Eastern’s CCE student leaders make an impact in Willimantic

Several student leaders and interns at Eastern Connecticut State University's Center for Community Engagement (CCE) are spearheading various outreach programs in Willimantic this semester. The common denominator for each volunteer is personal development through their commitment to community outreach.

Sophomore biology major Isabelle McClelland is entering her first year as a CCE volunteer and is coordinating Windham Middle School's mental health program and Sweeney Elementary's after-school programs. McClelland explained that the CCE is a great way to expand one's social network while developing lifelong skills.

"As a first-year student I was very timid about opening up my circle and exploring new opportunities, but through the CCE I was able to do exactly that," she said. "At the CCE, volunteers are paired with communities anywhere from children to animals. Consequently, we are able to discover our likes and dislikes, which is extremely beneficial in the long run."

Senior English major Olivia Gardner oversees multiple programs, including the Windham Middle School after-school Program, Journey House and Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters. According to her, one of the most valuable outcomes of her work is the bonds she makes.

"Whether it's the volunteers, the community members or the children I mentor, the relationships I build last for years," she said. "Being able to watch the growth of my volunteers and the children I have gotten to mentor over the years is amazing."

Senior early childhood education major Nicole Leyner helps run the Windham Center after-school program and works with Windham Region No Freeze and Windham Recovery Center. She explained that Windham No Freeze is an organization dedicated to combating homelessness in the region.

"At this program, we take phone calls and assist guests with finding housing plans," she said. "My favorite part of the CCE is being able to work with various groups of people and watch them really impact the community."

Sophomore business information systems major Allison Kazmier coordinates the Barrows STEM Academy Pen Pal program and Windham Region No Freeze. Kazmier explained that working with the community of North Windham has given her the opportunity to enhance learning experiences for elementary school students and work with a wide variety of people.

"I often aid (my students) in their math and reading homework," she said. "This puts a positive reinforcement on what the students are learning in the classroom by giving them some new role models to look up to while fostering an inclusive environment for all learning levels."

Junior biology major Meghan Georgescu shared how her passion for animals led her to create a program at Blue Iris Animal Farm, and how the CCE being involved there has given the recently developed farm lots of attention.

"Just some of the many things we do there include planning and running field trips, visiting nursing homes with some of the animals, animal care and working alongside veterinarians," she said. "The farm is home to rescue animals and has drawn a lot of attention from volunteers at Eastern. It's amazing to see how much the program has grown since its start."

According to junior business administration major Cece Melendez-Perez, she has been a frequent volunteer for the past two years and is finding a new world of opportunities as a leader.

"I'm currently a leader for the Barrows After School Program and Windham No Freeze," said Melendez-Perez. "Working and volunteering at the CCE has brought me so many connections and a lot of fun experiences. I love interacting and connecting with people from this area since I am an out of state student."

First-year environmental earth science major Santiago Herrera San Martin is a new CCE leader and helps with the Barrows STEM Academy and Covenant Soup Kitchen programs.

"Even though I've only worked with the CCE for a short time it has allowed me to have a positive effect and also the opportunity to grow and foster a stronger relationship with what has now become my community," said San Martin. "I thoroughly enjoy it here, from the arduous gardening and clean-up projects and aiding the disadvantaged to the more lighthearted events such as the different festivals we volunteer at and the after-school programs."

In addition to volunteer management, coordinating communication between community partners and transportation duties, junior history and social science major Jayson Caballero facilitates Mansfield Book Buddies, Windham Youth Mentoring and Covenant Food Rescue.

"My favorite thing about the CCE is the community the staff has created," said Caballero. "My peers and supervisors are some of the most ambitious, authentic and motivated people I've ever met. It's because of them that I can push myself to be the best version of myself while working on campus and beyond."

Senior psychology major Amilya Williams is entering her third year as a student leader and runs the Barrows STEM Academy after-school program for grades K-8. She said that the various populations that she worked with have cultivated both her personal growth and professional development. Additionally, she also plays a role in welcoming incoming volunteers into the program.

"We do everything in our power to ensure the newcomers are comfortable and feel supported in their role(s)," she said. "We do so much, and it can seem overwhelming at first but the new student leaders always thrive and it's amazing to watch.

"The memories I have made with my supportive co-student leaders and supervisors are something I will cherish forever."