By: Sushania Pryce, Work and Travel Ambassador Scholar
Sushania is an international student from Jamaica who is working at Federal Jacks Restaurant and Brewpub in Kennebunkport, Maine. As an Ambassador Scholar on her third summer in Maine, Sushania volunteers, works and travels around Kennebunkport to experience American culture. In 2012, Sushania won a Greenheart Club grant after volunteering 25 hours.
Despite having a hectic work schedule, I am still able to find at least two hours every Wednesday to volunteer at the Louis T. Graves Memorial Library in Kennebunkport, Maine. Volunteerism means so much more to me than just entering in hours. It has literally become a part of my being. I always try to seize every available opportunity to become more involved in my host community.
The Louis T. Graves Memorial Library
Restocking shelves at the library.
With every passing week, there comes a different experience while at the library. Not only do I feel welcomed and at home, but I also enjoy corresponding with the many locals as I check in and out their books or assist them with the computer. What I love most about volunteering at the library is the opportunity to speak about my home country and engage in cultural exchange with everyone I may encounter. Many seem to be thrilled and intrigued by my culture, and by the end of a conversation they all plan to take a trip to Jamaica.
I have also managed to do some volunteering with my manager from Federal Jacks Restaurant. I assisted her in providing sandwiches and of course beer for the Kennebunk Free Library Annual 5K Run/Walk Road Race. It was my second time volunteering with her and I enjoyed it very much. This is just one of the ways in which Federal Jacks is able to give back to its community and I am happy was able to assist in that endeavor.
Making sandwiches at the Kennebunk Free Library Road Race
Peta, my manager Meredith from Federal Jacks and I at the Kennebunk Free Library Road Race
Volunteering in the U.S.A is not just about me having the opportunity to enter hours into the Greenheart Club, but also for me to learn more about my host community and participate in a cultural exchange with the residents of my host community. I enjoy learning about American culture, just as they are interested to learn about Jamaican culture. It also helps me to be a more well-rounded individual and strengthens my social skills. In addition it motivates me to do more volunteering in my home country.
Two of my favorite people, Judi and Lisann from the Louis T. Graves Memorial Library.
