Jennifer Toro

Who was your community partner, and can you describe the project objectives?

During my placement with EDSS, I had the opportunity to contribute in both visible and behind-the-scenes ways. I supported community events by helping with coordination, setup, and ensuring that spaces felt welcoming and accessible for attendees. These events were not just logistical efforts, but intentional spaces designed to foster connection, inclusion, and support. Being part of that process allowed me to see firsthand how much care goes into creating environments where people feel seen and valued.

Alongside this, a significant portion of my work involved administrative support. I worked on organizing EDSS’s existing resources, reviewing materials for relevance and accuracy, and researching updated information to fill in gaps. I compiled everything into a structured document to support the development of their website. While this work was less visible, it was deeply important — it focused on making information more accessible for the communities EDSS serves.

What was the biggest takeaway from your CSL project?

What impacted me most during this experience was realizing how much of community work depends on effort that often goes unseen. Before this placement, I think I associated impact primarily with direct interaction — events, conversations, and visible engagement. However, through my administrative work, I came to understand that access to clear, accurate, and organized information is just as critical.

There was something meaningful about knowing that the document I was working on could make it easier for someone to find support, understand their options, or feel less alone. It made the work feel personal, even when I wasn’t directly interacting with individuals. It also made me more aware of how easily people can be excluded when information is outdated, difficult to navigate, or inaccessible.

How can you apply any newly gained knowledge and skills to your future endeavors?

Moving forward, this experience will influence how I approach both my academic path and my involvement in community work. It has strengthened my commitment to staying engaged with nonprofit and community-based organizations, even beyond structured programs like CSL. I genuinely hope to continue volunteering where I can, recognizing that even small contributions can support larger systems of care and access.

Academically, this experience has deepened my understanding of how structural barriers operate. As a student in political science and sociology, I often study systems at a macro level, but this placement reminded me that those systems are experienced in very practical ways — like whether or not someone can easily find the resources they need. It has encouraged me to think more critically about accessibility, not just in policy, but in communication and organization.

It has also shifted how I define impact. I now see value not only in direct, visible engagement but also in the quieter, foundational work that allows organizations to function effectively. I want to be more intentional about supporting both aspects.

Why should students consider being involved with CSL?

This experience also made me reflect on the role of volunteers and programs like CSL in sustaining nonprofit organizations. Much of the work I participated in, both at events and administratively, relied on volunteer support. It became clear to me that many organizations depend heavily on students and community members who are willing to give their time and energy. That realization stayed with me. It made me think more critically about how communities support one another, and how important it is to continue showing up, even in small ways.

At a personal level, this placement also reinforced my values around community and service. I’ve always been drawn to work that involves helping others, but this experience grounded that desire in a more realistic understanding of what that looks like day-to-day. It’s not always visible or immediate, and it doesn’t always feel significant in the moment, but it builds over time.