Suffolk Reporter

Students at Stony Brook University are participating in National Volunteer Month by engaging in various community service activities. The Center for Service Learning and Community Service has highlighted numerous ways in which these students are positively impacting their communities.

The Origami Club, led by President Taha Ahmad, organizes projects like "Cranes for a Cause," where 1,000 cranes were folded for a community installation at the Charles B. Wang Center. Ahmad notes their collaboration with other organizations, stating, "We recently had a collaboration with the Kidney Crew where we were folding these tulips so that they could sell them to raise money for these dialysis kits." Ahmad, who started with the club as an origami teacher, emphasizes the importance and ease of finding service opportunities on campus.

Zoe Haffner, a sophomore and member of the Asian Student Civic Engagement Task Force (ASCET), focuses on increasing voter turnout among Asian communities. "We work with other campus organizations to spread civic engagement, help people understand what’s on their ballot, and guide them through the voting process," she explains. Haffner highlights the unique challenges faced by Asian Americans in New York, particularly outside of New York City, and the group's efforts to provide translated resources to these communities.

Ellica Sedigh, a sophomore nursing major, is involved with MTO Shahmaghsoudi Global, promoting kindness and sustainability. Sedigh shares, "What we try to do is plant a seed of hope in our community," through donations and environmental activities. Sedigh launched the MTO Sufi Association on campus, aiming to make a positive difference. She recalls leading a meditation session for neurodivergent individuals as a particularly impactful experience.

Students interested in learning more about community service opportunities can visit the Center for Service Learning and Community Service or email CommunityService@stonybrook.edu.

The contributions of these students demonstrate their commitment to community service and leadership, fostering change within and beyond the university.