A Few Ways to Give Back Through USC

By Vanessa Wilkins ‘15

I love giving back to the community. It is a quality that was instilled in me by my parents at a young age, and something that I always feel the need to do no matter where I am in the world. While game days are fun, and free movie nights are clutch, some of the most meaningful experiences that I’ve had at USC involve giving back to the community.

During my time at USC I have joined three incredible organizations that bring Trojans together through community service and volunteerism.

I’d love to share a little bit about each organization with you and my personal experiences with each group.

My freshman year of college I joined Alpha Phi Omega (APO for short), a co-ed national service fraternity. Through APO, I have volunteered in a variety of service projects that have introduced me to many different aspects of the South Los Angeles community. From feeding the homeless on Skid Row to tutoring children at Jordan Downs mentoring program to volunteering at campus-sponsored service events, the opportunities to give back through APO are endless. With this group, there is truly something for everyone, and it feels great to be surrounded by a group of people who are as passionate about community service as I am.

My sophomore year of college I joined an organization called Troy Camp, which in fact is USC’s oldest and largest philanthropy. Troy Camp gives elementary, middle and high school students around the South LA area the opportunity to receive mentorship and leadership from USC students. And at the end of the school year, a select group of elementary school students get to attend a one-week overnight camp led by USC students who act as not only counselors, but also lifelong mentors for the children. It’s amazing being part of this enthusiastic group of student leaders, and I love seeing the impact that our group has on the children we work with.

The second semester of my sophomore year, I became a troop leader for the USC Girl Scouts Troop 5555 at Compton Elementary. Being a Girl Scout leader has been especially meaningful for me because as a former Girl Scout myself, I understand and appreciate the value of the scouting activities, as well as the importance of having older female role models for young girls. Bringing Girl Scouts to a school that has never had it before was incredibly rewarding, because I can see how it gives the girls something both fulfilling and fun to enjoy after school.

These three service organizations are a huge part of my college experience. Through APO, Troy Camp and the USC Girl Scouts, I have gained leadership skills, met some of my best friends, and hopefully made a difference in other’s lives. I am proud to represent the Trojan Family through these organizations, and I highly recommend looking into all three of them if you are looking for ways to give back to the community this year!