It has been a great experience volunteering with Success Saturday Program. It is vital to cultivate youth confidence so that they can pursue all of their aspirations and more. I hope to empower others to use their strengths to impact the world. It feels great to know that the connections I have built in Lutheran Campus Ministry have continued outside our student ministry. The leadership skills I have gained from my participation with the Lutheran Campus Ministry will serve as a stepping stone for leadership positions I acquire in the future.

The variety of subjects taught at Success Saturday gave me, an international student, a glance of the impressive breadth of knowledge of secondary education in US. To name a few I have helped with, in no particular order: Biology, Macroeconomics, Accounting, Statistics, Algebra, Geometry, Geology, American History, US Constitution and political system, Shakespeare, Hemingway… Helping with essays, regents, online assignment. Looking back, I felt as much of a tutor to them, as the students were to me. I am fortunate to call many of the students I tutored or mentored, and folks who I knew through LCM my closest friends. Among them, Sah Poe is like the cool, funny and mature brother I never had. Being both huge soccer fans and players, we used to play on campus or in the city on the weekends.  I will forever cherish the memories at LCM Syracuse.

As a person preparing for a life of ministry, I cherish the weekly spiritual nourishment that I partake at the Sunday service and the Wednesday Bible studies. Community outreach programs initiated by LCM/Office of Engagement Programs have greatly enhanced my confidence as an educator. It allows me to work with groups from low-income backgrounds around Syracuse University. I tutor newly arrived young refugees in basic math and English language skills in preparation for their entering mainstream American educational system – an experience that is more fulfilling than any other activity I have ever engaged in.

Growing up in Utica, I am blessed to have an excellent biological family, and a great Church family. So far at Syracuse, I have found a wonderful Church family at my home away from home. As a freshman, I plan to triple major in political science, economics, and policy studies. I am not entirely sure of what I want to do with my degree, but I hope to help others and serve my community in whatever field I choose. I have participated in several wonderful events, including the SU Hunger Games, which is a 24-hour fasting and community service event. This experience has shaped my outlook on helping others and serving those in the community who are in need. I am incredibly excited to experience my remaining years at SU!