Building Connections Beyond the Classroom: Gihesha Lokuyaddehige’s Journey as a Volunteer and Student Assistant
- Date 2024-10-24 09:10
- CategoryStory
- Hit411
For many students, the experience of pursuing higher education abroad is not just about academic achievements but also about the connections they make and the contributions they offer to the school community. For Gihesha Lokuyaddehige, an MPP student from Sri Lanka, volunteering and serving as a student assistant has been a meaningful experience that has enriched her journey beyond the classroom and even helped relieve some of her academic stress.
Gihesha recalls her first volunteer experience in the fall semester of 2023: “When I applied to the International Food Festival, I was pretty excited about being selected, and it was a great opportunity to work with students from diverse backgrounds. It allowed me to contribute to the event, bond with others, and learn from other people's cultures.”
Following her involvement in the food festival, Gihesha was selected to assist at the December 2023 Commencement Ceremony. In this role, she had the chance to welcome and guide special guests, including ambassadors and country delegations. “I felt proud to support dignitaries through this important event,” she says. “Working as part of a harmonious team allowed me to grow in communication and teamwork skills, which strengthened my connection to the school community.”
One of the most fun highlights of Gihesha’s volunteer journey at KDIS was her role in organizing the school’s talent show alongside the student affairs staff, participants, and fellow volunteers. Gihesha shares, “The enthusiasm of everyone involved created an electric atmosphere, and the friendships I made during that time are some of my fondest memories.”
Most recently, Gihesha was chosen as a student assistant for the 2024 Commencement Ceremony, an experience she describes as particularly meaningful. Helping graduating students finalize such a crucial chapter in their lives gave her a deep sense of pride and fulfillment.
Through these diverse experiences, Gihesha has found a meaningful way to contribute to the school community while also developing valuable life skills. “All these experiences helped me de-stress from my studies and gave me immense joy in helping others and getting to know people from different walks of life,” she reflects. While academics are essential, engaging in volunteer work, social events, and community service can add a deeper, more fulfilling dimension to the study-abroad experience. Just like Gihesha's journey, these activities can help students build stronger connections, feel supported, and become part of something larger, making their time abroad so much more enriching and rewarding.
2023 Fall / MDP / Nicaragua
danic.obando@gmail.com
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