Rachel Ninson

Volunteering at the GSU Recycling Center was honestly not what I expected. I thought we’d just be doing basic recycling tasks, like sorting paper or plastic, but by the end of the day, I walked away with a whole new understanding of what sustainability and service really mean.

What stood out to me right away was how passionate the staff were, especially Jennifer, our tour guide. She, along with two other staff members, showed us how recycling at Georgia State is not just about waste management. It’s an entire system that actually generates enough money to keep itself running. I had never really thought about recycling being profitable, but even more surprising was what they do with that profit. They’re not just keeping the program going, they’re using the money to build homes for people experiencing homelessness. When I learned they’re currently working on their sixth house, I was honestly surprised. I didn’t expect something like recycling to be directly tied to helping people in that way. That connection between sustainability and giving back hit me on a personal level. It made me realize how even behind-the-scenes work like this can lead to real change in people’s lives.