At Case Western Reserve University, students are encouraged to journey beyond campus and explore the broader Cleveland community. With world-class museums nearby (some offering free access) and frequent local events, they have countless opportunities to experience the city’s cultural fabric.
They also can give back to their neighbors through varied civil engagement activities. Today, in recognition of National Student Volunteer Day (Feb. 20), we’re highlighting four students who are actively engaged in service in the Cleveland community to learn more about their experiences and why they think more students should join them.
Ready to jump in? Check out some of the opportunities offered through the university’s Center for Civic Engagement and Learning.
Fareeda Farhan Naduvil Valappil
Second-year neuroscience major
Lunch Buddies co-leader at Bolton Elementary School
1. Why did you decide to volunteer as a student?
As someone who grew up around Cleveland but not within it, I knew going into CWRU that a main goal of mine was to get involved with the city’s community itself. Being a volunteer means not only do I get to be an asset to incredible programs and organizations, but I get to learn from and be a part of Cleveland’s community, which is amazing.
2. How did you choose your volunteer site?
Bolton Elementary School is less than a 10-minute car ride from my own elementary school in Shaker Heights. I love kids and wanted to know more about my neighbors in Cleveland, so this site was perfect for me.
3. What do you enjoy most about being a volunteer?
Children say the craziest things. One time we were playing football and I got gently demoted to the coach position due to my lack of athletic ability. That was hilariously brutal.
4. Have you had any particularly special moments as a volunteer?
Many of the kids I met were unfamiliar with Indian people (they assumed I was Latina, apparently!), so one day we brought in a globe and world map. I got to tell them where I was from and they got to tell me where they were from and where they wanted to go.
I also love returning for new semesters and being asked if I remember the kids’ names and ages—it’s a testament to long-term volunteering that is important to our program and making an impact.
5. Why would you encourage more students to get involved in volunteer work?
As my SAGES professor said on our first day, college is a liminal space for most of us: We come, we study and we go.
Still, I think four years of our lives in this city warrants getting involved. I urge CWRU students to learn from and contribute to the greater community before graduating, and volunteering is the perfect way to do that.
Malcolm Miller
Second-year sociology and psychology major
Volunteer at the Physical Resource Center
1. Why did you decide to volunteer as a student?
As a transplant to Cleveland, I really wanted to learn more about the needs and assets of the community where I would be spending at least the next four years. Being involved with community organizations and social issues at home is what made me feel like a Philadelphian, so I figured the same would work to help me feel like a Clevelander.
The CCEL Scholars program makes it super easy to volunteer and helps keep me accountable, which is an incredible added bonus.
2. How did you choose your volunteer site?
Doing basic-needs work has always moved me greatly. I believe that all basic needs—which include education and internet access—are essential for having a livable, meaningful and fulfilled life. I think access to basic needs is the foundation to allowing people to think creatively, intellectually and compassionately.
I was also curious about how this work could integrate with my future career as a social worker, and my volunteer experience has confirmed that this is one of the most moving areas of social change for me.
3. What do you enjoy most about being a volunteer?
I love watching people use the resources that we help put together. [Recently], a pair came in to get food that we had recently restocked and they had an audible gasp when they saw how the freezer was completely stocked with a large variety of food. That made my day.
4. Have you had any particularly special moments as a volunteer?
Any moment where I work with Charles at the Physical Resource Center is a special moment! He is hands-down the goofiest person I know which lifts my spirit, and always makes an effort to make sure volunteers feel appreciated, welcomed and involved with the work. He really takes the time to explain how to do every task, why it is being done and the specific impact it has on our community. His attention to detail is marvelous.
5. Why would you encourage more students to get involved in volunteer work?
I think doing volunteer work makes me feel like my life is meaningful and I have a purpose. You learn a lot at your site and you leave feeling uplifted.
It’s one of my best strategies for coping with depression and hopelessness, because I can gain a sense of hope in getting involved in making the world a better place. If you’re struggling to find belonging or feel like you matter as a student, volunteering is for you.
Shreya Swamy
Second-year cognitive science major
Co-leader at Seeds of Literacy
1. Why did you decide to volunteer as a student?
I volunteered in high school for different clubs and wanted to do the same in Cleveland. Once I started volunteering here, however, I realized that I was getting more out of it than I had before—volunteering is an amazing opportunity to get off CWRU campus or away from academics while still doing something productive and helpful to the community.
2. How did you choose your volunteer site?
There are many CCEL Serves sites that are available to volunteer at but Seeds of Literacy stood out to me because it was so different from what I had done before. At Seeds, we tutor adults and help them study for the GED—I had only tutored people younger than me before going to Seeds and was mostly curious about what the differences would be.
I ended up liking the experience so much and staying because of how nice the students, other tutors, and staff are—they all want to see each other succeed!
3. What do you enjoy most about being a volunteer?
Where else would I be able to talk to so many Cleveland residents with such different backgrounds? Every person I’ve talked to while volunteering has had a different experience and has taught me something!
4. Have you had any particularly special moments as a volunteer?
Seeing a student right after they pass a section of the GED is always extremely special and fun! Serious adults that I’d just seen super stressed out finally get to celebrate and be proud of themselves—it’s very rewarding to see even as a tutor.
5. Why would you encourage more students to get involved in volunteer work?
Sometimes as students we can get stuck in the bubble of our campus and forget that we have access to resources that can help make a real difference in our communities. Volunteering is a means to educate ourselves on social issues and disparities around us as well as helping solve them!
Phoebe Templin
Second-year biology major
Volunteer at McGregor Home
1. Why did you decide to volunteer as a student?
I have always enjoyed volunteering and helping people. When I came to CWRU and heard about CCEL, I immediately applied to be a scholar and got on board to start volunteering. I enjoy helping out those who aren’t as fortunate as me and connecting with the community.
It provides me with a way to provide service to others, while allowing me to see the world from different points of views and work with individuals with all different backgrounds. Satisfaction and change comes from doing the work needed to help others, not talking about it. I love being a part of CCEL and wouldn’t trade it for the world
2. How did you choose your volunteer site?
I chose to become a CCEL Service Leader at McGregor home because I have always had an interest in helping those with brain disorders. Specifically, the individuals in this home have Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Alzheimer’s has dramatically impacted my family and I am currently involved in undergraduate research in that field, so this opportunity allows me to see how impactful the research I am doing can have on individuals who are struggling.
3. What do you enjoy most about being a volunteer?
What I enjoy most about volunteering is connecting with my peers and the community of individuals we are helping, in order to make a difference. These experiences have taught me so much about myself and have been eye-opening.
4. Have you had any particularly special moments as a volunteer?
Every moment I share volunteering is special and I wouldn’t trade any of my experiences I’ve had volunteering with CCEL these last two years for anything!
5. Why would you encourage more students to get involved in volunteer work?
Volunteering is an amazing way to get involved with your community. You not only meet like minded peers, but you do so in the context of providing a valuable community service. It’s also an experience that teaches you about yourself and challenges you to make a difference in the community.
A college education is more than just academics. Volunteering fills a niche for self-reflection and accomplishment, while helping others in the process.