles, label products, and make boxes. I learned that wax or butter-like substances are a challenge to fully clean from surfaces, because their components resist water. I really was receiving an arm workout from scrubbing so vigorously. Though we were tasked with little assignments, they took great detail and skill to complete them.
Understanding and Awareness:
I have volunteered with several other non-profit organizations and businesses in general, where I was able to witness the behind-the-scenes, but there was something different about this one. Perhaps it is because the other businesses I have helped were restaurants, coffee shops, general stores, etc. Thistle & Bee, however, makes soaps and candles which is amazing in terms of appearance and aroma.
Relationship and Teamwork:
I did not know anybody, but I met some new people from this event. I think we worked pretty well together. There were different groups- and sometimes independent work- to accomplish various tasks. I think the strongest aspect from all of this was communication. There were a lot of questions being asked and answered, involvement, and enthusiasm from everyone.
Organizational Impact and Alignment:
I was very impressed by the organization of materials to make the products. Labeled, listed, sectioned off... just about everything a person could think of when it comes to organization. Thistle & Bee's mission is incredible, the heart behind the business and audience they provide services is making such a huge impact to multiple groups including women, addicts, mothers, sisters, families, daughters, etc. There are so many backgrounds and diversity with this organization. I support what they are doing, what they stand for, and who they are. I have been thinking for a little bit now, but I would like to work at a nonprofit organization after graduating college.
Reflection and Improvement:
I hope to become more involved with Thistle & Bee; I will at least be volunteering for them again. I really enjoyed this event and I will be sharing this organization with others, along with buying some products in the near future.

Skills and Personal Development:
Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. This volunteer event offered an opportunity to assist in prepping the urban farm for the spring by moving mulch & compost, breaking down cardboard boxes, and getting greenhouse ready for plant starters. Personally, I did not know much about agriculture prior to this experience. Girls Inc. aims to empower young women in areas of STEM and Agriculture. Tending the earth helped me realize the cycle of life by re-using natural materials to give back to the earth what it had already produced.
Understanding and Awareness:
I realized farming is not very simple. It is tedious, especially during the winter season. Although nature is dormant for a little bit, the harvesters are still at work because they know the climate will warm up and they must be prepared for the spring. I really did learn a lot about how the earth can take care of itself, as long as humanity sets it up for success. I haven't been too careful with my own habits when it comes to recycling and gardening, but I have surely become more aware of the materials I use and discard after this.
Relationship and Teamwork:
We had a pretty good size group with us that day. There was a group there from another organization, some from University of Memphis, and others were independent. We all worked very well together, each person deciding on their own which team they would be part of. Some other students from University of Memphis and I joined together and helped one another carry boxes from the back of the farm to the front to lay down in a line, while the other team wheelbarrow mulch on top of the broken down boxes.
Organizational Impact and Alignment:
Girls Inc. supports women who face poverty, discrimination because of their race, gender, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, and disabilities by equipping them to be successful in the world and accomplish what their hearts desire. This non-profit organization advocates women's voices, positions, role, and responsibility so they can contribute and make their own impact. As a female who participated with this organization, it is my hope that I contributed to their mission, values, and success that will come this year.
Reflection and Improvement:
I was not expecting it to be as cold as it was. I had layers on, gloves, boots - the whole outfit - but it was biting cold. It was difficult to keep going when your body and mind wanted to stop, drop everything, and go inside. I will say, next time, despite the weather conditions, I will complain less and keep moving for the greater good of the group.