Jack Frashuer

During my time volunteering with the Good Shepard Center, I sorted groceries that were donated by local stores and individuals in the community. Most of the food that we sorted was fruits and vegetables. We unloaded the vans and weighed the items first to keep track of how much was donated. We also made sure that the food we were sorting was in good condition, and if it wasn't, we threw it out.

One thing I noticed was how effectively everyone worked together. Ms. Jan, who works at the shelter, and Brinley Haugh, the UNCW liaison, communicated clearly, divided responsibilities, and stepped in to help when needed. Some of the other volunteers who were helping out that day volunteered there often, and it was nice to work with people who knew how to do everything, and they were very helpful.

This experience is connected to my values of community support and service. I really enjoy helping out my community because it feels really rewarding. I gained a deeper understanding of the shelter’s mission to not only provide food but also create a sense of dignity and care for individuals facing hardship.

Overall, this experience has influenced how I think about leadership by showing me that effective leaders focus on coordination, adaptability, and supporting their team. In the future, I hope to apply these lessons in a business setting by contributing to organizations that prioritize both efficiency and social impact.