Fall 2023 Community Service Site Leaders Share Their Gratitude
The JCU Community Service Program offers a variety of activities catered to the passions of our volunteers and the needs of our community. Due to the high number of initiatives, the program relies on site leaders, trained students who serve as representatives and lead projects on site. Site leaders explain and delegate tasks, enforce the volunteering code of conduct, serve as a first point of reference to volunteers, and ensure the achievement of the Community Service mission.
Their responsibilities range from serving breakfast to those in need, while translating conversations between students and guests, to overseeing the wellbeing of the volunteers on site. They research articles and grammar exercises to teach English to local seniors and people who are searching for better job opportunities. They package and distribute warm meals to low-income families and those looking to better their lives.
The Office of Community Service is immensely grateful to these six students who show such extensive commitment to the program, week after week, on top of their academic assignments and other roles they fulfill in the John Cabot community.
Each site leader shared what they love most about their role:
Annalaura Mazzeo
From my very first week at JCU, the Community Service Program helped me overcome my initial fear of the new university environment. It represented a safe space for me and many other volunteers, therefore I enjoyed going to the activities from day one. It is such an incredibly emotional feeling to give back to the community every week and, at the same time, to be with the warm-hearted and kind people that work at Vo.Re.Co. The reason why I decided to join this team is to show other students that community service is such a powerful and fulfilling activity, and it can become a “second home”, like it did for me.
Elisa Paris
What I enjoy most about volunteering at Vo.Re.Co is seeing the smiles and friendly faces of both the guests and our volunteers. Being a site leader allows me to volunteer twice a week, and therefore the guests recognize me and open up to me. I also serve as a point of reference for the volunteers and can make new friendships. Something that always makes me happy is remembering what the guests like to get for breakfast (“a cappuccino with 2 sugars!”), because although it is a small gesture, being remembered makes them feel seen and cared for!
Liliana Ferreri
I took on the position of site leader mostly because I enjoy interacting with the TuttoBlue guests. My responsibility is to translate conversations between JCU volunteers and the guests, as well as between the students and TuttoBlue volunteers. I have been a site leader for over a year, and interacting with the people in Piazza Mastai in Trastevere really brightens my day. I also appreciate the possibility of volunteering near the University because it allows me to serve the community every week and I get to see the guests around Trastevere!
Martina Atanasova
Volunteering as a site leader at Casa Internazionale delle Donne has been an incredibly rewarding experience, but what makes it even more special is the opportunity to engage in English conversations with Italian people. It is a wonderful chance to bridge cultural gaps, break down language barriers and build connections. Through these interactions, I have developed meaningful interpersonal communication skills but also gained a deeper understanding of Italian culture. It’s a reminder that volunteering isn’t just about giving; it’s also about receiving the richness of diverse human experiences. I am forever grateful to have the opportunity to lead these teaching activities and give back to the Italian community in our neighborhood.
Michaela Salzman
My favorite part of volunteering is meeting and connecting with people from our community. As a student in Rome, there is so much to learn outside the classroom, and volunteering has become my greatest way of doing so. At Casa Internazionale Delle Donne I am given a unique opportunity to not only be a teacher but also a student among members of the community. My conversations with the students have enriched my experience in Rome in such a special way. I am so thankful for the entire volunteer team at JCU and the Roman community that makes all of this possible.
Valeria Garcia Reyes
What I enjoy the most about being a site leader is the opportunity to make friends and meet students with a great willingness to help our community. Whether it’s while cutting pizza or filling the food containers, Vo.Re.Co always gives you the chance to be surrounded by great people and conversations. I also appreciate the lessons learned from the staff of the center. I’ve understood the importance of serving those in need with generosity/kindness and always providing the best possible quality. We owe those in need the most help we can give them.
