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RCS NHS Students Keep Giving Back (Part 1)
NHS Volunteers
Reynoldsburg National Honor's Society students have found creative ways to give back to their communities and volunteer during the pandemic. We asked four NHS members to tell us about their experience. Here is the first of four.

Rebekah, a senior at RHS' eSTEM Academy, and three-year NHS member leaves no stone unturned while looking for volunteer opportunities. "There are always virtual opportunities, you just have to look for them," she said. "I recently spent time making Thank You and Inspirational cards for RCS teachers, which was a safe and easy volunteer experience."

Typically, you can find Rebekah volunteering with her church, Reynoldsburg United Methodist, where she enjoys mission camps and working with children. "I love service where I can interact with the people I am helping," she said. "I especially love working with kids ,so for the last few years I've volunteered in my church's nursery."

Rebekah feels it is important to give back, especially now. "A community is the joining together of everyone, both in goal and in service," she said. "Participating in service brings a community closer together and inspires others to serve as well."

"We NHS Advisers have had lengthy discussions about the intersection of leadership and community service in the time of COVID-19, said Dr. Hanna, RHS' Summit Campus NHS Advisor. "We have wrestled with altering requirements for service hours, but at the end of the day our conclusion was this: leadership demands innovation in order to overcome barriers, obstacles, and challenges. It has been our charge to our organization that it is precisely now when they must truly lead and find or forge ways to fulfill their community service commitments despite the circumstances in which they find themselves. We have been amazed to watch NHS students rise to the occasion and do just that. They have found and created safe community service opportunities, and we are very proud of them!" 

After graduating, Rebekah plans to go to college and eventually pursue a master's in immunology. "Participating in the pathways at eSTEM as well as other opportunities in high school have helped me find my passion in biology and medically-centered fields," she explains. "Because of the great service experiences I've had, I hope I can continue to serve others in my career."

When she isn't building wheelchair ramps, helping families in need, or with her church, Rebekah is a competitive gymnast. She is also on the Robotics Team and loves to read and watch anything Sci-Fi related.

Looking for volunteer hours but not sure where to start? Rebekah offers this advice: "There are always plenty of service needs around the community. Schools, nonprofits and religious organizations are great places to look. Card making is also a great way to volunteer, especially given the current situation. Veterans, nursing homes and other groups love to receive mail. A simple card to a friend or someone in a difficult situation can make all the difference. Once you have a service mindset, you'll begin to see opportunities everywhere!"

How are you giving back to your community? Send us an email and photo to [email protected] and we'll share your story!