Camila Avila

Back on April 18th, I volunteered at the 2026 Gratitude Ceremony. This event celebrates those Honors College 2nd year students who have successfully completed their time at the Honors College and plan to transfer to a 4 year university in order to complete their studies. For the event, I was assigned to do the check in table on the second floor for the Padrón Campus. While working the table alongside my 1st year peer, Alina Aviles, I got to see all of those figures who helped me understand that dreams are achievable and that if they could do it, I could also do it. After checking them all in, Alina and I walked ourselves to the ceremony room in which we got to see Johnny Barahona's speech—2nd year Honors student from the Padrón campus. He has been one of my inspirations since I joined the college, I always looked up to him and related to him since we are both first-gen Honduran immigrant students. All this made the event bittersweet because I was happy for the 2nd years to continue their paths and find success, but I was also sad that they were leaving. This event really showed me what success can be as long as we are up to the challenge of discovering ourselves through it. Great experience.

On September 27th, I led a group of 11 volunteers at the Hard Rock Stadium for the Fins v. Dolphins game. When the opportunity came up, I was a little nervous, not because of the task but because of the time frame in which we would work and the energy that I needed my group to have in order to succeed. As the time passed, I realized there was nothing to be nervous about, my volunteers did nothing but bring joy and life to this event. We all naturally came together and worked as one. I also got to know most of them a little better, considering that they are 1st years who are trying new things and meeting new people on their daily basis. This experience was super fun and having my volunteers reach out to me later saying that they enjoyed their day and had fun, gave me the most gratifying feeling I could've ever asked for. I felt that my duty as a leader was fulfilled.

Last Saturday, I brought together a group alongside my fellow PTK Eboard members for the International Coastal Cleanup, hosted in partnership with the District 5 Office. Together, we walked throughout Brickell City, cleaning up waste and doing our part to protect the environment we all share. Seeing so many PTK members show up, ready to work and give their time, was a genuine reminder of what our chapter stands for. It wasn't just about the trash we collected, but about the community we showed up as.

On June 17th, multiple members of the Beta Kappa Iota chapter of PTK at the Padrón Campus and I planted trees for the MLK Garden. This was a really enjoyable experience because we all worked together toward the same goal. Seeing everyone digging, planting, and helping each other made the project feel more meaningful, and it was nice knowing we were contributing something that will continue to grow on campus. Going back a few days later to water the trees reminded me that making a difference isn't just about showing up once—it's about following through and taking care of what you've started.

Attending the food distribution at St. Micheal the Archangel Church on Flagler Street with Commissioner Vicky Lopez was a meaningful experience because it allowed me and multiple members of the Beta Kappa Iota chapter to directly serve families in our community alongside my fellow PTK members and other volunteers. Seeing everyone's gratitude and working together to make sure each family received food reminded me that giving back is about showing up for others with compassion, and that even a few hours of service can make a real difference.

Participating in the NAMI Walk with the City of Miami crew on May 16th was an experience that I genuinely enjoyed. Being there with my fellow PTK members, volunteers, and so many people who were supporting mental health made the event feel welcoming and full of positive energy. It was inspiring to see individuals, families, and organizations all come together for the same purpose, and it reminded me that mental health is something that affects all of us in different ways. Walking alongside everyone and seeing the sense of community throughout the event made me realize that raising awareness doesn't always have to come from big actions.