Trey Chong, My Perspective at Project Inform
The leap from freshman to sophomore is one that I was definitely not prepared for. As a sophomore, we are expected to do twice as much school work and homework, and carry twice as many responsibilities. One of these responsibilities is at least 15 hours of community service work at a non-profit organization.
Once I had chosen Project Inform, I didn’t really know what to expect, but on my very first day I was welcomed into a community of caring, helpful and sometimes kooky people, with open arms. During my time at Project Inform, I have learned a great deal of knowledge about the know-how of a non-profit organization.
I learned that every job that I was given, no matter what it was, played a significant and helpful role to the organization as a whole. I became aware of what office life is like and the organizational skills needed to work effectively. Most importantly, I have learned a great deal about the work that this non-profit does, the people that it helps, and the problem that we hope to solve.
One of the most touching and personal experiences that I was lucky enough to witness was when, Celeste, a veteran volunteer, shared her own personal experience with HIV/AIDS. This gift that she had given me is one of the things I most treasure at my exposure to community service and something I will hold dear.
Finally, but definitely not least of all, I believe that my entire experience would have been completely deterred and lacking had it not been for my supervisor, Emily. No one could have asked for a better supervisor, teacher or friend. In her free time, Emily would talk to me about Project Inform’s other ventures and the pandemic of HIV and AIDS. Like the rest of the staff, Emily is approachable, easy going and friendly … always willing to help me when I have trouble finding things in the storage closet.
On a side note, I also appreciate the constant attention and friendliness from the dogs of the office. Although my school only requires 15 hours of work, I want to continue working at Project Inform, even after I had reached my goal. My work at Project Inform is something that I not only take great pride in, but also something that I treasure and hope to use in my further endeavors in community service and beyond.