The Alumni Spotlight highlights the achievements and stories of ISV alumni and Student Representatives. This weekly feature showcases these participants and their life-changing experience from around the world. ISV knows that volunteers make a difference, and is pleased to recognize the achievements of these outstanding university students!
Sydney and her group on project in Australia
This week's Alumni Spotlight is on:
Sydney Gillam
California State University, Chico
Australia 2011
Describe your Volunteer Project:
My volunteer group was the first to travel to the Malee Research Station. The goal was to help create a wildlife corridor between the two national parks in the area. We picked up piles and piles of rubbish, dug and lined a new wildlife pond and surveyed the area to see what was on the research station from its last use. We found rubbish piles, termite experiences and learned the different flora and fauna.
What was the funniest story of your ISV Program?
Our group was very well functioning. The entire group was good at having fun and making fools of ourselves. The best part was when we would goof around like when we painted stripes on each other and took group photos (including a rather well formed pyramid).
"I had the best time with ISV because everyone was kind and we were there to help make a difference." -Sydney
What was the most memorable moment of your ISV Program?
We were coming in from a hard day of chopping down cactus and half of us were fighting for the showers. We walked outside to meet the bus and a HUGE male kangaroo was just standing in the middle of the road. We spent the next hour and a half chasing him through the bush!
What things do you now practice as a result of your ISV experience?
I definitely make sure I recycle as much as I can. I pick litter up off the roadside when I walk my dogs, and I take 5 minute showers. The last one I do just for our volunteer leader Darryl. He was very big on conserving water.
If you are an ISV Alum and would like to be featured in an upcoming Spotlight email gro.sreetnulovsinull@sper for more info.
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