This event was school-wide, and it was put on by Pay it Forward to serve the greater Columbus area. I was assigned to the Olentangy River Wetland Research Facility with mainly fellow IA students. We spent the morning painting their gazebo “Ohio State grey,” as the director called it. It was very peaceful painting and being surrounded by such beauty.
When I learned the assignments were random, I was hoping to get a volunteer position outdoors and one that was more physical volunteer work. I have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for the last two summers, and I have really enjoyed the diversity of the work I have been able to do, one of which included painting. Painting this gazebo for Community Commitment reminded me of the first house I ever worked on for Habitat for Humanity because my job then was to paint the doors and the trim.
This experience relates to international affairs because people from all over come to this facility to bird watch. Being able to restore and update this gazebo for people to experience their passion was a very meaningful endeavor.
I hope to continue volunteering throughout my college career with many organizations to make an impact as many places and with as many people as possible.