Eliza Clark
CAS’21 | International Relations
Volunteer
CCD: Tell us about your work experience. What were your responsibilities?
EC: During the month of August this summer, I volunteered at Crayons to Computers to help them sort through and inventory donations they received for their 2018 Push 4 Pencils campaign. While I was usually sorting, counting and moving the supplies on my own, I would also lead groups of volunteers and teach them how to appropriately sort the material. I assisted the Direct of Development with dropping off and picking up donation boxes, and also helped in the organization’s Teacher Free Store.
CCD: How did you get the position? What resources at BU or elsewhere did you use?
EC: I maintained a relationship with the organization after working with them over my gap semester last year, and outreached them about volunteer opportunities when I returned from my semester in London.
CCD: What was the best thing about the experience? What was the worst?
EC: The best part of my volunteering experience this summer was being able to work in the Teacher Free Store and see teachers take supplies that they would use in their classrooms after I had processed those items. I loved being able to see firsthand how grateful the teachers were for the free supplies they were going to use with their students. While there was no “bad” part of my experience, sorting and counting thousands of school supplies did get a little tedious, but it was very worth it!
CCD: What was the most memorable moment of your experience?
EC: The most memorable part of my experience occurred a few weeks ago when my boss sent me a certificate that stated that the organization collected over 85,000 school supply items which were estimated to be worth about $140,000. It was so rewarding to know that I was able to play a part in getting our donated material into the hands of teachers and into the classrooms where they would directly have a positive impact on students.
CCD: What advice would you give to another student about making the most of an internship or job experience?
EC: Don’t be afraid to ask questions! While it can be a little intimidating going up to your superiors to ask about things you are unsure of, they are always willing to help you and appreciate that you are invested in the projects they give you.
BU + Beyond 