Laken Arone

Taking photos of dogs to update their website for adoption was a really meaningful experience. I enjoyed being able to interact with the dogs and help show their personalities through pictures, which can make a big difference in whether they get adopted. It made me realize how important presentation is, because a good photo can help a dog stand out and connect with potential adopters. This experience also helped me build patience and creativity, especially when trying to capture the dogs while they were moving or distracted. Overall, it felt rewarding knowing my work could help them find homes. One suggestion for improvement would be to have more designated spaces or props to make the photos more engaging and consistent across the website.

Writing encouraging notes and posters for students and teachers during EOG testing was a meaningful way to support the school community. It showed me how simple words of encouragement can boost confidence and reduce stress during an important time. I enjoyed being able to spread positivity and remind others that their hard work matters. This experience helped me realize the importance of support and motivation in academic environments. In the future, I would continue doing this and possibly find more creative ways to encourage students and staff during testing periods.

Donating $25 toward snacks for community school treat bags was a simple but meaningful way to give back. It showed me that even small contributions can make a positive impact, especially for students. I found it rewarding to help create something enjoyable for others. This experience encouraged me to stay involved in my community and continue giving in any way I can.

Attending “Cleaning & Adopt-a-Street” event was a really valuable experience that helped me better understand the importance of environmental responsibility and community involvement. Working with other students to pick up litter along the streets made me realize how much waste builds up in places we see every day but don’t really think about. It was honestly surprising how much of a difference we were able to make in a short amount of time just by working together. The event also gave me a stronger sense of teamwork and showed me that small actions can actually have a big impact when people come together. Overall, it made me reflect on my own habits and encouraged me to be more mindful about the environment and to stay involved in sustainability efforts in the future.

Attending the ECU Sustain “Cleaning & Adopt-a-Street” event was a really valuable experience that helped me better understand the importance of environmental responsibility and community involvement. Working with other students to pick up litter along the streets made me realize how much waste builds up in places we see every day but don’t really think about. It was honestly surprising how much of a difference we were able to make in a short amount of time just by working together. The event also gave me a stronger sense of teamwork and showed me that small actions can actually have a big impact when people come together. Overall, it made me reflect on my own habits and encouraged me to be more mindful about the environment and to stay involved in sustainability efforts in the future.

Participating in the Canine Companions event at the Humane Society of Eastern Carolina was a rewarding and heartwarming experience. Spending time with the dogs—taking them out on the trail for walks and playing with them outside—gave each of them a chance to relax, explore, and enjoy positive interaction beyond the shelter environment. Their excitement and appreciation made the experience especially meaningful, and it reminded me how important simple moments of care, exercise, and companionship are for their overall wellbeing. Overall, the event strengthened my appreciation for the shelter’s work and reinforced how fulfilling it is to support animals in need.

Spending time with the dogs at the Humane Society of Eastern Carolina and taking them out on the trail for walks was a truly rewarding experience. Each dog had its own personality, and being able to give them exercise, attention, and positive interaction felt meaningful and impactful. Walking the trail allowed them to explore, relax, and enjoy time outside of the shelter environment, which helped me see how important simple moments of care can be for their wellbeing. Overall, the experience deepened my appreciation for the work shelters do and reminded me how fulfilling it is to support animals in need.

Spending time with the dogs at the Humane Society of Eastern Carolina was a meaningful and rewarding experience. I focused on giving each dog attention, playtime, and comfort, helping them feel more relaxed and cared for. I also took new profile photos to highlight their unique personalities and improve their chances of adoption. Seeing how much the dogs responded to kindness—and knowing the photos could help them find loving homes—made the experience both impactful and heartwarming.

Volunteering at the church in New Bern was a meaningful and uplifting experience that allowed me to connect with amazing people and hear stories that truly opened my heart. Working alongside caring volunteers, I helped serve and feed 149 households for Thanksgiving, which reminded me how powerful community support can be. Listening to the families share their gratitude taught me the importance of compassion, patience, and showing up for others even in small ways. This experience strengthened my appreciation for service and helped me see the real impact that teamwork and kindness can create. My feedback is that events like this are incredibly important and should continue, as they not only support families in need but also bring people together in a way that builds hope and connection. I would gladly volunteer again because the positive energy and purpose made a lasting impression on me.