Getting a Jump-Start on Community Service!

The Global UGRAD students complete a minimum of 20 hours community service during their academic semester in the United States. While many are just beginning to think about how they’d like to spend their time volunteering, others have already started! Here is Aarif Badarny’s (Israel) account of his first experience doing community service near his host campus, Castleton University.

Aarif (Israel) and Tianjiao (China) volunteering at Vermont Great 2-4-6-8K Run, Walk, Relay in Rutland, Vermont

On September 23rd, Tianjiao and I volunteered in the Vermont Great 2-4-6-8K Run, Walk, Relay. The event took place in Rutland on a beautiful Saturday. This event is incredible because it raises awareness for cancer. Most importantly, all the money raised will be donated to the research and treatment of this illness. Our task was to help guide the participants to the right way. While it might seem like a small job, helping the people and receiving positive feedback and smiles from the people was heartwarming. The feelings of excitement, joy, and gratitude that came from being part of such an amazing cause made it a memorable experience.