The JMU Honors College mixes students from disciplines and majors across the entire campus. It is designed to create experiences that move students to higher levels of commitment and success. It is also a sanctuary for trying out new ideas and making bold experiments that enrich all members of the JMU community with a focus on experiential learning…including service. This year as a part of Service Learning week at JMU, we will be highlighting five Honors students and sharing their stories of service and engagement. The stories shared depict the opportunities available to students from first-year to rising seniors. Enjoy learning more about Breyana, '22, Kiera, '22, Kaitlyn, '23, Collette, '23 and Sydney, '24!
Service+Passion = Future Career Path
Kiera's service has been wide and varied through her four years at JMU. She has volunteered for a variety of organizations, assisted with special events. Her service has spanned from being on the Madison Honors Leadership Council Service Committee, to volunteering at the SPCA, participating in the 5K Ride for Pride and many things in between. Kiera's philosophy on serving is to "go in with an open mind because you can learn so much about the community you live in and the people who live there. By volunteering you meet amazing people, learn about your community, and help make a difference with local issues."
Kiera's favorite project was working with Hope Distributed, a local nonprofit dedicated to supplying food, clothing, and furniture to individuals and families that are struggling financially, have been displaced, or who have experienced an unexpected change in their life circumstances. Kiera enjoyed this unique opportunity because of the people she met. Many did not speak English so she brushed up on her Spanish speaking skills (she took Spanish for 5 years) to share great conversations with those that needed assistance. Kiera loves how Hope Distributed, has stores where people can “shop” for free clothing and furniture which "normalizes the experience of shopping and focuses on making individuals feel comfortable." During her volunteer service she worked at a food station answering questions and making sure individuals were able to get the products and supplies they needed. She was even more impressed during COVID-19 as Hope Distributed had to pivot to continue serving the community. Kiera volunteered regularly this year, around 3 hours every other week, to fill carts from the orders received and help hand out the items to those that came through a drive through line.
Another unique opportunity for Kiera was participating in a JMU Alternative Break Program (ABP). During her first spring break week at JMU, Kiera participated with a joint venture between APO and the ABP office to work with Vine and Fig which has an urban village which provides free housing to individuals in exchange for their assistance with the gardens and chickens. “Guests who stay learn about growing their own food and being self-sustainable." Kiera shared that every time she volunteered it was a unique experience. A few of her favorite activities were planting new seeds, turning the "huge" compost pile, collecting compost from local area restaurants, and feeding the chickens ("who also help fertilize the gardens"). Kiera stated her biggest takeaway from working with Vine and Fig was learning about sustainability. "They are big on reducing consumption, which opened my eyes to the ways in which I live my own life."
Kiera's Service Journey at JMU
- Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity, that requires 27 hours of volunteer service a semester
- Madison Honors Leadership Council, the Honors College student council, Service Committee Chair
- Hope Distributed, helping families in the Harrisonburg Community who experience food insecurity by assisting with the food pantry distribution
- Alternative Spring Break with Vine and Fig, working with a local group focused on restorative justice and sustainable farming
- HON300, taught by President Alger, service opportunity with Mercy House
- Harrisonburg SPCA, assisting with care of animals
- Bridgewater Retirement Community, helping escort residents to chapel on Sunday
- Bridgewater Retirement Community, helping escort residents to chapel on Sunday
- Student Ambassador, represent James Madison University to prospective students, guests, and current students through service to the Office of Admissions and the JMU community
In Kiera's words all JMU students should "just sign up for something, anything that sounds interesting. If you don't like it you don't have to go back, but you may just stumble upon something you are really passionate about!" Service is exactly what led Kiera to her major and her future career plans. Her most transformative moment came when she volunteered at a local hospital near her hometown. She realized through that service that she is passionate about helping others and is working toward a career in the medical industry. Kiera says "you can be on the outside looking in or you can be on the inside as a volunteer." Kiera's service path may look like a messy road map, but one thing for sure is that her continued passion for serving and care has remained constant throughout her time at JMU and she credits the Honors College and JMU for providing so many unique and wonderful opportunities that have helped shape her into the person she is today and the person she will become in the future.
If you enjoyed reading about Kiera, '22 then please click now to learn more about Kaitlyn's, '23 story. If you are interested in learning more about the JMU Honors College please follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram or visit our website. If you are interested in learning how to get involved in JMU Community Service-Learning follow them on social Facebook and Instagram or visit their website.
Story written by Tammy Steele, MPA, '22