This experience improved my ability to multi-task while still engaging with the main task at hand. I knew about the Memphis Botanic Garden previously, but was unaware of the various events they held there. They brighten the Memphis community in so many ways. During my service, I met so many different parents of many different kinds of children, doing their best to bring joy to their childhood. Whenever I was lost, they always found a way to make their child's experience better. This service aligned with my personal values, as I work with children myself and seeing their joy for magic warmed my heart.
Gave 3.50 hours on 04/19/2026 with Emerging Leaders Program, University of Memphis, Volunteer Odyssey
Great team of volunteers.
Gave 4.00 hours on 04/18/2026 with Volunteer Odyssey
A skill I learned from attending the event was the ability to make magic gabby wands with pipe cleaners and chopsticks and flowers. I would say that what I learned about my environment that I didn’t know before would be how loved Gabby is by the Memphis community and surrounding areas. The event was packed and had a lot of great gabby fans. I worked as an individual and had my own craft table. I felt that this was good as it allowed me to interact with the children and their parents well and help them if they needed any help. The organization helped support me by checking up on me and making sure that I had all the supplies I needed for the crafts. An unexpected challenge I faced was how big the waves of children and parents that were gathered around the table. I came up with an idea that since there were so many kids that the parents could help them with their wand if they needed assistance allowing other children to make the craft.
Gave 3.50 hours on 04/18/2026 with Emerging Leaders Program, University of Memphis, Volunteer Odyssey
