Fulfilling volunteer experiences in high school prompted Tamika Griffin to become a Madison House volunteer during her first year at the University. Four years later, Griffin and the Charlottesville community she has served have left lasting impacts on one another.
"I started volunteering as a first year because I wanted to do something other than classes and get out and about and meet people," said Griffin, who volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club throughout her time at the University.
"I enjoy seeing them happy, laughing and joking around," Griffin said of the children and teenagers in the program.
On a broader scale, volunteering has given Griffin the opportunity to serve as a sort of ambassador between the University and Charlottesville communities.
"It is one thing to live in the University bubble, it is quite another to go out and interact in the surrounding community," Griffin said. "Some of the kids in the community do get in trouble, but they're not looking to get into trouble."
In addition, the University community often makes unfair assumptions about surrounding Charlottesville citizens, Griffin continued, including the youth with whom she works.
"I speak out because I do know better," she said. "Volunteering has helped me break down the stigma between the University and Charlottesville community."
After graduation, Griffin will pursue an MSW in child welfare.
"I think I will be carrying out my volunteering in my work, and I hope to continue to volunteer outside of work and school," Griffin said. "I am making a life out of this."
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