Teagan Fields

My virtual volunteer experience through Zooniverse was both very engaging and educational. I was able to spend a little bit over an hour observing and identifying wildlife in different parts of the world such as the Everglades, Australia, and etc. The best part was being able to do this from the comfort of my dorm. I was able to learn more about a various of animal species. I enjoyed being able to apply my classroom skills from biology to help support research and conservation project efforts of animals and their environment.

On Monday, October 26, I had the opportunity to work alongside a few of my friends I met in my biology lab to prepare food for people in need. This experience allowed me to build a stronger connection with my classmates while also being able to apply what I have learned in biology to real-life situations. Before handling the food, we had to thoroughly wash our hands, apply gloves, and put on hair nets. This reminded me of when we learned about microorganisms, bacteria, and safety procedures in our lecture hall and lab. Properly handling food is important to prevent the spread of harmful pathogens and keeping food safe for others. Overall, I enjoyed my time working alongside Martha's Table and my peers to help such a significant cause.

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to volunteer at a local nursing home. This was a meaningful experience that allowed me to connect with older adults playing bingo and listening about their own experiences. I enjoyed being able to bring happiness in such a simple way. Witnessing the biological effects of aging was really eye opening. Our ability to function as our body changes over time impacts not only how we move but also how we think. The Nebraskan woman who I was paired with had dementia so every time I walked away and came back, I had to introduce myself.

On Saturday October 24, I had the pleasure of helping prepare and serve food to the community. Having the opportunity to give back to the community in a way I can relate to my biology course helped me gain a greater appreciation for the importance of nutrition our body needs considering food instability can cause health concerns. Food provides the nutrients and energy that the body needs to maintain optimal health. Working alongside my peers during this experience allowed me to work with a team of people with similar goals to help serve people in need in the community.