Twenty-Seven Eastern Connecticut State University students are serving as student leaders at the Center for Community Engagement (CCE) this fall 2019 semester. The CCE coordinates community service programs across Willimantic.
One student leaders is Philecia Seipio '21 of Danbury, who majors in Biology and Mathematics. Seipio coordinates CCE programs for the Windham Center After School Program, Natchaug Elementary After School Program, Sweeney Elementary School After School Program and Covenant Soup Kitchen.
"Each of my programs serves a different role and focuses on a diverse population and I firmly believe that I contribute something positive to each group in the community," said Seipio. "Working at the CCE has been a blessing because I discovered my passion here. I am passionate about making a difference in the community, especially in the lives of children," said Seipio. "Any amount of time I spend at my programs is too short and I am grateful for all the experiences I have had through the CCE," said Seipio.
The CCE, composed of student leaders, volunteers and staff, is an integral part of the Willimantic community. By providing community service at several programs such as the Covenant Soup Kitchen, No Freeze Hospitality Center and Windham Middle School, students can expand their networking opportunities throughout the community while also helping others. The programs allow students to gain leadership experience, which they apply to future career endeavors.
Student leaders run their programs by recruiting volunteers, providing orientations for their volunteers, planning activities for their programs and attending each program day with their volunteers. Many student leaders have said that the experience solidified what career path they want to follow. Students also remarked on how much the CCE opened them up socially, along with expanding networking opportunities and providing them with strong leadership skills.