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Student Showcase: Katie Doering

Year: Junior

Major: Communicative Disorders and Spanish

Agency you volunteer with: Schools of Hope

How long you’ve been volunteering there:  About 5 months

Hours volunteered: 45 (2-3 per week)

What has been the most memorable part of volunteering as a college student?
I enjoy having a chance to get off campus and interact with kids that aren’t college-age. I get to help them while doing something I enjoy!

What motivates you to volunteer?
This sounds cliché, but I really do feel like I’m making a difference! Some kids at Sennett come from underprivileged or unstable family environments and I love that I’m able to provide them with a positive role model who will always be there. The kids I work with look forward to me coming and helping them in class, and that makes me feel special.

What have you learned about yourself through volunteering?
I’ve learned that I’m capable of being flexible and adapting quickly and comfortably to new situations.

What have you learned about Madison through volunteering?
When you’re always on campus, it’s easy to forget that UW and the capitol aren’t the only awesome things Madison has to offer. There are a lot of great people that, although they may not be in the best of circumstances, still maintain positive attitudes, and I get to interact with them when I volunteer in the community.

In what ways has volunteering influenced your post-college plans?
Volunteering at Sennett hasn’t influenced my post-college career plans, but it has opened my eyes to how fun volunteering can be, so it’s something I’d like to continue after college.

Have you participated in a Service-Learning class? 
Yes. Rehabilitation Psychology & Special Education 300

In what ways did service-learning impact your college experience?
It has really enriched my college experience. I never would have gotten involved with and decided to continue volunteering for Schools of Hope if RP&SE hadn’t introduced me to the program, and it’s definitely given me a chance to expand my horizons and has given me something I can look forward to.

What advice would you give a college student looking to volunteer?
Don’t just volunteer for any random organization because it’ll look good on applications. Find something you enjoy doing and you’ll get a lot more out of the experience than just résumé padding.

What is one interesting fact about you? (Can be non-service related)
I studied abroad in Spain for a month over the summer and was frequently mistaken as Brazilian!

Because of my service I am…. A more well-rounded person that has learned to use my talents to help others.

On behalf of the Morgridge Center, thanks to Katie for making a difference in the Madison community!  Click here (http://www.morgridge.wisc.edu/students/tutors.html) to find out how you can volunteer with Schools of Hope like Katie!

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