Every Monday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, seniors Shaina, Vik, Dylan, and around seven other MAMS students head over to volunteer at the Worcester Refugee Assistance Project (WRAP). WRAP’s mission statement is to provide mentoring, advocacy, and educational assistance, which can range from soccer programs to driving lessons to math homework help. While MAMS students obtain community service hours for their work, Shaina explained that volunteering at WRAP goes far beyond fulfilling a graduation requirement: it’s an opportunity to share your passion for STEM, inspire younger kids, and learn from them.

Shaina began volunteering at WRAP in the summer of 2023 and found a passion for spending time with and teaching the Worcester youth. Shaina described one particularly memorable lesson: “I may be biased because I’m planning on majoring in Biology, but one of my favorite lessons was when the kids got to make their own slides and look at their hair follicles under the microscope”. She explained that many of the younger students had little to no experience with microscopes, and it was very enjoyable teaching them, sparking their interest in a new subject, and even reinforcing her own understanding of the material.

This year, Shaina, Vik, and Dylan have been able to expand the types and scopes of activities due to additional funding from grants. This allowed for the purchase of new science kits for the students. Shaina also noted an increase in the number of volunteers, with six to eight MAMS students consistently volunteering weekly alongside her, Vik, and Dylan.

Shaina, Vik, and Dylan highly encourage current juniors to consider volunteering at WRAP next year. In addition to deepening her understanding of STEM content, Shaina also described that her patience, public speaking, and ability to explain concepts in simple terms—all skills applicable to any field—have vastly improved.

Volunteering at WRAP has several advantages, but the best part? Interacting with the younger students! Shaina described one memory of being approached by two students needing help with their multiplication homework. Shaina reflected on the experience and described how she “had so much fun teaching them multiplication” and was deeply inspired by their raw, genuine curiosity.

Volunteering at WRAP has provided Shaina, Vik, and Dylan with the opportunity to spread their love of STEM while building a space that encourages curiosity and fosters learning.

To learn more about volunteering at WRAP contact Shaina Premraj, Vik Kanagavel Chithra, or Dylan Whiting or visit https://www.worcesterrefugees.org/.