In August 2014, I volunteered in New Orleans, USA, helping to rebuild the homes of those affected by Hurricane Katrina in partnership with the St Bernard Trust. We worked on the rebuilding of homes in the 9th Ward – installing floor, door and window trim, putting up dry wall and painting.
In addition to the St Bernard Project, we were invited to spend a day volunteering at Our Lady of Wisdom, a residential care home for the elderly. We had the pleasure of taking part in creative activities and celebrating Mass with the residents.
A few years later in July 2017, I volunteered in the Young Adult Social Justice Project based in London. This project was an exciting adventure as we partnered with amazing Ursuline student volunteers from New Orleans and St. Louis Missouri, USA.
“My experiences shaped me to be more grateful and understanding of what I have...”
The project was based in various safe havens for homeless people around London. I had the pleasure of volunteering at Deptford Reach homeless shelter and Friar Benet’s Kitchen at Killip Close, Canning Town.
At Deptford reach, myself and another student ran the reception desk. From playing bingo and cheerfully welcoming any visitors, to pouring tea and monitoring the shower schedule. I then had the pleasure of volunteering in Killip Close with the Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. Friar Benet’s Kitchen is a place which provides spiritual and material care to the homeless.
My experiences shaped me to be more grateful and understanding of what I have and – more importantly – who I have in my life.
They also taught me to focus more on my life’s purpose and how I wanted to spend my time outside of school (and eventually work). During our final day at Killip Close, we reflected on our experiences as we were told “serving without reflecting is like eating without digesting”. This has helped me to become more reflective of my priorities in life and what my future goals are.
Another benefit I received from the Ursuline Links charity was moments of peace. Whether it was prayer at the end of a project meeting or a retreat, there were moments of complete stillness amongst the busy day-to-day of school and exams. At Killip Close, Brother Christopher ensured we created a ‘Kingdom on Earth’ atmosphere with prayer, reflection and uplifting music.
“Outside of work, I volunteer part-time for a charity called Generating Genius which helps young people from ethnic minority backgrounds pursue STEM careers”
After graduating from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Mathematics in 2018, I now work for the Royal Bank of Canada in a Sales team. This has given me the opportunity to volunteer for the SportsAid charity to be a buddy for a Team GB under 18 women’s basketball player, complete an annual 5k walk for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and sit on a Multicultural Employee Alliance (MEA) committee to help promote diversity in the workplace.
Outside of work, I volunteer part-time for a charity called Generating Genius which helps young people from ethnic minority backgrounds pursue STEM careers. We connect students with the top employers in the field and equip them with the tools to thrive in their respective industries.
This past year, I celebrated 10 years of altar serving at St. Margaret’s & All Saints Parish, Canning Town, and was awarded the silver medal of the Guild of St Stephen.
My plans for the future include continuing to serve others, grow a career in the financial industry and do more of my artistic hobbies such as, writing creative stories, drawing and knitting.