I started donating blood when I was 17 years old. I started by going to the blood drive hosted by the Central California Blood Center at my high school, Edison. I would see their blood mobiles parked on campus and become curious. Thankfully, a teacher informed me that I could donate at 17, so I gave it a try and I was hooked. Instead of waiting for the Central California Blood Center to come to my campus I started to go to their facilities, donating as often as I could.
I have had the pleasure to volunteer for the Ronald McDonald House and Valley Children’s Hospital several times and each time I did, another impact on my life was made. The Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Central Valley serves the families of patients at Valley Children’s Hospital. It is a program that provides families with food and a home to stay in while their loved ones are being taken care of. Continue reading “Ronald McDonald House & Valley Children’s Hospital Carnival”
During my sophomore year of college, I had a great opportunity to volunteer with an amazing organization called Habitat for Humanity. Now most people have heard of this global community benefit organization, but at the time, I didn’t know that they had a Fresno branch. When the sign-up sheet got to me, I wrote my name down and was thrilled to take part in my first experience with this organization! Continue reading “Building the Fresno Community”
Each year, Fresno City College hosts an Asian Festival at the end of April. The Asian Festival will take place this Saturday, April 29th, from 9 AM – 5PM. This fun-filled event includes vendors, cultural dances, food, an Anime Car Show, and much more. I have been fortunate to volunteer for this event for the past five years. As a volunteer, I decorate an Indian Cultural Booth which showcases characteristics of the Punjabi culture. It is such a pleasure informing and exposing bystanders to India’s diversity. Parking and events are FREE for the public.
Fresno is well-known for its diversity and I am fortunate to spread awareness about other cultures. The traditional dances that take place also display the beauty of Asia. If you are available tomorrow, stop by and take part in Fresno City College’s exciting event!
What misconceptions do you feel people have about your culture or background? What are the benefits you envision when participating in an event, which helps you become better informed about cultural diversity?
~Ambassador Mala
How do you typically search for local volunteer opportunities? The Richter Center sponsors three one-day service events throughout the year; two occur during the fall semester, while one occurs during the spring semester. On Saturday, April 29th, from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM, the Richter Center will be hosting the annual “Spring Into Service”
event at four different locations: Restore, Sierra Foothill Conservancy, Off the Front, and the Discovery Center.
Last semester, I was fortunate to participate in the fall event “Serving Fresno Day” at the Discovery Center. This location is dedicated to exposing the community to various aspects of science. Several students and I had the capacity to complete beautification
projects, by painting walls and planting flowers throughout the center. Additionally, we had the opportunity to tour the building and learn more about various species, ecological aspects, and physical components of science. As a science major, it was even more fascinating gaining fundamental information about science so that I can better comprehend, or explain, this material to others around.
For the April 29th “Spring Into Service” event, volunteers still have the opportunity to participate and select the Discovery Center, if they are interested in garnering more scientific concepts. Take advantage of this spring 2017 semester in order to help remodel and attract more visitors to attend the wondrous Discovery Center.
How will you spend the remainder of the semester? What leftover service opportunities do you want your clubs/organizations to take part in?
~Ambassador Mala
For the past eight years, Alternative Spring Break has offered students a unique option to spend their spring break. This occurs by planning service projects where Fresno State students can volunteer four days during their spring vacation. Continue reading “Be the Change”
The winter season is wonderful due to cooler weather and amazing volunteer opportunities! One opportunity that I finally took advantage of was Zoo Boo at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. This event is held four times in the month of October and is a great way to take your children, nephews, nieces, or anyone trick or treating in a safe space. You also get to learn about various organizations in Fresno and witness the zoo animals at night. Continue reading “Zoo Boo!”
I am looking forward to this year as a Richter Center Ambassador and continuing my role on campus as a student leader. I got my start in Fresno State student leadership experiences as a member of the Fresno State Health Peer Ambassadors of Wellness (PAWs). I was fortunate to serve as a 2015-2016 Health PAW ambassador; it was very fun and unique! I met great people and made great friends in this program. Continue reading “Fresno State Health PAWs”
Fresno is a city of many qualities. It holds the essence of a small, rural community in the Central Valley; yet, its population ranks at the top of the list of big cities in California. Continue reading “Cruisin’ Down the Street”
The Richter Center Student Leaders 