BMCC Students Give Back on Spring Break

Spring break is an American tradition known for riotous partying and trips to sunny locales. At Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY), students do travel on spring break, and to warmer locations than New York City.

But as for riotous partying, you’re more likely to see BMCC students enthusiastically volunteering — and contributing to communities outside their own.

This year, close to 150 BMCC students participated in alternative spring break activities from April 21 through April 28.

The volunteer opportunities were organized by the Office of Student Affairs and Office of Student Activities (OSA). They were provided through programs including the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), Panther Partners, Degree Under Three, Building Outstanding Leaders of Tomorrow (BOLT) and Student Partners Lending Universal Support (PLUS).

Giving generously of their week off from classes, BMCC students visited Give Kids the World Village (GKTW) in Kissimmee, Florida and provided inspiration to children with life-threatening illnesses, who were staying at the complex cost-free with their families.

BMCC students also volunteered their time closer to home. They donated their efforts at the Sean Casey Animal Rescue in Brooklyn, served meals at the Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen and read to children through the Pajama Program in Manhattan. They even organized themselves to cheer on participants of a 5K Run/Walk and Community Day to benefit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

Video Art and Technology major Poshy Panchoo has taken part in many volunteer experiences on and off campus, and over spring break helped support participants in a 5K to benefit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

“I think when you look at the reasons why volunteering is important, it’s not only about the impact we can make in the lives of those less fortunate, but the role it can play in making us more tolerant individuals and giving towards the global community,” she says. “Life is all about giving, not gaining. Not only does giving make us feel happy, but it is also good for our health and evokes gratitude.”

Philip A. Huertas, a liberal arts major, volunteered at the Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen over spring break. “It reminded me that service to others is the highest calling that we can do for others,” he says. “Barack Obama, the 44th POTUS said ‘Do not wait for another to bring about change. Be the change that you seek’. I want to be that change agent through service and kindness to others.”

Liberal arts major Olga Krotova, who took part in several volunteer activities, said, “The experience made me aware of careers helping children, that might interest me, but the most exciting thing about volunteering was understanding the importance of unity. By helping to others you can learn more about yourself and help create a better society.”

Student volunteers inspire children at Give Kids the World Village in Florida

From Sunday, April 21 through Saturday, April 27, ten BMCC students visited Give Kids the World Village (GKTW) in Kissimmee, Florida (near Orlando), and took part in activities to inspire and boost the morale of  children with life-threatening illnesses who were visiting free with their families on the 84-acre site.

Students and staff participating in the trip to GKTW included D’Llyna Adams, Dominick Allen, Shirley Alvarez, Troy Brown (chaperone), Cherise Calloway, Dennis Cobbina, Carolina Falconi, Eddy Fleurant, Linden Isles, Farah Jean-Julien, Mariana Torres-Chapen (chaperone) and Shaina Vallejos.

On May 1, the BMCC students and staff who participated in the trip gave a presentation on their experience at 199 Chambers Street.

“This is an opportunity to give back,” said Kayla Maryles, Assistant Director of Student Activities and Civic Involvement. “A major part of my role at the college is to provide volunteer and leadership opportunities that help students learn and grow.”

“We assisted children with games, bowling and swimming,” said Eddy Fleurant, a science for health professionals major who hopes to work with children someday. “When you see a child, you want them to be happy.”

As science for health professions major Farah Jean-Julien put it, “Just seeing a kid’s expression, when they saw us there at Give Kids the World Village, and seeing how the organization has been doing so much for kids with special needs, was very moving. I want to give more time and volunteer in hospitals or elsewhere in New York City.”

Michael Hutmaker, BMCC Dean of Student Affairs, spoke to the volunteers.

“This was a chance to give back, and impact other people,” he said. “You’re not just here at BMCC to get a degree in whatever field you’re studying. It’s also about becoming a better member of society. You’ve all done that by participating in this volunteer effort. Thank you for putting in the time and energy to do this.”