Eurasian undergradatue students studying in the US through the GLOBAL UGRAD [16] program have been active both in and outside the classroom. Below are some examples of their volunteering experiences in their host communities.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Diana Muradova and Vahan Huroyan of Armenia, two Global UGRAD fellows at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, recently began volunteering at Habitat for Humanity. Through their work at a Minneapolis resale store, they collect items from people’s homes to resell at a very low price to people in need. Diana said that the experience really changed her perception of America. She had always felt like America and the American people were exactly like what she’d always seen in movies (rich, a lot of mass consumption and over consumption). Habitat for Humanity showed her that there really are people in need in this country and her work can actually help them. She felt it was an incredibly rewarding experience and was very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with the program.
Jefferson City, Missouri
Evdokia Romanova brought her love of theatre from Russia to Lincoln University of Missouri through organizing an on-campus production of the play “Lullaby.” Over 50 students and community members attended the play which focused on HIV/AIDS education and prevention. Evdokia collaborated with a group of American students as well as with Uzbek Global UGRAD fellow Nargiza Ibotova, Turkmen fellow Olga Rejep, Tajik fellow Khosiyat Amidkhanova, and Russian fellow Olga Rudakova to prepare for the production. Repeat performances of Lullaby are planned for November, both on-campus as well as in the community at the Jefferson City Public Library.
Springfield, Missouri
Turkmen fellow Ayna Annageldieva, hosted at Missouri State University, participated in an event to promote healthy lifestyles in her Springfield, Missouri community. Volunteering at the Hand in Hand Health fair, an annual event providing low-income families an opportunity to learn more about healthy lifestyles and about community resources such as public transportation, medical center, and support groups, Ayna helped with a variety of activities such as registration, working with children, and serving as a guide. Ayna reflected, “Participating in this event gave me a better understanding and recognition of the needs and problems that many people in the community face. Talking to the community members gives me a better understanding of the situation they are in and what I can do to help them. These activities mean a lot and I’m willing to continue volunteering and maybe can influence one person’s day, week, or month in a positive way.”
Utica, New York
Nina Zholnach from Russia who studies at Utica College started volunteering with the Young Scholars Liberty Partnerships Program. The program is a collaborative project between Utica College and the Utica City School District, and designed to meet the challenge of motivating teenage students to stay in school and pursue post-secondary education. Nina is participating in the program by volunteering at 3 different inner city schools to tutor youth in math and science.
Lindsborg, Kansas
Fellows Katsiaryna Zhauryd (Belarus), Oybek Aitbaev (Uzbekistan), Artem Alsufyev (Russia), Shuhratjon Ashurov (Tajikistan), Gulchekhra Khalmetova (Kazakhstan), Elena Kostyukhina (Russia), Anna Lisnic (Moldova), and Anastasiya Xegay (Uzbekistan) at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas recently participated in a community service project at the Smokey Hill Museum Street Fair. Partnering with children in the community to develop the Arts & Crafts corner of the fair, together their interactive Corner offered visitors a hands-on opportunity to learn about and create arts.