Virtual Temple Volunteer - Youth Group Leader

Before Covid, I volunteered at my temple (SMVS Swaminarayan Temple in Billerica) as a Youth Group Leader. Every Saturday, I would prepare lesson plans with games and stories about our religion, culture, and traditions to teach young girls. When Covid hit, our temple had to close and everything moved online. Thankfully, I got to continue teaching my students through Zoom, and I actually got more opportunities to connect with people around the world. Instead of only teaching with the girls from my temple center, we collaborated with all of the centers around the world! I had a larger role in planning classroom sessions virtually so other youth group leaders and I got to interact with organization leaders in India too. I get to learn so much from these girls about how life is in their countries and how Covid is being dealt with there compared to here. It was hard accepting that I wouldn't be able to do global service, but being able to stick with my students throughout the pandemic was so much more than I could ask for.

This service could be connected with global goal #4, quality education. While we aren't the primary educators, we still get to teach them about Indian culture and our religion, ensuring that the kids are enlightened and educated about their home country.

Once Covid passes and hopefully, everything is back to normal, I will continue to be a teacher and mentor for these girls. Temple has been such a significant part of my life and I want to stay connected during college and beyond.

Letters of Appreciation for Healthcare workers

Twice a week in the months of January and February, I will work with other Global students to write letters showing gratitude for frontline workers. We are hoping to send support to individuals working in the healthcare field at local hospitals, nursing homes, and testing sites to boost morale and kindness within our Glocal community.