I am currently serving as the Vice President for the 2025–2026 academic year of Alternative Spring Break Outreach (ASBO) at Stony Brook University. In the previous year, 2024–2025, I held the position of Local Trips Chair. ASBO is a student-run community service organization dedicated to fostering civic engagement, self-reflection, social activism, and lifelong learning. We organize volunteer opportunities both on and off campus, culminating in our hallmark week-long spring break service trip to communities across the United States. Our projects encompass a range of activities, including community development, environmental clean-ups, and collaborations with local organizations to make a meaningful impact.

For collaboration opportunities or inquiries, please feel free to reach out to me at

Cecilia.Ho@stonybrook.edu

I currently serve as the Treasurer for the Spoken Word Poetry Club at Stony Brook University. Now officially recognized with a university-approved budget, I manage our club finances in coordination with the President, Vice President, and Secretary. Together, we plan events, oversee spending, and strategically allocate funds to support the club’s growth and programming. I also work directly with Stony Brook's Undergraduate Student Government (USG) to apply for and secure our budget each semester.

Beyond financial management, I help develop and present content for our weekly meetings, where members share original work, provide feedback, and participate in collaborative writing exercises. I also assist in promoting the club across campus and managing our social media presence to build awareness and engagement.

One of our proudest achievements was performing at the Stony Brook University Libraries’ first poetry showcase, a testament to the creativity and talent within our community. My role has sharpened my financial, organizational, and promotional skills while allowing me to help cultivate a dynamic space for spoken word poetry.

In June 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Greece, where I immersed myself in the country's rich language and history. Through independent exploration, I navigated various cities and regions without the use of GPS, embracing the challenge of learning the local culture on my own. This experience sharpened my problem-solving skills and allowed me to develop a deeper appreciation for Greece's traditions and historical significance.

Being able to experience Greece firsthand not only broadened my perspective but also empowered me to engage more confidently with unfamiliar environments, enhancing my adaptability and global awareness.

In January 2025, I participated in an immersive experiential learning program in Florence, Italy with Florence University of the Art. Through this program, I had the opportunity to engage directly with the vibrant culture and culinary traditions of Florence. My roles included serving guests at formal and casual events, managing food and beverage stations, and adapting to diverse environments with varying levels of formality and pace.

This experience not only strengthened my ability to communicate and collaborate across language barriers but also enhanced my professionalism and confidence in interacting with guests and supervisors. Each event was a unique learning opportunity, from serving apertivo at a local restaurant to handling dietary accommodations at a formal alumni dinner.

The program's hands-on approach and direct engagement with the community gave me a deeper appreciation for the service industry and Italian culture, further inspiring my passion for building meaningful connections through my work.