Kierstyn Davis

a. This experience taught me to be more considerate when interacting with others. I realized that I cannot determine what someone may be going through just by looking at them, so the most respectful approach is to treat everyone with kindness.
b. It also changed my perspective on the role I serve within the organization. I now recognize the importance of volunteers, especially when assisting staff members in serving dinner to residents. With only one staff member working, the workload can easily become overwhelming. Volunteers help relieve pressure and ensure tasks are completed more efficiently.
c. I formed a connection with another University of Memphis student. We discussed courses within our majors, how to prepare for them, and various campus events and involvement opportunities.
d. I plan to volunteer with this organization again because I enjoyed meeting new people and building connections while helping others. The environment was welcoming and had a friendly atmosphere.
e. This service aligned with my personal values, particularly my commitment to helping others.

a. This experience allowed me to strengthen my marketing skills.
b. It also changed my perspective of the community. I volunteered at a museum that houses millions of photographs taken by Ernest Withers, the personal photographer of B.B. King, Elvis Presley, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Withers played a significant role in documenting African American history, yet I was surprised to learn that many people are unfamiliar with the Withers Collection Museum.
c. I developed a connection with the receptionist during my service. Through our conversations, we reflected on how many of the social conflicts that occurred more than fifty years ago remain present today, although they often appear in different forms.
d. My service supported the organization’s mission by helping raise awareness about the museum and the extensive historical contributions it preserves for the Memphis community.
e. This service experience aligned with my personal beliefs, as I value education and cultural awareness. Completing these volunteer hours allowed me to help others engage with and learn more about their history.

a. One skill I developed through this service experience was the ability to improvise. I personally do not celebrate Halloween, while many attendees did. Instead of saying “Happy Halloween,” I chose to say “Be safe and have a great night.” This allowed me to contribute positively to the atmosphere while remaining true to my personal beliefs.
b. Volunteering at this event helped me recognize that people are raised in different environments. I noticed this while handing out candy bags to children. Some approached me eagerly, asked politely, and expressed gratitude, while others appeared nervous, spoke quietly, and left without saying thank you. This reminded me that people complete tasks in different ways, and although we may not always agree with their approach, what matters is that interactions remain respectful and the task is completed appropriately.
c. Toward the end of the event, I spoke with a student from White Station High School, the same school I attended. We discussed our goals of becoming physicians, as well as recommended courses in high school and college to support that path. We also talked about which teachers best prepare students for college. It felt meaningful—and slightly ironic—to offer advice, considering I was in her position only a few years ago.
d. I plan to continue volunteering with this organization because every experience I have had with the Zoo has been positive. I also enjoy meeting new people and learning about their backgrounds and what motivated them to volunteer.
e. This experience taught me to remain open-minded when volunteering at different events, especially those that may not align with my personal beliefs. It reminded me to step outside my comfort zone and respect the perspectives and cultures of others. For example, although I am accustomed to people saying thank you after receiving something, I learned not to take it personally when some children did not do so.