Yelena Ovcharenko
Assistant Editor
A slight breeze blew as University of La Verne senior Wanda Groppi watched the arrows pierce the target at the YMCA campsite. A sense of delight and confidence was reflected with a smile on Groppi’s face; she had made a difference in the lives of others.
Groppi spent 10 weeks of her summer volunteering as a camp counselor for the Summer Service at the University of La Verne Program.
Volunteer projects such as Summer Service, Global Volunteers, the Council on International Educational Exchange, the Mennonite Central Committee and Brethren Volunteer Services give students the opportunity to experience another culture and improve the living conditions for others in a foreign country.
“It taught me how to rely on myself,” Groppi said recalling her experience.
Unlike most volunteer programs the Summer Service is geared towards ULV students and provides scholarships for its participants.
“It’s part of getting you out of Covina, or wherever you live, and getting you out of your comfort zone,” said Phil Hofer, the University director of the International and Study Abroad Center.
The University has had a close partnership with Brethren Volunteer Service and has had several students volunteer in different parts of the world through the program.
Students taught English and rebuilt orphanages and villages in countries like Germany, Japan, Russia and Africa.
Global Volunteers, a non-profit organization, offers one-to-three week volunteer service programs that immerse students in another culture while they help to improve the lives of others.
The next series of programs run by Global Volunteers and targeted towards college students are during spring break and the summer.
This organization is not working in conjunction with the University of La Verne but hopes that students will show their interest.
“It’s just another option and a way for students to spend their spring break or summer,” said Barb DeGroot, Global Volunteers spokeswoman.
Unfortunately these exciting trips do not substitute for Core 310, but students are urged to work out a curriculum with their teachers to meet the requirements and integrate their experiences into the class.
“It’s a good service experience and a way to experience another culture,” DeGroot said.
“I think it would be a great opportunity for students to help in other countries if they can afford it,” Groppi said.
Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to call Phil Hofer at (909) 593-3511 Ext. 4330.
Yelena Ovcharenko can be reached at yovcharenko@ulv.edu.
