Amari Cody

I volunteered as a student in the Honors College to serve alongside the International Rescue Committee to combat against the refugee crisis by activities including resettlement, apartment set-ups, childcare assistance, adult ESL class assistance, donation and mail sorting, hygiene kit creation, immigrant document scanning, pollinator garden restoration at two community elementary schools, and resource development. I hold my volunteer experience with the IRC very close to my heart; it was very valuable and meaningful in every aspect of life. Just to be doing such important work personally ignited a fire in me. As a psychology alumna and soon-to-be MSW graduate, I was taught to live and lead with honesty, integrity, compassion, and many other skills significant to being in a helping profession. When volunteering with the IRC, I had to use all of the skills learned in my honors psychology degree and child advocacy minor to adequately work with the children and work through language barriers as well. This experience made me want to volunteer/work with more agencies serving refugee populations in order to help. After learning how horrible the refugee help services in America are as far as timely help, I was prompted to figure out what I can do. After talking with one of the immigration lawyers at the IRC and working a day in immigration document scanning and mailing, I decided to research other volunteer and work opportunities with the IRC, Welcome Co-Op, etc. as well as research the background of a refugee/immigration social worker. I believe this Alternative Spring Break experience was one of the most, if not the most, meaningful experiences I’ve had at KSU. It was actually hilarious because I was invited to go to Rwanda a week after the Spring Break Experience, so I was able to use my educational background and volunteer experience to aid me while I traveled to Rwanda in May 2024 and during my Master of Social Work at KSU.

I had the chance to make 6 holiday cards for the bereaved and seniors. I made 3 cards for Thanksgiving and 3 cards for Christmas. This was a great experience, and I am so happy to have been able to be a part of making something cheerful during the holiday season!

Amari Cody  7 months ago As a part of the National Council on Negro Women, I had the chance to make 6 holiday cards for the bereaved and seniors. I made 3 cards for Thanksgiving and 3 cards for Christmas. This was a great experience, and I am so happy to have been able to be a part of making something cheerful during the holiday season!

The Books for Africa service event was great! I was able to connect with and meet new people as well as fellow students of KSU! I love books and helping people, so this was a great way to serve!