What does community service mean to you?
To me, community service is about supporting those around me, and being there for those who don’t have the ability or resources to be there for themselves. My brother, who is eight years younger than me, was diagnosed in the autism spectrum when he was a baby. I have learned a lot about the value of patience and kindness supporting him as he has grown older, and how even the smallest contributions can make meaningful differences. I’ve transferred these skills when working in community-based organizations to support other people.
What has been one of your most meaningful experiences in the nonprofit sector?
The summer following my freshman year of high school, I volunteered as an English teacher at KidzPlanet, an NGO in Kolkata, India. The school was located in a village where there was a lack of access to educational resources. The private schools in the area would not accept children from the villages, and attending public school was an inconvenience for the families, as children are expected to be home and help support the household. The KidzPlanet school made a direct positive impact upon the village by giving children the chance to educate themselves. Through this, they found opportunities that may not have been otherwise accessible to them, such as jobs outside of the village apart from farming. Volunteering at KidzPlanet was my most meaningful experience because I was a part of an honest initiative helping children. I helped the children learn English by writing letters and short sentences, reviewing flashcards, and singing songs such as Row Row Row Your Boat. I observed firsthand the benefits of my contribution.
How did you find this opportunity?
I initially went to India that summer to volunteer at Mon Foundation, a psychiatric office in Kolkata, India that treats patients with mental disorders. My grandmother’s close friend worked here, and offered me the opportunity to volunteer for the summer. There, I specifically worked in group therapy sessions with children where I brought coloring worksheets to help engage and stimulate their minds. While volunteering at Mon, Dr. Bhattacharya, who helped co-found KidzPlanet, offered the opportunity to support these children in the village by teaching them English.
What was your experience like? What did you gain from this experience?
My experience was very fulfilling, as I accomplished meaningful work in the time that I was at KidzPlanet. I gained a clearer understanding of how societal conditions really do not have much of an influence on the development of people’s personality and attitude towards education. Most of my students were always engaged, and had a great attitude in the classroom. Their circumstances in no way suppressed their learning, which I presumed might be the case prior to volunteering at KidzPlanet.
How did this experience influence your plans for the future?
I hope to, in the long term, work at an international institution or INGO (international nongovernmental organization) pushing direct impact on the international community by serving as a mediator between countries. I aim to dedicate myself to a specific, relatable cause that will unite countries to combat different problems around the world. Specifically, I care about climate change, access to educational resources, human rights, and respect for disabled individuals.
Are you involved in a COVE group?
Yes, I am currently the President of Circle K International.
